Meatball and Tortellini Stew

This hearty stew combines tender meatballs and cheesy tortellini in a rich, flavorful broth that's perfect for cozy nights. It's easy to make and sure to become a family favorite in no time.

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TIME2 hr 15 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Meatballs: 1 pound ground beef ½ pound ground pork ½ tablespoon dried parsley salt and ground black pepper to taste Soup: 3 quarts beef broth 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce 3 small red potatoes, or more to taste, chopped 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped kale ½ cup trimmed green beans ¾ cup diced carrots 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 1 pound frozen cheese tortellini

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by mixing together the beef, pork, chopped onion, and parsley in a bowl. Season generously with salt and a bit of black pepper, then shape the mixture into small meatballs.

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Step 2

In a large pot, bring the beef broth to a boil and stir in the tomato sauce. Carefully add the meatballs to the bubbling broth. Turn the heat down to medium and let everything simmer gently for about an hour, occasionally skimming off any foam or fat that rises to the top.

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Step 3

Next, toss in the potatoes, onion, kale, green beans, carrots, garlic, basil, and Italian seasoning. Let the stew continue to simmer until the veggies are tender—this should take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your stove and how soft you like your veggies.

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Step 4

Finally, stir in the frozen tortellini and cook just until they're heated through, about 10 minutes. Give everything a good stir and it’s ready to serve!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Brown the meatballs well before adding them to the stew to develop deeper flavor.
- Use fresh or refrigerated tortellini for a softer texture; frozen works too but may need extra cooking time.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the tortellini from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Why you’ll love it

This stew is a comforting mix of hearty meatballs and tender tortellini, all simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you want something warm and satisfying. The combination of textures and savory flavors makes every bite enjoyable.

Serving ideas

Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad pairs nicely to complete the meal.

Storage & leftovers

Let the stew cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the pasta. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.