One-Pot Meatball Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together tender meatballs, chunky vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth all cooked in one pot. The meatballs are juicy and well-seasoned, simmered with carrots, potatoes, and peas, creating a warm and filling stew that’s perfect for any day when you want something simple and satisfying.
I love making this stew because it’s really easy to put together and doesn’t leave a mountain of dishes to wash afterward. Cooking everything in one pot lets all the flavors blend beautifully, and you can really taste the cozy goodness in every spoonful. Plus, it’s a great way to warm up on a chilly evening or when you want a homemade meal without a lot of fuss.
My favorite way to enjoy this meatball stew is with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the tasty juices. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, comforting hug on a plate, and I always find myself making extra so I can have leftovers the next day. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this one-pot wonder never disappoints.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This gives the meatballs a juicy and hearty base. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken, but the flavor is richest with beef or a mix of beef and pork.
Breadcrumbs & Parmesan: Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs while Parmesan adds a nice salty depth. If you need gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed oats. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a dairy-free option.
Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and green beans add texture and sweetness. Feel free to swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or other root veggies, and green beans for peas or zucchini depending on what you like or have on hand.
Beef broth & tomato paste: These build a rich, flavorful base for the stew. If you want a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and consider adding mushrooms for umami.
How Do You Make Sure Meatballs Stay Tender and Don’t Fall Apart?
Mix your meatball ingredients gently—overmixing can make them tough. Adding an egg and breadcrumbs helps hold everything together. When browning, resist the urge to move the meatballs too soon; let them form a crust first. Cooking them gently in the stew also keeps them tender.
- Mix ingredients just until combined.
- Shape meatballs evenly for even cooking.
- Brown in batches without crowding the pan.
- Simmer stew gently without stirring too much to avoid breaking meatballs.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven – great for browning meatballs and simmering the stew all in one pot.
- Mixing bowl – to combine ingredients for the meatballs easily.
- Spoon or spatula – for stirring the stew and scraping up flavorful bits from the pot.
- Knife and cutting board – to chop vegetables neatly and safely.
- Ladle – perfect for serving the stew into bowls without mess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try ground pork or turkey instead of beef for a different taste and lighter meatballs.
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggie goodness and texture.
- Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the meatballs or stew to brighten the flavors.
One-Pot Meatball Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Stew:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing and cooking this meatball stew takes about 50 minutes in total. Expect 15 minutes to prep the ingredients and meatballs, then about 35 minutes to cook everything together until the meatballs are tender and the vegetables are soft.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
Put ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper into a large bowl. Mix gently just until combined, then shape the mixture into small meatballs around 1 to 1.5 inches across.
2. Brown the Meatballs:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides for about 4 to 5 minutes. Take them out and set aside once done.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Using the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and see-through, about 5 minutes.
4. Build the Stew Base:
Stir in tomato paste, cooking it for 1 to 2 minutes to bring out its flavor. Pour in beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any tasty browned bits.
5. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
Drop in the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, green beans, dried thyme, smoked paprika, plus a bit of salt and pepper. Stir everything together well.
6. Simmer the Stew:
Put the meatballs back into the pot. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and meatballs cooked through.
7. Final Touches and Serving:
Taste the stew and add more salt or pepper if you like. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Don’t forget some crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Stew?
Yes, you can! Just make sure they’re fully thawed before adding to the pot so they cook evenly. You might want to brown them gently before simmering for better texture and flavor.
Can I Make This Stew in Advance?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
What Can I Serve with One-Pot Meatball Stew?
This stew is perfect with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes to soak up all the savory juices. A simple green salad on the side also pairs nicely for a balanced meal.