🌾 Chuckwagon Rustic Meatball Stew

🌾 Chuckwagon Rustic Meatball Stew

Serves: 6–8Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 45 minutes

A cozy cowboy-style stew made with tender meatballs, hearty vegetables, and a rich savory broth — the kind of meal that would’ve fed a whole cattle drive!

🥩 Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 egg

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp pepper

For the Stew

• 2 tbsp olive oil or bacon grease

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 medium potatoes, cubed

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp thyme

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt (to taste)

Optional: peas, corn, or green beans

🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

Mix all meatball ingredients in a bowl. Roll into 1-inch balls.

2. Brown the Meatballs

Heat oil in a Dutch oven. Brown meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to cook through yet). Remove and set aside.

3. Build the Stew Base

In the same pot, add onion, potatoes, carrots, and celery. Sauté 5 minutes.

4. Add Liquids & Seasoning

Pour in beef broth and tomatoes. Add paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.

5. Return the Meatballs

Gently place meatballs back into the pot. Simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until veggies are tender and flavors meld.

6. Serve

Ladle into bowls and enjoy with cornbread, biscuits, or a hunk of crusty bread.

🤠 Chuckwagon Tip

Add a splash of Worcestershire and a teaspoon of brown sugar for deeper, campfire-style flavor!