Meatball Oven Stew
Hearty oven-baked meatball stew features flavorful meatballs simmered in tomato juice with tender vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine hamburger, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, cornmeal, salt, dry mustard, chili powder, milk, and beaten egg. Mix thoroughly.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Sprinkle the meatballs with flour and brown them in hot fat.
- Place browned meatballs in a 4-quart casserole dish.
- In the skillet with fat, add tomato juice and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the meatballs in the casserole.
- Arrange quartered potatoes, halved carrots, and small onions around the meatballs.
- Sprinkle the vegetables with salt, cover tightly, and bake in a 350°F oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger for a lighter option. If you don’t have cornmeal, breadcrumbs can work as a substitute. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the flavor. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can use a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the tomato sauce before pouring it over the meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Meatball Oven Stew with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Pork Chops With Sweet Potatoes for a hearty dinner. You can also drizzle some olive oil over the vegetables before serving for added flavor. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can enhance the dish even further.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Meatball Oven Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or warm it gently on the stove over low heat. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball Oven Stew contains roughly 818 calories, with 21g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (100% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1976mg per serving (86% 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 the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just brown and assemble everything before baking when you're ready to serve. This can save time, especially for busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes can be used instead. You can add water or broth to achieve the desired consistency. This will add a nice depth of flavor to the stew.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even green beans based on your preference. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. This recipe is versatile and can accommodate various veggies.
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).