Easy Slow Cooker Meatball Stew | CookOS

Meatball Stew

Name: Easy Slow Cooker Meatball Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 4 small yellow potatoes, chopped; 1 (24 oz) bag frozen meatballs; 1 cup baby carrots; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 packet beef stew seasoning mix; 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; Crusty bread, for serving

This slow cooker meatball stew combines frozen meatballs, yellow potatoes, carrots, and onion in a beef broth base for a hands-off, economical meal that cooks unattended for hours.

🌍American 🏷️Meatball stew 🏷️Stew 🏷️Easy recipe 🏷️Comfort food 🏷️Weeknight dinner

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🏷️Meatballs

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Total

4h 10m

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$19–$31

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by applesauceandadhd

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Ingredients

1 small yellow onion, chopped
4 small yellow potatoes, chopped
1 (24 oz) bag frozen meatballs
1 cup baby carrots
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 packet beef stew seasoning mix
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnishoptional
Crusty bread, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
Chop the yellow onion and potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
2
Add the chopped onion, frozen meatballs, and chopped potatoes to the slow cooker.
3
Add the baby carrots, minced garlic, and the entire packet of beef stew seasoning.
4
Pour in the chicken broth.
5
Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
6
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and with a side of crusty bread if desired.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Don't skip chopping vegetables into uniform pieces—they'll cook evenly and the stew will have better texture.
Use low heat for a more tender result; high heat may cause potatoes to break down into mush.
Stir in fresh parsley just before serving to brighten the flavor and add color.
Skim any excess fat from the surface before serving if desired.

Substitutions

Yellow potatoes → red potatoes or russet potatoes (russets may soften more)
Baby carrots → carrot chunks or parsnips (similar cooking time)
Low-sodium chicken broth → beef broth (richer flavor, higher sodium)
Fresh parsley → fresh dill or chopped chives (different but complementary herbs)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Equipment

slow cooker

Common Questions

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes. Brown fresh meatballs in a skillet first, then add to the slow cooker to ensure they hold their shape and cook through evenly.

How long does meatball stew take in a slow cooker?

Typically 6–8 hours on low heat or 3–4 hours on high, depending on your slow cooker. The stew is ready when potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.

What can I substitute for beef stew seasoning mix?

Mix 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Assemble all ingredients in a slow cooker insert, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then cook on your desired setting. Add 30–60 minutes to cooking time if starting from cold.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.