There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, creamy stew packed with tender meatballs. This Creamy Beef Meatball Stew is the perfect balance of hearty and indulgent, making it an ideal dish for cozy nights, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week.
Unlike traditional meatball stews that rely on tomato-based broths, this version is rich, velvety, and infused with creamy goodness, giving it an irresistibly smooth texture. The beef meatballs are seasoned to perfection, simmered in a flavorful, herb-infused sauce, and finished with a touch of cream to create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.
If you’re looking for a one-pot meal that brings warmth to the table, this recipe is for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Rich & Creamy – The luxurious sauce makes this stew incredibly comforting.
✔️ One-Pot Meal – Less cleanup, more flavor!
✔️ Versatile – Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread.
✔️ Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients for Creamy Beef Meatball Stew
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 ts thyme
- ½ tsp salt & bouillon per taste
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Coconut oil for frying
For the Creamy Stew Base:
- 2tbs of coconut oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 4 big carrots sliced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken the sauce)
- 3 cups of water or beef broth
- green olive (optional)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Beef Meatball Stew
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, oregano, thyme, bouillon, salt, onion powder. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat Coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides . Remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot with coconut oil sauté the onion and garlic with the meatball.
Step 3: Build the Stew Base
- Gradually pour in water or the beef broth.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, cumin, ginger, black pepper, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the carrots and mushrooms, cooking for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs
- Cover and let simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
- Sprinkle the flour stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let the stew simmer for another 5 minutes until rich and creamy.
- Add the green olive
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Serve warm over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, steamed rice, or with crusty bread.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy meatball stew is incredibly versatile. Here are a few delicious ways to serve it:
🍲 Over Mashed Potatoes – The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with fluffy potatoes.
🍲 With Rice – A simple side to soak up all the flavors.
🍲 With Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping!
🍲 Over Egg Noodles – A hearty and satisfying meal.
Tips for Success
✔️ Use Fresh Herbs – If possible, fresh parsley and thyme enhance the flavor.
✔️ Don’t Overmix the Meatballs – Overmixing can make them dense; a light hand keeps them tender.
✔️ Make It Lighter – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lower-fat version.
✔️ Want Extra Flavor? – A splash of soy sauce or Dijon mustard in the broth adds depth.
Make-Ahead & Storage
🔹 Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and stew base separately a day in advance, then combine and heat when ready to serve.
🔹 Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
🔹 Freezing: This stew freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Beef Meatball Stew is a warm, comforting, and satisfying dish that brings together rich flavors in a creamy, velvety sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Tag me on Instagram (@Savourous) and share your delicious creations.
💛 Enjoy & Happy Cooking! 🍲✨
