Meatball Stew with Orzo and White Beans
Looking for a hearty and comforting meal to warm you up this winter? Try this delicious Meatball Stew with Orzo and White Beans! It’s the perfect combination of savory meatballs, tender orzo, and creamy white beans in a flavorful broth that will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form mixture into meatballs.
- In a large pot, bring beef broth to a simmer. Add meatballs and cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in orzo pasta and white beans. Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until orzo is tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Popular questions:
- Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Q: Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
- Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
- Q: Can I freeze this stew for later?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe for a lighter option.
A: Yes, you can use chicken broth as a substitute for beef broth if preferred.
A: Feel free to use another small pasta shape like ditalini or small shells if you don’t have orzo on hand.
A: This stew freezes well, just allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Helpful tips:
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of dried oregano or basil to the meatball mixture.
- You can customize this stew with additional vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking to thicken the broth.
Expert Secrets:
- Cook the meatballs on low heat to ensure they are fully cooked without becoming tough.
- Season the broth with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for a deeper flavor profile.
- Try making the meatballs with a blend of ground beef and ground pork for added richness.
