This hearty stew mixes tasty meatballs with fresh veggies and beans for a Mediterranean twist. Cooking it in a slow cooker makes it super easy and flavorful!
I love coming home to the smell of this stew filling my kitchen. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Plus, it’s perfect for cozy nights or meal prep for busy weeks. 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Lamb: Use either beef or lamb for your meatballs. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. Consider plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version!
Breadcrumbs: I prefer plain breadcrumbs for this recipe, but you can use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs if you like extra flavor. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs can substitute seamlessly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds great flavor. You can swap it for Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free cheese alternative if needed.
Canned Beans: Cannellini or navy beans are traditional, but any white bean works. Chickpeas can also be a fun, hearty alternative.
Pasta: Acini di pepe or orzo are cute choices for this stew. If you don’t have those, any small pasta like ditalini will do. For a low-carb option, use zucchini noodles or omit pasta altogether!
How Can I Brown Meatballs for Extra Flavor?
While browning meatballs is optional, it does add a delicious depth to the flavor. Here’s how to do it easily:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Carefully add the meatballs, ensuring they aren’t crowded. Brown them for about 3-4 minutes on all sides until golden.
- Once browned, transfer them to your slow cooker to finish cooking.
This step enhances the texture and flavor of your meatballs, making the stew even tastier!
Why Is It Important to Stir Before Cooking?
Stirring your ingredients before cooking ensures that each element is well-distributed, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how:
- After adding all the ingredients into the slow cooker, use a large spoon to gently mix them together.
- This promotes even cooking and ensures the meatballs and veggies are infused with the delicious broth.
- Don’t worry if they stick together a bit; they’ll break apart as they cook!
Nailing this step makes the final dish more flavorful and satisfying.
Easy Slow Cooker Mediterranean Meatball Minestrone Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb (for meatballs)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning meatballs, optional)
For the Stew:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium zucchinis, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup small pasta (acini di pepe, orzo, or ditalini)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful stew takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The slow cooker does all the work for you, giving you tender meatballs and flavorful broth that’s so easy to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. Shape this mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Brown the Meatballs (Optional):
If you prefer a richer flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning to brown all sides for about 3-4 minutes. This step adds great depth to the flavor but it can be skipped if you want to save on prep time!
3. Layer It Up:
Place the meatballs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Then add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and zucchinis on top of the meatballs. This creates a wonderful base for your stew.
4. Add the Rest of the Ingredients:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (juice and all), the drained white beans, the broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss in the bay leaf. Gently stir to combine everything.
5. Let It Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You want the veggies to be tender and the meatballs to be fully cooked!
6. Final Touches & Serve:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the small pasta. Check the liquid level and if it looks low, add a bit more broth or water because the pasta will soak up some of the broth. When everything is cooked, remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
7. Garnish & Enjoy:
Serve your stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil. It pairs perfectly with some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your comforting Mediterranean-inspired stew!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen meatballs, simply add them directly to the slow cooker without thawing. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly before serving, which may require adjusting the cooking time slightly longer.
What Can I Substitute for the Pasta?
If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, you can skip the pasta altogether or use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead. If you prefer whole grains, try substituting with barley or quinoa for added fiber!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this stew vegetarian by replacing the meatballs with plant-based meat alternatives or by using a mix of lentils and more vegetables. Just ensure your vegetable broth is also vegetarian-friendly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the stew has thickened too much. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months!
