Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Meatball Stew Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty stew, and this Mexican-Style Slow Cooker Meatball Stew hits all the right notes.
I love how it combines rich flavors with tender meatballs, creating a meal that warms you from the inside out. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
I appreciate those busy days when I can prep this stew in the morning and come home to a delicious, aromatic dinner. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Each spoonful bursts with flavor, making it a dish I can’t wait to share with family and friends. You’ll definitely love it!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Meatball Stew
Making a delicious Mexican-Style Slow Cooker Meatball Stew is all about gathering the right ingredients and letting the slow cooker do its magic. You’ll want to have everything prepped and measured out before you immerse yourself in this cozy culinary adventure.
Trust me, once you see how simple it’s to throw everything together, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t made this stew a regular in your meal rotation. Plus, the combination of flavors just screams comfort food, making it a perfect dish for chilly evenings or when you just need some extra love on your plate.
Ingredients:
- 1/2-1 cup water
- 1 lb carrots, small cut & ready to eat
- 1 lb small red potatoes, cut into quarters (2 1/2 to 3 inches)
- 1 (14 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 small onion, cut into thin wedges
- 1 (16 ounce) bag frozen cooked meatballs
- 1 (12 ounce) can beef gravy
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (Mexican styled preferred)
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon dried red chili pepper flakes
- 1-3 dashes of hot sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot)
- 1/2-1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Now, when you’re gathering your ingredients, think about how you can customize this stew to fit your taste buds. For example, if you’re not a fan of spicy food (I feel you), you can always adjust the chili flakes and hot sauce to your liking.
Or maybe you want to toss in some extra veggies, like bell peppers or corn. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s super forgiving; you can mix and match based on what you have on hand.
How to Make Slow Cooker Meatball Stew
Alright, let’s plunge into making this cozy Mexican-Style Slow Cooker Meatball Stew. First things first, grab your slow cooker and get ready for some culinary magic. The beauty of this dish is that it practically cooks itself, so you can kick back and relax while it simmers away.
Start by layering your ingredients in the slow cooker in the exact order listed in the recipe. Trust me, this is vital for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
Begin with 1/2 to 1 cup of water—this will help create a nice broth as everything cooks down. Next, toss in 1 pound of small cut carrots and 1 pound of small red potatoes, cut into quarters. Seriously, these potatoes are like little flavor bombs just waiting to soak up all that deliciousness.
After that, add a 14-ounce can of drained sliced mushrooms and a small onion, cut into thin wedges. Just imagine how wonderful your kitchen will smell as all these ingredients start mingling together.
Now, it’s time for the stars of the show—1 bag (16 ounces) of frozen cooked meatballs. Yep, you can skip the fuss of making meatballs from scratch; these frozen gems will do just fine.
Pour in a 12-ounce can of beef gravy, a 14-ounce can of undrained diced tomatoes (I highly recommend the Mexican-style for that extra kick), and a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies. For those who love a little heat, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried red chili pepper flakes and add 1 to 3 dashes of hot sauce (I’m a fan of Frank’s Red Hot, but use what you love).
Finally, season with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.
Once everything’s layered nicely, cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Then, just let it work its magic for 8 to 10 hours. Yes, you read that right—8 to 10 hours. It sounds like a long time, but that’s when the flavors truly develop.
You can even go about your day, run errands, or binge-watch your favorite show. When the time’s up, give it a gentle stir before serving. And there you have it—a warm, hearty stew that’s like a big, cozy hug in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Meatball Stew Substitutions & Variations
After your slow cooker has worked its magic and you’ve enjoyed the delicious stew, you might find yourself wanting to mix things up a bit. One easy substitution is to swap the frozen meatballs for homemade ones; it adds a personal touch.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using plant-based meatballs or even chickpeas for protein. You can also switch up the vegetables—zucchini, bell peppers, or corn can enhance the flavor.
For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or increase the chili flakes. Experimenting with different types of canned tomatoes, like fire-roasted, can also alter the flavor profile beautifully.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative and make this stew your own!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Meatball Stew
Wondering what to pair with your flavorful slow cooker meatball stew? I’ve got you covered!
For a hearty meal, I love serving it with warm, crusty bread or homemade cornbread. They soak up that delicious sauce perfectly.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a fresh green salad tossed with a zesty lime vinaigrette complements the stew beautifully.
You might also consider some fluffy rice or creamy polenta to balance the rich flavors.
For a fun twist, try tortilla chips on the side; they add a nice crunch.
And don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for a creamy contrast.
Enjoy experimenting with these sides to find your perfect pairing!
Additional Tips & Notes
When preparing your Mexican-style slow cooker meatball stew, keep in mind a few tips to enhance the overall flavor and texture.
First, I recommend using high-quality ingredients, especially the canned tomatoes and beef gravy, as they really influence the taste.
Don’t skip the step of layering the ingredients in the order listed; it guarantees even cooking. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to adjust the chili flakes and hot sauce to your preference.
For a fresh touch, consider adding chopped cilantro or avocado just before serving.
Finally, let the stew cool completely before storing leftovers; it’ll keep better in the fridge.
Enjoy this hearty dish with warm tortillas or over rice!