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Smoky Mexican meatball stew

Smoky Mexican meatball stew

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

A bold and comforting smoky Mexican meatball stew made with tender beef meatballs, fire roasted tomatoes, black beans, corn, and warm spices simmered in a rich chili broth.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 900 grams ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 4 cloves garlic, divided
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 400 grams fire roasted crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges


Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Place a large heavy pot over medium heat and add olive oil.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently and form into meatballs about 3 centimeters in diameter.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Brown the meatballs in batches for 4 to 5 minutes, turning gently. Remove and set aside once lightly browned.
  4. Assemble the Dish: In the same pot, sauté chopped onion and remaining 2 minced garlic cloves until soft. Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin, cooking briefly until fragrant.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Add fire roasted tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well, then add black beans, corn, and red bell pepper. Return the meatballs to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
  6. Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust remaining salt and black pepper as needed. Let the stew rest for 5 minutes off the heat.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
  • Brown the meatballs in batches to avoid steaming.
  • For a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for the last 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Add extra chili powder or red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg