Mom'S Meat Ball Stew
A hearty meatball stew featuring flavorful homemade meatballs, tender vegetables, and a rich tomato broth, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make meatballs by mixing ground beef, 2 tablespoons chopped onions, green peppers, cornmeal, salt, chili powder, dry mustard, milk, and egg until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into balls and coat them with about 4 tablespoons of flour.
- Brown the meatballs in vegetable oil in a large skillet until evenly browned.
- Add the browned meatballs to a pot with peeled and quartered potatoes, halved carrots, and tomato juice.
- Simmer the stew until vegetables are tender and flavors meld, about 45-60 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture. If you're out of green peppers, diced bell peppers or even jalapeños can work as great substitutes. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of regular flour to coat the meatballs. Don't skip browning the meatballs, as this enhances the stew's flavor significantly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatball stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Grandma'S Texas Bean Bake for a comforting feast. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe container, stirring every minute until hot. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Meat Ball Stew contains roughly 1146 calories, with 15g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (160% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (110% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1998mg 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 use ground turkey instead of beef for the meatballs?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will give you a leaner option while still providing delicious flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as turkey may cook faster than beef.
What should I do if my stew is too thick?
If your stew turns out too thick, simply add a bit of broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for a few more minutes to ensure the flavors meld together. Remember, you can always add more liquid, but it's hard to thicken once it's too thin.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Absolutely! You can mix the meatball ingredients and form the balls a day ahead. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This saves time on busy days and allows the flavors to meld even more. Just remember to adjust cooking time as needed.
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).