Classic Beef Meatball Stew with Italian Herbs
Hearty homemade beef meatballs simmered in a fragrant tomato and herb stew, perfect for warming family dinners or meal prep. This italian-inspired beef ready in about 60 minutes pairs pound ground beef, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 small, finely diced onion
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 small finely diced onion. Mix gently until just combined, then shape into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, about 20 pieces.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and brown on all sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove browned meatballs and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pot, add 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Return the meatballs to the pot, cover, and simmer gently for 30 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Beef Meatball Stew with Italian Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Classic Beef Meatball Stew with Italian Herbs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pound ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Beef Meatball Stew with Italian Herbs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Beef Meatball Stew with Italian Herbs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Beef Meatball Stew with Italian Herbs?
Italian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
