The quintessential comfort food combination of meatballs and potatoes has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. This delectable creamy meatball stew recipe offers a satisfying meal solution for a weary day’s end or a cozy evening in. The harmonious blend of tender, herb-infused meatballs and fluffy potatoes bathed in a rich, creamy gravy is nothing short of heavenly. For an added burst of color and freshness, the addition of green peas adds a delightful touch. Treat your palate to this beloved Swedish meatball dish, which has earned its place as a staple in many homes due to its effortless preparation and irresistible flavor. If you’re a meatball enthusiast, you may also enjoy exploring other comforting creations such as meatball marinara subs, roasted tomato meatball polenta, or Italian wedding soup with chicken meatballs. This pizza margherita is another comfort food gem worth discovering.
Why You’ll Love It
Savoring each spoonful of this scrumptious dish is an absolute delight. The harmonious blend of tender meatballs, rich gravy, and fresh green peas is a true culinary pleasure. What’s more, this comforting recipe is remarkably easy to prepare. Simply shape and bake the meatballs, boil the potatoes, concoct the gravy, and then bring everything together for a satisfyingly hearty meal. Whether you’re seeking solace in familiar flavors or looking to impress your loved ones with a crowd-pleasing dish, this creamy meatball soup or stew is sure to hit the spot.
How to Make Meatball Stew
To start, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, combine the meatball ingredients in a large bowl, then use a 2-tablespoon scoop to shape them into individual portions. Place the meatballs on a greased foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes before keeping them warm.As you’re waiting for the meatballs to cook, prepare the gravy by melting butter in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour and let it cook for about a minute, then slowly pour in the broth, cream, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and dill, whisking constantly.Once the gravy is simmering, add the potatoes to the mixture and cover the pan. Allow everything to gently simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender, stirring every 5-7 minutes. Once the potatoes are cooked through, add the cooked meatballs to the gravy and mix well.Finally, serve the meatball and potato combination in bowls and top with a spoonful of hot cooked peas and a dollop of sour cream. Add some fresh dill and parsley for garnish, which adds not only a pop of color but also an explosion of flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
For those who require gluten-free alternatives, consider substituting regular panko breadcrumbs with their gluten-free counterparts. This will ensure that your meatballs remain free from wheat-derived ingredients. Furthermore, feel free to experiment with various seasonings in your meatball mixture. Options like red or white pepper, cumin, and Italian seasoning can add unique flavor profiles. To create a low-carb version of this recipe, replace the panko breadcrumbs with panko pork – essentially, ground fried pork rinds! Additionally, consider swapping out the potatoes for lower-carb vegetables such as turnip or radishes.
How to Store Leftover Meatball Stew
When storing leftovers, ensure they’re securely sealed in an airtight container within your refrigerator. For best results, consume them within four days. If you don’t intend to use them within that timeframe, consider freezing. Frozen meatballs and potatoes can be safely stored for up to three months. To prepare frozen items for reheating, simply place them in the fridge overnight to thaw. Once thawed, warm them back up in a pan on the stove or using your microwave’s defrost setting.
Top Tips
For an added smoky flavor, consider grilling or smoking the meatballs for about 12 minutes at the grill or 30 minutes at 250 degrees F. When it comes to potatoes, aim for uniform pieces to ensure everyone gets a perfectly cooked bite. If using baby potatoes, you can cook them whole, except perhaps halving larger ones. The real fun begins when you start experimenting with the recipe! Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to the meatballs and gravy. Try adding sautéed onions to the gravy or mixing in some chopped parsley, oregano, basil, or even a sprinkle of garlic salt into the meatball mixture. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Meatball Soup Recipe FAQs
When it comes to creamy meatball stew, you’re probably wondering what type of meat is best suited for this hearty dish. The answer lies in flexibility – you can combine ground beef and pork, use just one or the other, or opt for alternative options like chicken or turkey. If you prefer a vegetarian take, simply swap out the ground meat for your preferred plant-based protein and substitute beef broth with vegetable broth. For a meat-free version, you can even omit the meatballs altogether and focus on the rich, creamy gravy.In terms of accompaniments, crusty bread is an excellent choice – it’s the perfect vessel for sopping up every last drop of that delectable gravy. Of course, this dish also pairs well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.As for slow cooker enthusiasts, you’re in luck! To adapt this recipe to your crockpot, cook the meatballs and gravy according to the instructions, then transfer everything to your slow cooker along with the potatoes. Cover and cook on high heat for 4 hours or low heat for 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. With a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with a comforting, flavorful meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Swedish Meatball Stew Recipe
Creamy Meatball Stew
Indulge your senses with a hearty and comforting Swedish meatball stew, a beloved favorite in many homes. With just 20 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is not only delicious but also convenient to prepare. Enjoy the warm and cozy flavors with every serving, perfect for sharing with friends and family – up to six people can enjoy this delightful dish.
Instructions
Combine forces in the kitchen by preparing the perfect comfort food dish. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a cookie sheet with tinfoil, then give it a light misting of nonstick spray for effortless meatball removal. In a single bowl, combine all ingredients for the meatballs, portioning out 2-tablespoon servings to form the ultimate sphere of flavor. Place each meatball on the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes or until fully cooked through. Keep them warm and cozy until it’s time to add them to the rich gravy. Now, onto the sauce! Melt butter in a large skillet over gentle heat, then whisk in flour and let it cook for a minute. Next, bring in the beef broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh dill, stirring until smooth. Add diced potatoes to the pan, covering with a lid, and let them simmer for 20 minutes or until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the gravy from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Once the potatoes are cooked through, it’s time to add the warm meatballs to the gravy, allowing them to mingle and get cozy. Serve plates piled high with the meatball and potato duo, accompanied by a generous helping of peas, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley for added flair.
Notes
For an added smoky flavor, consider grilling or smoking your meatballs for about 12 minutes on the grill or half an hour at 250 degrees F. Meanwhile, perfecting your potatoes is all about consistency – cut them into uniform pieces to ensure they’re cooked evenly. If using baby potatoes, simply halve any larger ones and cook them whole. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – don’t be afraid to experiment by adding your own flair to the meatballs and gravy. Try sautéing some onions for a deeper flavor or incorporating fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or basil into the mixture. For an extra boost, sprinkle on some garlic salt to bring out the natural flavors.