Slow Cooker Meatball and Potato Comfort Stew

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This recipe is the definition of convenience and comfort. By combining frozen meatballs with cubed potatoes and a few simple pantry staples, you create a slow-cooked dish that’s rich, savory, and satisfying. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: no need for elaborate preparation or complicated steps. Everything goes straight into the crockpot, where time and gentle heat transform the ingredients into a wholesome meal.

The frozen meatballs provide a hearty protein base, while the potatoes soak up the flavors and become tender and creamy. To elevate the dish, three additional ingredients—onion, broth, and seasoning—are added. The onion brings sweetness and depth, the broth creates a flavorful cooking liquid, and the seasoning ties everything together. After hours of slow cooking, you’ll have a stew-like dish that feels homemade, even though it required minimal effort.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 bag (about 24) frozen meatballs
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTION:

  1. Layer the base: Place the frozen meatballs into the bottom of the crockpot. Add the cubed potatoes on top, spreading them evenly.
  2. Add onion: Scatter the sliced onion over the potatoes. This will infuse the dish with a subtle sweetness as it cooks.
  3. Pour in broth: Add the beef or chicken broth, ensuring the ingredients are mostly covered. The broth will act as the cooking liquid, keeping everything moist and flavorful.
  4. Season generously: Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Adjust seasoning to taste, but remember that flavors will deepen during cooking.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the meatballs are heated through.
  6. Stir and serve: Before serving, gently stir the mixture to combine the flavors. Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm.

SERVINGS:

This recipe serves 6 people generously. It can be scaled up or down depending on the size of your crockpot and the number of guests.

NOTE:

  • Flexibility: You can swap beef broth for chicken broth or even vegetable broth depending on preference.
  • Extra flavor: For a richer dish, add a splash of cream or a handful of shredded cheese just before serving.
  • Vegetable boost: Carrots, peas, or green beans can be added for extra nutrition and color.
  • Texture tip: If you prefer thicker stew, mash a few potato cubes into the broth before serving.
  • Effortless meal: This recipe is perfect for busy days—simply dump the ingredients in the morning and return to a ready-to-eat dinner in the evening.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker meatball and potato comfort stew is proof that delicious meals don’t need to be complicated. With just five main ingredients—meatballs, potatoes, onion, broth, and seasoning—you create a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that warms both body and soul, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.

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