Amish Meatball Stew
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A humble one-pot wonder straight from Pennsylvania Dutch inspiration: tender, homemade-style meatballs simmered in a rich tomato-vegetable broth with carrots, onions, and celery. With just seven simple ingredients, this slow cooker stew delivers nourishing comfort with minimal effort—no browning required, little prep, and perfect for chilly evenings or busy days.
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Amish Meatball Stew
Ingredients (6-quart slow cooker)
| Component | Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meatballs | Ground beef (or beef + pork blend) | 1 lb (450 g) | |
| Meatballs | Plain breadcrumbs (or crushed saltines) | ½ cup | Day-old bread adds tenderness |
| Meatballs | Milk | ¼ cup | |
| Meatballs | Egg | 1 | Beaten |
| Meatballs | Salt | ½ tsp | |
| Meatballs | Black pepper | ¼ tsp | |
| Stew Base | Diced tomatoes | 1 can (15 oz) | Undrained |
| Stew Base | Beef broth (low-sodium) | 2 cups | |
| Stew Base | Carrots | 2 | Sliced |
| Stew Base | Celery | 2 stalks | Sliced |
| Stew Base | Onion | 1 small | Chopped |
| Stew Base | Thyme | 1 tsp dried | Or 2 sprigs fresh |
| Optional | Bay leaf | 1 | Adds depth |
| Optional | Sugar | Pinch | Balances acidity |
Instructions (Tender, Savory, Foolproof)
1. Make the Meatballs
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- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently with hands; form into 1-inch meatballs (about 20–24).
2. Layer in Slow Cooker
- Place onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom.
- Arrange meatballs on top.
- Pour diced tomatoes and broth over everything.
- Sprinkle with thyme (and bay leaf if using).
3. Cook Low & Slow
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3.5–4 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and vegetables are tender.
4. Finish & Serve
- Remove bay leaf if used.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar.
- Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
✨ Comforting, hearty, and fuss-free—this Amish Meatball Stew is the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell like home.
