Meatball And Sausage Stew
As a home cook, I love creating hearty, comfort-food ground beef dinners that bring my family together. One of my favorite recipes is this Meatball And Sausage Stew, made from scratch in my own kitchen. It's the perfect dish for a busy weeknight, and it's sure to become a staple in your household too.
The best part about this recipe is that it's incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can have a delicious, comforting meal on the table in no time. And the best part? It's perfect for a crowd, so whether you're cooking for your family or a group of friends, this recipe is sure to please.
I remember the first time I made this recipe for my family. We were all gathered around the table, waiting for the stew to finish cooking, and the aroma that filled the kitchen was just incredible. The combination of ground beef, sausage, and vegetables all slow-cooked together in a rich, flavorful broth was just amazing. And when we finally sat down to eat, the first bite was like a warm hug on a cold winter's day.
So if you're looking for a recipe that's sure to become a family favorite, look no further than this Meatball And Sausage Stew. It's the perfect comfort food, made with love and care, and it's sure to bring your family together around the dinner table.
In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of ground beef and sausage to create a rich, meaty flavor. We'll also be adding in some vegetables, such as onions and carrots, to add some extra flavor and texture to the stew. And of course, no stew would be complete without a few potatoes and some crusty bread to mop up all the juices.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
- It's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner
- The combination of ground beef and sausage creates a rich, meaty flavor
- The vegetables add a nice sweetness and texture to the dish
- The potatoes help to thicken the stew and make it nice and hearty
- The broth is made with a combination of beef broth and tomato paste, which adds a rich, savory flavor to the stew
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it uses a combination of ground beef and sausage to create a rich, meaty flavor. The ground beef is cooked until it's nice and brown, which adds a deep, caramelized flavor to the stew. And the sausage adds a nice spicy kick that complements the beef perfectly.
The vegetables in the stew, such as the onions and carrots, add a nice sweetness and texture to the dish. And the potatoes help to thicken the stew and make it nice and hearty. Finally, the broth is made with a combination of beef broth and tomato paste, which adds a rich, savory flavor to the stew.
One of the key techniques used in this recipe is browning the meat. This is an important step because it adds a lot of flavor to the stew. By cooking the meat until it's nice and brown, we're creating a rich, caramelized crust on the outside that adds a deep, savory flavor to the stew. And by using a combination of ground beef and sausage, we're creating a nice balance of flavors that complements the vegetables and broth perfectly.
Another important technique used in this recipe is cooking the stew slowly. This allows all the flavors to meld together and the meat to become nice and tender. By cooking the stew slowly, we're creating a rich, comforting dish that's perfect for a cold winter's night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Meatball And Sausage Stew, you'll need a few simple ingredients. These include ground beef, sausage, onions, carrots, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, and some basic spices. You'll also need some olive oil for browning the meat and some salt and pepper to season the stew.
When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality ground beef and sausage. Look for ground beef that's at least 80% lean and sausage that's made with high-quality pork and spices. You'll also want to choose fresh, flavorful vegetables, such as onions and carrots, and high-quality potatoes that will hold their shape during cooking.
- 1 lb (450g) ground beefChoose ground beef that's at least 80% lean for the best flavor and texture
- 1 lb (450g) sausage, slicedLook for sausage that's made with high-quality pork and spices for the best flavor
- 2 medium onions, choppedChoose fresh, flavorful onions for the best flavor
- 3 medium carrots, choppedLook for carrots that are firm and fresh for the best flavor and texture
- 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubedChoose high-quality potatoes that will hold their shape during cooking
- 2 cups beef brothUse a high-quality beef broth for the best flavor
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato pasteLook for tomato paste that's made with high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor
- 2 tbsp olive oilChoose a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor
- 1 tsp dried thymeUse a high-quality thyme for the best flavor
- 1 tsp saltUse a high-quality salt for the best flavor
- 1/2 tsp black pepperUse a high-quality pepper for the best flavor
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Meatball And Sausage Stew
- 1Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) on an instant-read thermometer
- 2Add the sliced sausage to the pot and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes per side
- 3Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside on a plate
- 4Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until they're translucent, about 5 minutes
- 5Add the chopped carrots to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes
- 6Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes
- 7Add the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot, stirring to combine
- 8Return the sausage to the pot and bring the stew to a boil
- 9Reduce the heat to low and simmer the stew, covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes
- 10Remove the pot from the heat and let the stew rest, covered, for 10 minutes before serving
- 11Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor
- Brown the meat well for a rich, caramelized flavor
- Cook the stew slowly for tender meat and vegetables
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature
- Don't overcook the stew, or the meat will be tough
- Let the stew rest before serving for the best flavor and texture
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not browning the meat well enough, resulting in a lack of flavor
- Overcooking the stew, resulting in tough meat and vegetables
- Not using high-quality ingredients, resulting in a lack of flavor
- Not letting the stew rest before serving, resulting in a lack of flavor and texture
Variations and Substitutions
- Add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to the stew for added flavor and nutrition
- Use different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage or Chorizo, for a unique flavor
- Add some heat to the stew with red pepper flakes or hot sauce
- Use beef broth with red wine for added depth of flavor
- Serve the stew with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal
What to Serve With Meatball And Sausage Stew
This Meatball And Sausage Stew is perfect for serving with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Some other ideas for serving this stew include serving it with some grated cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, or with a dollop of sour cream. You could also serve it with some crusty bread and a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
This Meatball And Sausage Stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.
To freeze the stew, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze. When you're ready to reheat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it over low heat until it's hot and bubbly.
When reheating the stew, be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent scorching. You can also add some extra beef broth or water if the stew seems too thick. And if you're reheating it from frozen, be sure to stir it frequently to prevent the formation of ice crystals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of sausage should I use for this recipe?
You can use any type of sausage you like, but Italian sausage or Chorizo work well. Just be sure to slice it thinly so it cooks evenly.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply brown the meat and cook the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What if I don't have tomato paste?
You can substitute canned crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes for the tomato paste. Just be sure to cook them down a bit to thicken the stew.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Yes, you can add other vegetables to the stew, such as bell peppers or zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I know when the stew is done?
The stew is done when the potatoes are tender and the meat is cooked through. You can check the internal temperature of the meat to make sure it reaches 160°F (71°C).
Can I freeze the stew for later?
Yes, you can freeze the stew for later. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze. When you're ready to reheat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it over low heat until it's hot and bubbly.
What is the best way to reheat the stew?
The best way to reheat the stew is over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and bubbly. You can also add some extra beef broth or water if the stew seems too thick.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the stew, then let it cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze until you're ready to reheat it.

Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 lb (450g) sausage, sliced
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) on an instant-read thermometer
- Add the sliced sausage to the pot and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes per side
- Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside on a plate
- Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until they're translucent, about 5 minutes
- Add the chopped carrots to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes
- Add the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot, stirring to combine
- Return the sausage to the pot and bring the stew to a boil
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the stew, covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the stew rest, covered, for 10 minutes before serving
- Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired