Hearty Italian Meatball Stew
This Delicious Hearty Meatball Stew is made with the perfect meatballs in a rich tomato sauce filled with potatoes, carrots & spices. So good!
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 760kcal
Ingredients
FOR THE MEATBALLS
- ¼-½ cup milk (62-122 grams)
- 2-3 slices bread (crust removed)
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean) (1/2 kilo)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (50 grams)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
FOR THE STEW MIXTURE
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 shallot or small onion chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 medium potatoes (cubed medium/large)
- 2 medium carrots (chopped)
- 2¼ cups tomato puree (passata) (500 grams)
- ¾ cup water (177 grams)
- ¼-½ teaspoon salt
- 1-2 dashes black pepper or hot pepper flakes
- ½-1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced
Instructions
FOR THE MEATBALLS
- In a small bowl soak the bread in the milk for about 5 minutes, then squeeze out moisture and crumple into small bits.
- In a medium bowl combine the bread with ground beef, eggs, parmesan and spices gently mix to combine well (I use my clean hands, its the best way to do it). Form into small balls ( a little smaller than the size of a golf ball). In a medium frying pan on medium heat, add the olive oil and the meatballs, brown them on all sides. Remove to a clean plate.
- In a large pot add the oil, garlic and chopped shallot (or small onion), cook on medium heat until transparent 1-2 minutes. Then add the carrots, potatoes, tomato puree, water and spices, mix together, then add the meatballs, and gently stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, place the lid on the pot but don't completely cover, continue to cook on low heat until thickened about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
How to store the meatball stew
Any leftover stew should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. It can be re-heated on the stove or microwave.Can it be frozen
Yes it can be frozen in a freezer safe container, although because frozen potatoes become grainy it might be best to add cooked potatoes when reheating. Thaw the stew in the fridge overnight, then add the cooked potatoes to the pot while reheating. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.Nutrition
Calories: 760kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 186mg | Sodium: 897mg | Potassium: 2064mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 6115IU | Vitamin C: 60mg | Calcium: 289mg | Iron: 8mg