Hobo Meatball Stew Recipe

By lewolfe50

Basic ingredients make this hearty stew a favorite at the home of Margery Bryan in Royal City, Washington. "I usually have everything on hand for this recipe, so it's simple to load up the slow cooker at noon. When I get home, dinner's ready and waiting."

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt or salt-free seasoning blend, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 medium carrots, cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1-1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Preparation

Step 1

In a bowl, combine the beef, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Shape into 1-in. balls. In a skillet over medium heat, brown meatballs on all sides; drain.

Place the potatoes, carrots and onion in a 3-qt. slow cooker; top with meatballs. Combine the water, ketchup, vinegar, basil, and remaining salt and pepper; pour over meatballs.

Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or until the vegetables are tender. Yield: 4 servings.