Description
A cozy and hearty Spanish-inspired stew made with tender meatballs, creamy butter beans, aromatic vegetables, and warm smoky spices. Comforting, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, then shape into small bite-sized meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Add the diced onion to the same pot and sauté until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper and cook until tender.
- Sprinkle paprika, cumin, and thyme over the vegetables. Stir well to let the spices bloom and release their aroma.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Stir until the mixture simmers gently.
- Return the browned meatballs to the pot, letting them nestle into the sauce.
- Add the butter beans and continue simmering until the meatballs are fully cooked and the stew thickens slightly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use high quality canned tomatoes for the richest flavor.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Spanish meatballs, butter bean stew, tomato stew, Mediterranean comfort food