Savory Meatball and Vegetable Delight
Experience the rich, hearty flavors of this Savory Meatball and Vegetable Delight, a comforting stew that combines tender meatballs with a colorful medley of vegetables, juicy tomatoes, and savory mushroom gravy. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is not just easy to prepare in a slow cooker but is also full of wholesome ingredients that everyone will love. Share this delightful stew with friends and family for a wholesome meal that warms the heart.
N/A
Servings
213
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen meatballs
16 ounces (no preparation needed)
Frozen mixed vegetables
8 ounces (no preparation needed)
Diced tomatoes with onion and garlic
14 1/2 ounces (undrained)
Mushroom gravy
12 ounces (no preparation needed)
Water
1/3 cup (no preparation needed)
Dried basil, crushed
1 1/2 teaspoons (no preparation needed)
Instructions
1
In a 3.5 to 4-quart slow cooker, add the frozen meatballs and frozen mixed vegetables.
2
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the undrained diced tomatoes with onion and garlic (or stewed tomatoes), mushroom gravy, water, and crushed basil. Stir until well blended.
3
Pour the tomato and gravy mixture over the meatballs and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
4
Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low-heat setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on the high-heat setting for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to heat through.
5
Once done, give the stew a gentle stir before serving. Enjoy it warm with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
20g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Meatball and Vegetable Delight?
It is a comforting and hearty stew that combines frozen meatballs with mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, and a savory mushroom gravy.
What size slow cooker do I need for this recipe?
A 3.5 to 4-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this quantity of ingredients.
Do I need to thaw the meatballs before cooking?
No, you can add the 16 ounces of frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker without thawing.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, although the recipe calls for frozen mixed vegetables for convenience, fresh vegetables can be used if preferred.
How long does it take to cook on the low-heat setting?
On the low-heat setting, the stew should cook for 6 to 8 hours.
How long does it take to cook on the high-heat setting?
On the high-heat setting, the dish will be ready in 3 to 4 hours.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, you should use the diced tomatoes undrained as the liquid is essential for the gravy base.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe recommends diced tomatoes with onion and garlic or stewed tomatoes for extra flavor.
What is the calorie count per serving?
This recipe contains approximately 213 calories per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 9 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of the meatball stew?
Each serving provides 11 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of gravy should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 12 ounces of mushroom gravy.
Do I need to add water?
Yes, you should add 1/3 cup of water to the tomato and gravy mixture.
What herb is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1.5 teaspoons of crushed dried basil.
How should I serve this stew?
It is best enjoyed warm with crusty bread or served over a bed of rice.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome meal perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
Yes, but you may need to increase the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh ones.
Do I need to brown the meatballs before putting them in the slow cooker?
No, the meatballs will heat through and meld with the flavors perfectly during the slow cooking process.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, you can easily add more frozen or fresh vegetables if you prefer a heartier vegetable content.
What if I cannot find mushroom gravy?
You can substitute it with beef gravy or onion gravy, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is a very easy 'dump and go' slow cooker recipe with only 6 main ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the exact serving count is not specified, the 16oz of meatballs and 8oz of veggies typically serve 4 to 6 people.
Can I make this on a stovetop?
Yes, you can simmer it in a large pot over low heat for 30-45 minutes until everything is hot and flavors are blended.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I use turkey meatballs instead of beef?
Yes, turkey meatballs are a great lower-fat alternative for this recipe.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It depends on the specific brands of meatballs and gravy used; check labels for gluten-containing fillers or thickeners.
Do I need to stir the stew while it cooks?
No, stirring is not necessary during cooking, but you should give it a gentle stir before serving.
What makes this stew savory?
The combination of mushroom gravy, garlic-infused tomatoes, and dried basil creates a deep savory flavor.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely, the flavors often improve the next day, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping.