Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Stew
This stew is bursting with Italian flavors and healthy ingredients which makes it a delicious and hearty meal for the winter.
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 351kcal
Ingredients
- 12 Italian Meatballs click here for Italian Meatball recipe
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 carrots peeled, chopped
- 2 celery stalks coarsely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper cored and seeded, diced
- 1 zucchini coarsely chopped
- 14 1/2 ounces fire roasted tomatoes can - with liquid
- 15 ounces cannellini beans can - drained
- 2 garlic cloves diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons basil freshly chopped, or 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- kosher or sea salt to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth fat free, low sodium
- 1/2 cup whole wheat orzo (optional whole wheat couscous or pre-rinsed quinoa)
Instructions
- Add oil to a large skillet, turn to medium heat and cook meatballs until brown on both sides, about 16 minutes. While meatballs are cooking add remaining ingredients, except orzo, to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Add browned meatballs to slow cooker, cover and cook on low 7-8 hours. The last 15 minutes of cooking time, add orzo, turn slow cooker to high and cook 10-15 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Serve in bowls and sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup stew with 2 meatballs | Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 622mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 6g |
| SmartPoints (Freestyle): 10
SmartPoints (Freestyle): 10
SmartPoints (Freestyle): 10