Turkey Meatball Stew: A Family Favorite!

First, let it be said that I am not a food blogger.  That would require more attention to detail than I can muster when it comes to cooking.  I like to use recipes I find as "templates", preferring to add my own twist and play with ingredients and amounts.  This recipe is no exception.  But, in my defense, I have made this recipe more times than I can count and it is very forgiving.  Something you can throw together that is healthy and I bet your whole family will love. 

I think it is important to use quality ingredients whenever possible.  Especially meats.  Better for your family's health and better for our planet.  So buy organic pasture-raised meats whenever possible.  I also only use San Marzano tomatoes, as I find the flavor far superior to other canned tomatoes.  And buy good quality stock as well.  It really does make a difference in the final flavors of the dish.

Make this for your family and see how it goes down!  Enjoy!

Turkey Meatball Stew
(Serves 4)

Ingredients

• 1 lb organic ground turkey (regular, not ground turkey breast)
• 3 organic chicken or pork sausages (I use mild Italian flavor)
• 1/2 c breadcrumbs (gluten free or regular)
• 1 egg
• salt & pepper
• fresh parsley, chopped (optional, use as little or as much as you like)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1-2 potatoes or sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/4 in rounds
• 1-2 cups other chopped veggies ( I usually do carrots, mushrooms, and green beans, but add what you like or have on hand!)
• 1 15 oz can chopped tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
• 1 1/2 cup good quality chicken stock
• pinch or 2 of red pepper flakes
• grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. ​Preheat oven to 350F
2. In medium-sized bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients and mix together with clean hands.  Do not over mix.
3. Form meatballs roughly 2 inches in diameter.  Makes approx 12-15 meatballs.  
4. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Spray or brush meatballs lightly with olive oil
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through
7. Meanwhile, grab a large skillet (cast iron if you have one) and saute onion in olive oil.
8. When onion begins to soften, add the other veggies except potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
9. Let veggies cook for 5-10 minutes 
10. Push veggies to the side and place potato rounds on bottom of skillet- this will allow them to form a crust.  Let cook for approx. 5 mins
11. Add chopped tomatoes, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, and more salt and pepper.  Stir veggies back over potatoes (don't move potatoes until the end)
12. When meatballs are cooked, place in to skillet, place the lid on, and simmer for approx 20 minutes.
13. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese to serve!