Meatball-Mushroom-Broccoli Stew
A hearty meatball and vegetable stew featuring savory beef, tender broccoli, and flavorful mushrooms, perfect for comforting family dinners and satisfying appetites.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb. mushrooms, sliced or 4 oz. can, drained ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cold water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 c. broken spaghetti ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
- 2 c. beef broth or 2 beef bouillon cubes, dissolved in 2 c. boiling water ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 3 c. broccoli florets and stems, cut in 2-inch pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large frypan, sauté mushrooms in butter until golden.
- Add beef broth to the pan and bring to a boil.
- Combine ground beef, cold water, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Shape the beef mixture into walnut-sized meatballs.
- Drop the meatballs into the simmering broth and mushrooms.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add broken spaghetti and broccoli florets to the stew.
- Cook until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender, about 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. You can also substitute the mushrooms with zucchini or bell peppers for a different flavor profile. If you prefer whole grain, use whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular. Adjust the salt according to your taste and consider adding herbs like thyme or oregano for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad to balance the richness. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Smothered Beef Tips or a light dessert to finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency. Avoid microwaving as it may alter the texture of the vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball-Mushroom-Broccoli Stew contains roughly 407 calories, with 29g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (57% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2008mg 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 make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, this stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors develop even more after a day. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
What can I use if I don't have beef broth?
If you don't have beef broth, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as a substitute. Alternatively, dissolve beef bouillon cubes in hot water to create a quick broth substitute.
Can I freeze the meatball stew?
Yes, you can freeze the meatball stew. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).