Three Pepper Meatball Stew
A vibrant stew combining seasoned meatballs, colorful peppers, pineapple juice, and a tangy glaze, perfect for hearty, sweet, and savory flavor lovers. Ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 4 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2/3 c. rice ⓘ
- 5 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 large red pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 large yellow pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 12 oz. pineapple juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the rice and water in a Dutch oven or soup pot; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender, 13 to 14 minutes.
- Add meatballs to the rice and water in the pot.
- Stir in the sugar, cider vinegar, peppers, and pineapple juice; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and soy sauce; mix well.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the meatball stew.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and boils.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats, such as pork or turkey, in place of all beef. You can also substitute brown rice for white rice for a nuttier taste and more fiber. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the stew. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a filling meal. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the sweetness of the stew. For a complete dinner, serve it alongside Western Skillet Noodles for a comforting and delicious combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture and heat evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Pepper Meatball Stew contains roughly 911 calories, with 17g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (162% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2106mg per serving (92% 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 the meatball stew?
Yes, this stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What can I use instead of pineapple juice?
If you don't have pineapple juice, you can substitute it with orange juice or a mix of apple cider and a bit of vinegar for a similar sweet and tangy flavor. Adjust the sugar accordingly to maintain the desired sweetness in the stew.
How do I make the meatballs more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of the meatballs, consider adding minced garlic, Italian herbs, or grated Parmesan cheese to the beef mixture. You can also use breadcrumbs soaked in milk instead of rice for a different texture and taste.
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).