Meatball Stew
Hearty and comforting, this meatball stew combines juicy meatballs with a rich tomato broth, tender carrots, and savory potatoes. Ideal for chilly evenings, it’s a delightful dish for families and gatherings, offering a perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 c. cornflakes cereal ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can beef broth ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 2 c. frozen sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 can whole white potatoes
- dried parsley flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cornflakes, egg, salt, pepper, and ground beef. Mix well and form into meatballs.
- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides.
- In a large pot, combine beef broth, tomato soup, water, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
- Add meatballs, carrots, onion, and potatoes to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with dried parsley flakes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef and use whole grain cereal instead of cornflakes. If you don't have thyme, Italian seasoning works well too. Make sure to brown the meatballs thoroughly for added flavor. You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or peas, to enhance the dish. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the broth.
Serving Suggestions
This meatball stew is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread. You can also serve it over cooked rice or noodles for a more filling meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor. Consider pairing with a glass of red wine for a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a pot over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain moisture. You can also microwave in a covered dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball Stew contains roughly 613 calories, with 11g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (102% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 772mg per serving (34% 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 meatball stew?
Yes, this stew freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or microwave until hot.
What can I use instead of cornflakes?
If you don't have cornflakes, breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used as a binder for the meatballs. You can also try using rolled oats for a different texture. Just ensure they are finely crushed so the meat mixture holds together well.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider mixing in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the stew. You could also sauté minced garlic or jalapeños with the onions for an extra kick. Adjust the seasoning to your taste for the perfect level of spiciness.
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).