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Hearty Spiced Italian Meatball Stew

Hearty Spiced Italian Meatball Stew for Ultimate Cozy Nights

Hearty Spiced Italian Meatball Stew is the ultimate cozy dish, featuring juicy meatballs, savory broth, and tender vegetables, perfect for chilly nights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Feel free to substitute with ground pork, turkey, or chicken.
  • 1 cup Bread Crumbs Use gluten-free bread crumbs for a gluten-free option.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Substitute with pecorino if desired.
  • 1 large Egg
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 1 tbsp Dried Italian Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust according to taste.
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Adjust based on preference.
For the Stew
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Used for browning meatballs.
  • 1 large Onion (Diced) Sauté until translucent.
  • 2 medium Carrots (Sliced)
  • 2 stalks Celery (Sliced)
  • 4 cups Beef Broth Chicken or vegetable broth can be used for lighter versions.
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes With their juice.
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) Adjust based on preference.
  • 1 cup Pasta (Small Shapes) Options like ditalini or elbow pasta work great.
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Can be substituted with kale.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped) For garnishing.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Adjust seasoning to taste.

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • baking sheet
  • Dutch oven or heavy pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently and shape into 1-inch meatballs.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, browning for about 5-7 minutes until golden-brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until onion is translucent.
  4. Stir in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and paprika. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer.
  5. Return meatballs to the pot and simmer for 30 minutes on low heat.
  6. After 30 minutes, add pasta to the pot and cook for another 10-12 minutes until al dente.
  7. Stir in fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning and serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Pair with crusty bread or fresh side salad for a full Italian feast.

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