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Cozy Crockpot Meatball Stew Recipe Perfect for Busy Nights

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A hearty and comforting crockpot meatball stew packed with tender meatballs, soft potatoes, and flavorful vegetables. Perfect for busy nights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the mixture.
  2. Using a small scoop or spoon, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a plate or tray while you prepare the stew.
  3. Pour the beef broth into the crockpot, followed by the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the potatoes, carrots, and celery to the crockpot. Gently place the meatballs on top of the vegetables, ensuring they’re evenly spaced.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs should be tender, and the vegetables should be soft but not mushy.
  6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. They’ll retain their vibrant color and texture.
  7. Remove the bay leaf and give the stew a taste. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy it while it’s warm.

Notes

[‘Don’t overmix the meatballs to keep them tender.’, ‘Layer vegetables first, then meatballs to ensure even cooking.’, ‘Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for enhanced flavor.’, ‘Avoid opening the crockpot lid frequently to maintain cooking temperature.’, ‘Mash some potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the stew.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, meatball stew, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipe, hearty meal, slow cooker, winter recipe