Skillet Meatball Stew
A hearty skillet meatball stew featuring tender meatballs, potatoes, carrots, and celery in a savory broth, perfect for comforting family dinners and wholesome gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons flour ⓘ
- 1 pound small potatoes, quartered ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, pared and cut into strips ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 3 green onions, cut into 6-inch strips ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, beaten egg, 1 teaspoon of beef bouillon granules, 1/4 teaspoon of thyme, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
- In a large skillet, brown the meatballs in vegetable oil; remove from skillet and set aside.
- Stir flour into the drippings in the skillet until smooth, then cook and stir until browned.
- Add water, remaining bouillon granules, and 1/4 teaspoon of thyme to the skillet and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Add the cooked meatballs, quartered potatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 35 minutes.
- Add chopped green onions and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For better flavor, consider adding minced garlic or diced bell peppers to the meatball mixture. If you don’t have fresh bread crumbs, you can use dried ones or crushed crackers as a substitute. To enhance the stew, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a richer taste. If you're looking for a twist, try incorporating some Italian seasoning alongside the thyme.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the skillet meatball stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. A simple green salad pairs nicely to balance the rich flavors of the stew. For a complete comfort food experience, consider preparing it alongside other comforting dishes like Easy Beef Cabbage Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Meatball Stew contains roughly 1409 calories, with 31g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (243% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (191% of the Daily Value), and iron (150% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1002mg per serving (44% 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 actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Simply prepare it according to the instructions, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with plant-based meat alternatives or a mix of lentils and mushrooms for a hearty texture.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To add a bit of heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a touch of hot sauce into the stew. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of pepper or omit it entirely. Adjusting the seasoning to your preference will ensure everyone enjoys the dish.
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).