Description
Hearty Polish meatball stew delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending rich beef, aromatic herbs, and silky potatoes into one soul-warming dish. Savory spices and tender meatballs invite you to discover a classic European culinary tradition that feels like a warm embrace.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients and Cheese:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Gently roll the mixture into compact, uniform meatballs approximately 1-inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat (375°F). Carefully place meatballs into the hot oil, rotating every 2 minutes to achieve an even golden-brown exterior. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully sealed. Transfer meatballs to a separate plate.
- In the same pot with residual oil, sauté diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook for 6-8 minutes until vegetables become translucent and slightly tender.
- Pour beef broth and diced tomatoes into the vegetable mixture. Incorporate thyme, paprika, additional salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend flavors.
- Reintroduce browned meatballs into the pot. Increase heat to bring liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to low heat. Simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and meatballs to cook completely.
- Remove from heat and let stew rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant garnish before serving hot.
Notes
- Customize meatball size for quicker cooking or kid-friendly portions by making them smaller or larger.
- Boost protein content by mixing ground beef with ground turkey or lean ground chicken for a healthier twist.
- Prevent meatballs from falling apart by chilling the mixture for 15 minutes before forming and using a light touch when shaping.
- Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to the broth for more complex taste notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 42 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg