Slow Cooker Amish Meatball Stew

This 5-ingredient slow cooker Amish meatball stew is an easy, hearty meal made with frozen meatballs, potatoes, and a creamy onion gravy. Everything cooks together slowly, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights when you want a filling dinner with very little preparation.

Serve it in warm bowls with crusty bread, dinner rolls, green beans, or a simple salad. The rich gravy also makes this stew especially satisfying over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

 

Ingredients

2 pounds frozen fully cooked beef meatballs
2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (14.5-ounce) can beef broth
1 (1-ounce) packet onion soup mix

 

Directions

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or a little oil.
2. Add the potatoes: Spread the cubed potatoes evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Make the gravy: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and onion soup mix until well combined.
4. Layer the ingredients: Pour the soup mixture over the potatoes. Add the frozen meatballs in an even layer on top. There is no need to thaw or brown them first.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the meatballs are heated through.
6. Finish the stew: Gently stir from the bottom, bringing the potatoes and gravy up around the meatballs. Let the stew sit uncovered for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

 

Variations & Tips

• Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be substituted for the cream of mushroom soup.
• Beef meatballs can also be replaced with fully cooked frozen pork or turkey meatballs.
• For a little extra sweetness, stir 1–2 teaspoons brown sugar into the soup mixture.
• If you want more vegetables, add frozen mixed vegetables before adding the meatballs. Keep in mind that this will make it a recipe with more than five ingredients.
• For thicker gravy, mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the slow cooker and stir them back into the stew.

 

What to Serve With Meatball Stew

Serve this stew with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping into the gravy. Green beans, steamed carrots, coleslaw, or a simple lettuce salad also make easy sides.

For a larger meal, spoon the stew over buttered egg noodles or white rice.

 

Storage & Reheating

Let leftovers cool and refrigerate them in a covered container. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a small splash of broth or water if the gravy becomes too thick.

 

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker meatball stew keeps dinner simple with just a handful of ingredients and very little prep. Tender potatoes, fully cooked meatballs, and creamy onion gravy come together in one comforting dish that’s well suited to busy family meals and casual gatherings.