Introduction
If you’re like me, there’s something magical about comfort food, especially when it’s cold outside or you’re craving a cozy, satisfying meal. And what could be more comforting than a big bowl of fluffy mashed potatoes topped with a rich, hearty meatball mushroom stew? This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly evening and is perfect for those times when you want something filling but not too complicated.
I first came across this dish during a lazy Sunday afternoon. I had leftover ground beef from another recipe, and I was in the mood for something hearty but not too heavy. So, I decided to throw together a mushroom stew with tender meatballs, and of course, mashed potatoes were the natural pairing. The mushrooms in the stew bring so much flavor and depth, while the creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect base to soak up all that delicious sauce.
What I love about this meal is that it’s super versatile. You can serve it for a family dinner, impress your friends at a gathering, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that feels fancy, but it’s actually pretty easy to make, so don’t worry if you’re a beginner in the kitchen! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this mashed potatoes with meatball mushroom stew will surely be a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons this recipe for mashed potatoes with meatball mushroom stew will win over your taste buds:
- Comforting and Hearty: The creamy mashed potatoes combined with the rich, savory mushroom stew and tender meatballs create the perfect comfort food meal. It’s filling but not too heavy.
- Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated by the long list of ingredients! This dish is actually pretty straightforward to make, even for a beginner. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup is a breeze.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone in the family will love this dish. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Rich in Flavor: The mushroom stew is so flavorful with the perfect balance of savory meatballs, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy broth. The mashed potatoes are the ideal vessel to soak up all that delicious goodness.
Imagine spooning up a bite of creamy mashed potatoes, topped with savory meatballs and mushrooms, each bite filled with rich flavors and textures that will leave you feeling warm and satisfied.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes (20 minutes prep, 55 minutes cooking)
- Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on portion size.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious meal:
Meatballs and Stew:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken for a lighter option): The base for your meatballs, adding richness and protein.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the meatball mixture together.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: These make the meatballs nice and tender.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese: For a bit of extra flavor in the meatballs.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a rich, savory flavor to both the meatballs and the stew.
- 1 small onion (chopped): A classic base flavor for the stew.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or white button): Mushrooms add an earthy, umami depth to the stew.
- 2 cups beef broth: For the rich base of the stew. You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth if preferred.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds a creamy texture to the stew.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: For a bit of richness and tanginess in the stew.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and complexity to the stew.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the meatballs and vegetables.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and chopped): These potatoes are perfect for mashing—soft and creamy.
- 1/2 cup butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the potatoes.
- 1/2 cup milk: To achieve the perfect consistency for your mashed potatoes.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Chives, parsley, or thyme for a little garnish and extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Meatball Mushroom Stew:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently until just combined (be careful not to overwork the mixture, or the meatballs will be tough).
- Roll the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs depending on the size.
- Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot!) and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning them occasionally to brown on all sides. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside.
- Make the Stew Base:
- In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until they’ve released their moisture and are browned.
- Build the Stew:
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Return the browned meatballs to the pot and gently stir to combine. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add Cream for Richness:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You’ll end up with a rich, creamy, flavorful stew with tender meatballs and mushrooms.
Making the Mashed Potatoes:
- Cook the Potatoes:
- While the stew is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- Mash the Potatoes:
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them using a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the butter and milk, and continue mashing until everything is fully incorporated. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. If you want extra creamy mashed potatoes, feel free to add more butter or milk!
How to Serve
Once everything is ready, it’s time to plate up! Here’s how I love to serve this dish:
- Scoop a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate. You can make a little well in the middle to hold all that delicious stew.
- Top with the meatball mushroom stew—ladle a few meatballs, mushrooms, and plenty of sauce over the potatoes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a little color and extra flavor.
Pair with a simple side salad to balance out the richness, or serve with some crispy bread to mop up all that tasty sauce. It’s a meal that will leave everyone feeling full and happy.
Additional Tips
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you want a leaner version, ground turkey or chicken works just as well in the meatballs.
- Customize the Stew: You can add other vegetables like carrots or peas to the stew for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Creamy Potatoes: If you want extra creamy mashed potatoes, consider using half-and-half instead of milk, or add a little sour cream for a tangy twist.
- Make Ahead: Both the mashed potatoes and meatball mushroom stew can be made ahead of time. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth to loosen things up if needed.
- Don’t Skip Browning the Meatballs: Browning the meatballs adds so much flavor to the stew, so make sure you take the time to get them nice and golden before adding them back into the stew.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Make the meatballs with plant-based meat or lentils for a vegetarian version of this comforting dish. Use vegetable broth in the stew and add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for a lighter take.
- Mushroom-Free: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, swap them out for another hearty vegetable, like carrots or parsnips, to still get that earthy flavor in the stew.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew for a spicy kick that will complement the richness of the meatballs and mushrooms.
- Slow Cooker Version: If you’re short on time or want to set it and forget it, you can make this stew in a slow cooker. Brown the meatballs, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the broth, tomato paste, and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding cream at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make the mashed potatoes ahead of time. Once you’ve made them, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm them up on the stovetop, adding a little extra milk or butter to get them creamy again.
2. Can I freeze the meatball mushroom stew?
Yes, the meatball mushroom stew can be frozen! Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
3. Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute if you prefer a vegetarian option. Just make sure the meat is seasoned well to give the meatballs flavor, as ground turkey or chicken can be a bit leaner and might need a little extra seasoning.
4. What other vegetables can I add to the stew?
Feel free to add other vegetables to the stew to make it more hearty. Carrots, peas, or even green beans would work well. Just chop them up and add them to the stew during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering to allow them to cook through without getting mushy.
5. How do I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?
To make your mashed potatoes extra creamy, you can add more butter or use half-and-half instead of milk. For an extra rich texture, you can also add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese.
Mashed potatoes with meatball mushroom stew
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Meatballs and Stew:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken for a lighter option): The base for your meatballs, adding richness and protein.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the meatball mixture together.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: These make the meatballs nice and tender.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese: For a bit of extra flavor in the meatballs.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a rich, savory flavor to both the meatballs and the stew.
- 1 small onion (chopped): A classic base flavor for the stew.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or white button): Mushrooms add an earthy, umami depth to the stew.
- 2 cups beef broth: For the rich base of the stew. You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth if preferred.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds a creamy texture to the stew.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: For a bit of richness and tanginess in the stew.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and complexity to the stew.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the meatballs and vegetables.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and chopped): These potatoes are perfect for mashing—soft and creamy.
- 1/2 cup butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the potatoes.
- 1/2 cup milk: To achieve the perfect consistency for your mashed potatoes.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Chives, parsley, or thyme for a little garnish and extra flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently until just combined (be careful not to overwork the mixture, or the meatballs will be tough).
- Roll the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs depending on the size.
- Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot!) and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning them occasionally to brown on all sides. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside.
- Make the Stew Base:
- In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until they’ve released their moisture and are browned.
- Build the Stew:
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Return the browned meatballs to the pot and gently stir to combine. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add Cream for Richness:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You’ll end up with a rich, creamy, flavorful stew with tender meatballs and mushrooms.
Making the Mashed Potatoes:
- Cook the Potatoes:
- While the stew is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- Mash the Potatoes:
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them using a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the butter and milk, and continue mashing until everything is fully incorporated. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. If you want extra creamy mashed potatoes, feel free to add more butter or milk!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
Conclusion
Mashed potatoes with meatball mushroom stew is the ultimate comfort food—rich, savory, and absolutely satisfying. The creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect base for the tender meatballs and savory mushroom stew, creating a meal that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and will fill your kitchen with delicious aromas. So, next time you’re craving a hearty meal, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
