Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast! This mouth-watering Beef Oven Stew with Meatballs is not just a recipe - it's a warm hug in a pot that promises to tantalize your taste buds and comfort your soul. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a rich, flavorful broth that will have your family racing to the dinner table. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this foolproof recipe guarantees a delicious meal that will become an instant family favorite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the oven is hot enough to cook the stew evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. This mixture will form the meatballs.
- Shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 20 meatballs. Set them aside on a plate.
- In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the sliced carrots to the pot and continue to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots begin to soften.
- Carefully add the meatballs to the pot, browning them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Once the meatballs are browned, pour in the beef broth and add the Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Let the stew cook in the oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld and the meatballs to become tender.
- After 1 hour and 30 minutes, carefully remove the pot from the oven. Check the seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the beef oven stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. It pairs well with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Tips
- Meat Mixture Magic: For the most tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the ground beef. Gently combine ingredients just until they're incorporated to prevent tough meatballs.
- Browning is Key: Take time to properly brown the meatballs. This step develops deep, rich flavors that will elevate the entire dish.
- Low and Slow: The secret to a tender, flavorful stew is slow cooking. Resist the temptation to rush the process - let the oven do its magic.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop overnight.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add additional vegetables like celery or potatoes to make the stew more hearty and nutritious.
- Perfect Pairing: Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the delicious broth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
