Easy One-Pot Meatball Stew

This Easy One-Pot Meatball Stew is a hearty comfort food recipe made with juicy homemade meatballs, tender potatoes, carrots, peas, and a rich tomato-based broth. Everything cooks together in one pot, making it an easy family dinner that’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for chilly evenings.

Easy One-Pot Meatball Stew

Make this Easy One-Pot Meatball Stew with homemade meatballs, potatoes, carrots, peas, and rich tomato broth. A comforting family dinner in one pot.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Calories: 510

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Meatballs
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Stew
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 carrots chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 4 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For Garnish
• Fresh parsley chopped

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Roll into 1½-inch meatballs.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
5. Brown the meatballs for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally. They do not need to be fully cooked. Transfer them to a plate.
6. In the same pot, cook the onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened.
7. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
8. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
9. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes.
10. Add the potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf.
11. Bring the stew to a gentle boil.
12. Return the browned meatballs to the pot.
13. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the meatballs are fully cooked.
14. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
15. Remove the bay leaf.
16. Taste and season with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
17. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Browning the meatballs adds extra flavor.
• Mix the meatball ingredients gently to keep them tender.
• Cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Stir carefully to avoid breaking the meatballs.
• Add the peas near the end to keep their bright color.

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Add mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Stir in fresh spinach before serving.
• Replace potatoes with sweet potatoes.
• Add green beans or corn for more vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty bread
• Garlic bread
• Dinner rolls
• Simple green salad
• Buttered biscuits
• Steamed vegetables

Tips

• Make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day.
• Freeze the stew for up to 3 months.
• Add extra broth when reheating if needed.
• Fresh parsley brightens the finished dish.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings

Serves: 6

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 510
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 28g
• Sodium: 760mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes. Frozen fully cooked meatballs work well in this recipe. Simply add them directly to the simmering stew and cook until heated through.

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavors develop even more after sitting overnight, making it an excellent meal prep recipe.

What potatoes are best for stew?

Yukon Gold and red potatoes hold their shape well, while Russet potatoes create a slightly thicker broth as they soften.

Can I freeze One-Pot Meatball Stew?

Yes. Let the stew cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How can I make the stew thicker?

Simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes, or mash a few of the cooked potatoes into the broth for a naturally thicker consistency.

What can I serve with Meatball Stew?

Serve it with crusty bread, garlic bread, biscuits, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Easy One-Pot Meatball Stew is a warm, hearty dinner loaded with tender homemade meatballs, vegetables, and a rich savory broth. It’s an easy family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy weekends.