Description
This Cajun Meatball Stew is a bold and hearty one-pot meal bursting with traditional Cajun spices, tender meatballs, and a vibrant mix of vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a comforting and flavorful dinner perfect for busy nights or impressing guests without lengthy prep and cooking times.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or pork
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning blend (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, herbs)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Stew Base
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth
- Optional: 1 cup sliced okra or green beans
To Serve
- Steamed rice or crusty bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef or pork with Cajun seasoning, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into small to medium-sized meatballs for quick cooking. Set aside while prepping vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and slightly softened, creating a flavorful base for the stew.
- Brown the Meatballs: Add the meatballs to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Gently brown on all sides without fully cooking through to develop a rich crust and lock in juices.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in diced tomatoes and broth, stir well to combine. Add okra or green beans if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and flavors meld.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more Cajun spice, salt, or pepper if needed. Serve hot over steamed rice or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Notes
- Use fresh Cajun seasoning for more vibrant flavors.
- Brown meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Choose ground meat with some fat content for juicy meatballs.
- Simmer gently to meld flavors without overcooking meatballs.
- Adjust spice levels carefully to suit all palates.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/4 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg