Beef Stew

Using meatballs in stew is an easy and economical way to add the meat your family craves to their diet without breaking the bank.  As we watch grocery prices steadily rise we are all looking for ways to cut corners without taking away the quality and good flavor we have come to expect.  Perhaps looking back to our parents and theirs, we can find many ideas to help.

In about 30 minutes you can serve up this hearty meal and watch as the family smiles when you bring the dishes to the table.

Beef Stew

First you will need the meatballs.

You can purchase meatballs already prepared and seasoned in your grocer's freezer section.  If you prefer to make your own you can combine:

1 beaten egg

3/4 cup soft bread crumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 pound ground beef

mix all well and form into about 1 inch balls.  You can make a larger ball if you wish, but this is the bite-size that my family prefers.

Whether you use frozen ready-made or your own home-made you will need to brown the meatballs in a pan in hot oil.   In a 12 inch deep sided pan add a tablespoon of cooking oil and 1/2 cup of chopped onion. Brown the meatballs with the onion.  Cover and cook about 5 minutes.  Drain off any fat.  

Add to the meatballs and onion,  one can of condensed cheddar cheese soup and one can of milk, stirring to combine.  Cover and simmer another 10 minutes.

Now you will add one 16 ounce can of diced beets, drained, and one 10 ounce package of frozen brussels sprouts.  Cover and simmer another 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine one 8 ounce can of spinach that has been drained well and chopped to 1 cup of biscuit mix and 1/4 cup milk in a bowl.  Stir well.  You should have a thick batter that holds it shape when dropped from a spoon.

TIP:  Pour the spinach through a coffee filter, gather the edges and squeeze out the extra moisture.  You can also use frozen spinach.  Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture in a paper towel or tea towel

Drop the spinach batter onto the top of the bubbling-hot meatball stew to form about 8 dumplings.  Cover and simmer 10 minutes without lifting the lid.  You want the steam to help cook the dumplings.

While this is last addition is cooking, mix up a nice salad and set the table.  Call the family and serve up this delicious version of an old favorite.  The dumplings give the kids an extra helping of vegetables and take the place of bread or biscuits.  

End the meal with a bowl of fruit and you have a complete meal that will satisfy and nourish your growing family, comfort your friends, and guarantee they come back wanting more.

Meatball Stew Recipe - A New Take on an Old Dish

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