Meat Ball Stew
Meat Ball Stew offers hearty, comforting flavors with tender meatballs, creamy mushroom sauce, and wholesome vegetables. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this dish combines rich, savory tastes with a satisfying texture, making it an ideal choice for those craving a warm, filling meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the onion finely.
- Combine ground meat, chopped onion, and cooked rice in a large bowl.
- Form the mixture into medium-sized meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- While meatballs are baking, peel and chop potatoes and carrots.
- In a large pot, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk, then add potatoes and carrots.
- Simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Add baked meatballs to the stew and cook for additional 10 minutes to blend flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating garlic or herbs like thyme and rosemary into the meatball mixture. If you're looking for a healthier option, lean ground turkey can be used instead of beef. You can also swap the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade version or a different soup like cream of chicken to change the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty meatball stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. It also makes a great filling for baked potatoes or can be enjoyed alongside rice for a more substantial dish. For dessert, consider serving Grandma's Ginger Cookies to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the stew cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the stew in individual portions for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Ball Stew contains roughly 2064 calories, with 87g protein, 344g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (178% of the Daily Value), protein (175% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (151% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2190mg per serving (95% 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 vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh potatoes and carrots for convenience. Just adjust the cooking time as frozen vegetables may cook faster. Add them to the pot towards the end of the simmering time to ensure they don't become mushy.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this stew in a slow cooker, form the meatballs and brown them in a skillet first. Then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I serve with the meatball stew?
This stew is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with warm crusty bread, a simple green salad, or over a bed of rice. For a comforting touch, consider pairing it with a side of garlic bread or buttery cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce.
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).