Easy Meatball Stew
Hearty meatball stew with tender vegetables and savory gravy, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings, featuring flavorful homemade meatballs and rich broth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chuck chop meat ⓘ
- 3 slices white bread, soaked in water and squeezed of excess
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 pkg. brown gravy mix or 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can brown gravy ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 5 to 6 potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 (4 oz.) small can green peas (reserve juice) ⓘ
- Italian parsley, chopped
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the chuck chop meat with soaked and squeezed bread, eggs, salt, and pepper to form meatballs.
- In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, potatoes, and green peas (with juice) to the pot.
- Prepare the gravy mix according to package instructions or heat the canned gravy.
- Pour the gravy over the meatballs and vegetables in the pot.
- Simmer the stew uncovered for about 30-40 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Garnish with chopped Italian parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter meatball stew, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of chuck meat. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or green beans for additional flavor and nutrition. If you prefer homemade gravy, whisk together beef broth, flour, and seasonings instead of using a packet. This dish is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty meatball stew with crusty bread for dipping or a side of Buttered Cabbage for a comforting meal. A fresh salad can also complement the rich flavors. For a delightful dessert, consider pairing with Mini Marble Pound Cake to round out your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Meatball Stew contains roughly 1265 calories, with 22g protein, 198g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (238% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), and potassium (82% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1295mg per serving (56% 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 freeze the meatball stew?
Yes, this meatball stew freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove until heated through.
What can I use instead of brown gravy mix?
If you don't have brown gravy mix, you can make a homemade version using beef broth, cornstarch, and seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder. Simply whisk together and simmer until thickened, then pour it over the meatballs and vegetables.
How do I ensure my meatballs stay moist?
To keep your meatballs moist, be careful not to overmix the meat when combining with other ingredients. The soaked bread helps retain moisture, so make sure it’s well combined but not overly compacted. Cooking them gently in the gravy also helps maintain their juiciness.
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).