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Hearty Beef Meatball Stew


Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup bread crumbs
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup whole milk

For the Stew:

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 3 celery ribs, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste  
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
  • 6 cups beef stock
  • 2 teaspoons beef bouillon
  • 4 small Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
  • 1 cup fresh green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ cup cold water
  • Flat leaf parsley, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Make meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, egg, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and milk. Mix well with your hands or a stand mixer. Form golf ball-sized meatballs and set aside on a plate.
  2. Brown meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom stock pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, but don't worry about cooking them through. Set aside.
  3. Sauté vegetables: Deglaze the pan with a few tablespoons of beef stock if necessary. Add the remaining olive oil, onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Simmer stew: Add tomato paste, thyme, meatballs, beef stock, and beef bouillon to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Add vegetables: Add potatoes and green beans. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and meatballs reach 160°F.
  6. Thicken stew: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Add the slurry to the stew and stir over low heat until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Serve: Serve the stew sprinkled with parsley and with crusty bread or buttered egg noodles.

Enjoy your hearty beef meatball stew!

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