Calico Meatball Stew
A hearty and flavorful meatball stew combining tender meatballs, savory gravy, and fresh vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb sausage ⓘ
- 1 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 2 cans (10 1/4 oz) beef gravy ⓘ
- 1 can (14 1/2 oz) stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups potatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, sausage, bread crumbs, oregano, and egg in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into 24 meatballs.
- In a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the meatballs.
- Spoon off excess fat from the pan.
- Add beef gravy, stewed tomatoes, cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, bay leaf, and pepper to the pot.
- Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Stir in the thawed peas.
- Cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some grated Parmesan cheese with the meatball mixture. If you're out of bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oatmeal can serve as substitutes. Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as using green beans instead of peas or adding bell peppers for extra color. This stew can also be made ahead of time for a convenient meal prep option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Calico Meatball Stew with warm crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables can be great sides to balance the richness of the stew. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with the Cornbread Skillet Meal for a complete dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Calico Meatball Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Meatball Stew contains roughly 1717 calories, with 31g protein, 213g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (240% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (182% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (116% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1996mg per serving (87% 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 ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a lighter alternative to beef and sausage. Just be mindful that turkey can be drier, so adding a bit more oil or some broth can help maintain moisture in the meatballs.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add heat, incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the stew. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to control the spice level.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, brown the meatballs first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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).