Now that we’ve cleared the holiday hurdle it’s time to start thinking about surviving the winter. I live in So Cal where our winters are typically mild. Often wet, but always mild. Still, I look for the joy in the season wherever I can find it and cool-weather pleasures don’t get simpler than a steaming pot of Meatball Stew: cheap, easy and deeply warming, it’s the edible equivalent of mittens and a scarf.
There’s a lot of ways to go when it comes to meatballs. I don’t really have one way I always make them. In fact, this is the first time I’ve made meatballs in a stew. I chose to go simple in my meatball preparation, no mixed meat, no herbs – just salt and pepper. But you certainly could make this meatball stew or one similar using your preferred meatball method. I was tempted to try braising my meatballs for this stew, without browning them first, but I got into auto-pilot and pan-fried them before they hit the stew pot. Either way would work.
Of all the cooking I do in winter, a deep pot of stew is what I find myself drawn to most often – sometimes it is merely the sum of what I have in the fridge and pantry, other times more layered and considered. Whichever way, it’s time to hunker down with Meatball Stew. GREG
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Ingredients
1 slicesandwich bread(crusts and all cut into tiny dice)
⅓ cupwhole milk
1 poundground beef
salt and black pepper(as needed for seasoning)
2 tablespoonolive oil
4 ouncepancetta(cut into tiny dice)
½ teaspoonanise seeds
1/8 teaspooncrushed red pepper flakes(or more to taste)
2 cup3/4‑inch diced butternut squash
½ onion(½‑inch diced)
3–4 clovegarlic(peeled and chopped)
1 (14½ oz) can beef broth
3 Roma tomatos(cut into 1 ½‑inch chunks)
1 cupsmooth tomato sauce
2 cupraw cauliflower florets(bite-sized)
grated Parmesan cheese(to taste)
Directions
Place diced bread in a bowl; pour milk over bread. Set aside for a couple of minutes.
In a medium bowl gently combine soaked bread with beef until well-distributed but not overworked, season generously with salt and pepper. Gently shape into 12 (1 ½‑inch) meatballs.
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed stew pot that has a lid over medium-high. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add meatballs in a single layer; cook, turning to brown on all sides, about 4 minutes. Transfer meatballs to a plate. Add diced pancetta, anise seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes to the hot pan and cook until the fat has rendered. Add squash, onion, and garlic to pan; cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes. Add stock, scraping the pan to loosen browned bits. Season to taste with salt and pepper; cook until liquid is reduced by half, about 6 minutes. Add tomatoes and tomato sauce; bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in cauliflower; cover and cook 3 minutes. Return meatballs to pan; cover and cook just until meatballs are cooked through 6 to 8 minutes.
Terrific dish! I’m a stew person at this time of the year (helps, too, that I’ll never get in a stew about what to serve at a dinner party). I only make one meatball stew, and it’s really more of a braise. Gotta up my game! Neat recipe — thanks. And I hope you had a terrific holiday season!
What a beautiful, comforting meal! I just love the flavours you’ve selected for this dish — delish! Happy New Year! I hope you and your family have a wonderful new year filled with love, good health and much happiness!
Ok, this is just what my sniffly self needs now!
This looks really yummy. Meatballs are pretty fantastic, but I’m not sure why! I mean, they’re like meatloaf, but in balls! Anyway, great idea to use them in a warming soup. Happy New Year!
This sounds like a hearty and comfort dish, no matter the weather. I think browning the meatballs probably adds a little to the overall flavor of the stew.
I’m a sucker for meatballs so meatball stew is right up my alley. I have a chunk of prosciutto in the fridge that I really need to use, so will sub that for the pancetta! Happy New Year, Greg!
I’ve never heard of meatball stew! I love meatballs, and stew in winter has got to be one of my all-time favorites. I love what cooking meatballs in a sauce does to the sauce, so I’m all in on this one.
I love a big bowl of comfort. So warming and delicious. Happy New Year! ~Valentina
Meatballs are one of my favorite foods and have been known to put them in soups. I like your version and will have to try it. Happy New Year!
Oh, this brings back so many childhood memories! My mom made a meatball casserole with vegetables that was served over mashed potatoes. Amazing comfort food — and you took it to a new level. Happy New Year to you, Ken, and his mom.