Oven Meatball Stew
Oven Meatball Stew offers hearty, flavorful meatballs in a rich tomato-based sauce with vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix hamburger, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, cornmeal, salt, dry mustard, chili powder, milk, and beaten egg; shape into meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in hot oil.
- Place browned meatballs in a casserole dish.
- Add 1 tablespoon of flour to the oil and stir; then add tomato juice and cook until slightly thickened.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs.
- Place diced potatoes and carrots on top of the meatballs and sauce.
- Salt to taste.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, let the meatball mixture rest for about 15 minutes before shaping. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option, and use breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal if preferred. If you want extra flavor, consider adding Italian herbs or garlic powder to the meatball mixture. Diced bell peppers can be swapped for chopped mushrooms for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatball stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent sides. This hearty dish pairs beautifully with Cheesy Ham And Broccoli Casserole for a comforting dinner spread. Don't forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it, covering the container to retain moisture, and heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Meatball Stew contains roughly 759 calories, with 16g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (165% of the Daily Value), potassium (57% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1153mg per serving (50% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. This will enhance the flavors and make dinner time easier.
What can I use instead of tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce mixed with a bit of water to achieve a similar consistency. For a different flavor, consider using vegetable or chicken broth as a base.
Can I freeze the stew?
Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
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).