Meatball Stew

Nothing tastes good on a cold day like Meatball Stew. This is the perfect comfort food and can be made in batches and frozen for when you need that grab and go dinner during the winter. There are many different ways you can make Meatball Stew but I am sure you are going to love my recipe. It is yummy and hits the spot every time. Enjoy!

Meatball Stew

Serves 6-8

Meatball Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup crushed crackers (or dry bread crumbs)
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sauce Ingredients

• ¼ cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1-½ cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Italian Style Stewed Tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• ½ cup sliced celery
• 2 cups cooked pasta

Directions

1. Add eggs, bread crumbs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper to a bowl and mix well. Add ground beef and mix (it works best if you use your hands) to evenly distribute. Shape into 1″ balls using a portion scoop.
2. Place meatballs in a dutch oven with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Heat over medium heat and brown meatballs. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same dutch oven, add onion and garlic. Stir in flour and add broth. Bring to a boil and stir until thickened. Boil for about 2 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, salt, carrots and celery. Mix well. Stir in meatballs and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are done.
6. Add pasta and stir well until heated through. Remove bay leaf before serving.