Bob Forman Italian Meatball Stew(Crock-Pot)
A hearty Italian-inspired meatball stew featuring seasoned beef meatballs, vegetables, and rich tomato broth, perfect for satisfying family dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fine bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 carrots, cut in 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 2 cups beef bouillon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen Italian-style vegetables, partially thawed ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef with bread crumbs, beaten eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into 2-inch meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in the crock-pot.
- Add carrots, chopped onion, tomato paste, crushed garlic, beef bouillon, oregano, seasoned salt, and basil.
- Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Add the partially thawed Italian-style vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or pasta if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef and whole wheat bread crumbs. If you don't have Parmesan, any hard cheese can work as a substitute. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the stew a nice kick. For a different flavor, try incorporating some Italian herbs from your pantry. This dish is similar to classic Italian recipes, so feel free to get creative with your favorite ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth or over pasta for a more filling meal. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side can complement the richness of the stew. For an Italian twist, consider serving it alongside Aunt Rita's Meatballs for a delightful family feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bob Forman Italian Meatball Stew(Crock-Pot) contains roughly 922 calories, with 38g protein, 170g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (269% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (244% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1562mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs for convenience. Just add them directly to the crock-pot, but adjust the cooking time as needed, typically increasing it by about an hour to ensure they are heated through.
What can I substitute for beef bouillon?
If you don’t have beef bouillon, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly, but it will still result in a delicious stew.
Can I add more vegetables to this stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or even potatoes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is tender and cooked through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).