Introduction
Oh, the smell of home! Do you remember those chilly evenings when a warm, hearty bowl of something delicious felt like a hug from the inside? This Crockpot Meatball Stew is exactly that – a nostalgic, comforting dish that’s so incredibly easy to throw together, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it every week. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma and your belly with pure satisfaction. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this stew is a true winner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast Prep: Seriously, you just toss everything in the slow cooker.
- Easy Peasy: Minimal effort, maximum deliciousness.
- Giftable: Imagine bringing a warm batch of this to a new parent or a friend under the weather!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone, from kids to grown-ups, goes wild for this hearty stew.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the longest part of this recipe, and trust me, it’s still super quick!
- 1 lb frozen meatballs: You can use any kind you like – beef, turkey, or even a mix! No need to thaw them.
- 4 potatoes, diced: Yukon Golds or Russets work wonderfully for their creamy texture. Just give them a quick chop.
- 2 carrots, sliced: These add a touch of sweetness and lovely color.
- 1 onion, chopped: A little bit of onion goes a long way in building flavor.
- 3 cups beef broth: This is the savory liquid gold that ties everything together.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Don’t drain them! The juice is packed with flavor and helps create the stew’s base.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: This magical blend of herbs brings a classic, comforting aroma and taste.
How to Make It
Get ready to be amazed at how simple this is. Your slow cooker is about to become your best kitchen friend!
- Step 1: The Dump and Go! Grab your slow cooker and toss in the frozen meatballs. Then, add your diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped onion right on top. No sautéing or fancy prep needed here.
- Step 2: Add the Liquids. Pour the beef broth over everything in the slow cooker. Next, add the can of diced tomatoes, juice and all.
- Step 3: Season It Up! Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the ingredients.
- Step 4: Let the Magic Happen. Cover your slow cooker. Now, you have two options:
- Low & Slow: Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours. This is perfect if you’re heading out for the day or want dinner ready when you get home.
- Quick & Easy: Cook on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. Great for a shorter cooking time if you’re home and craving something warm sooner.
Either way, you’ll know it’s ready when the vegetables are fork-tender and the meatballs are heated through and delicious.
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is fantastic as is, but I love to play around with it! Here are some ideas:
- Veggies, Veggies, Veggies! Feel free to add other hearty vegetables like celery (sliced), peas (added in the last hour of cooking), or even some corn.
- Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with your Italian seasoning.
- Thicker Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can create a slurry by whisking together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Herbalicious: Fresh herbs are always a win! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives at the end adds a pop of freshness.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks to ensure your Crockpot Meatball Stew is absolutely perfect every time:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure your slow cooker isn’t completely overflowing, as this can affect cooking time.
- Uniform Cuts: Try to cut your potatoes and carrots into roughly the same size pieces so they cook evenly.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, give your stew a taste. You might want to add a little more salt or pepper, or even a splash more broth if it seems too thick.
- Prep Ahead: You can chop your vegetables the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This makes morning prep even faster!
How to Store It
Leftovers are a delicious bonus!
Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it seems a bit thick after refrigerating, you can add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, absolutely! If you use fresh meatballs, you might want to brown them slightly in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker to lock in flavor and prevent them from falling apart too much. Adjust cooking time as fresh meatballs will cook faster.
What kind of slow cooker size do I need?
A 5-6 quart slow cooker is usually perfect for this recipe. If yours is smaller, you might need to halve the recipe.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You sure can! Swap the meatballs for your favorite plant-based meatballs or add extra hearty vegetables like mushrooms and a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas or white beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Cozy Crockpot Meatball Stew
Equipment
- Slow Cooker 5-6 quart recommended
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb frozen meatballs any kind, no need to thaw
- 4 potatoes diced, Yukon Golds or Russets
- 2 carrots sliced
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes do not drain
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Grab your slow cooker and toss in the frozen meatballs. Then, add your diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped onion right on top. No sautéing or fancy prep needed here.
- Pour the beef broth over everything in the slow cooker. Next, add the can of diced tomatoes, juice and all.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the ingredients.
- Cover your slow cooker. Now, you have two options: Low & Slow: Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours. This is perfect if you're heading out for the day or want dinner ready when you get home. Quick & Easy: Cook on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. Great for a shorter cooking time if you're home and craving something warm sooner. Either way, you'll know it's ready when the vegetables are fork-tender and the meatballs are heated through and delicious.