Slow Cooker Meatball and Potato Stew (High-Protein)

🍲 Slow Cooker Meatball and Potato Stew (High-Protein)

A hearty, comforting stew packed with tender meatballs, potatoes, and rich savory broth — perfect for meal prep and muscle-friendly macros.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6)

For the Meatballs:

• 1½ lbs (680 g) lean ground beef (90–93% lean)

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 egg

• ½ cup high-protein breadcrumbs (or crushed high-protein wraps)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Stew:

• 4 medium russet potatoes, diced

• 1 cup carrots, sliced

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 1 cup crushed tomatoes

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt & pepper to taste

🔥 Instructions

1. Make the meatballs
   In a bowl, mix all meatball ingredients. Form into 1-inch balls (about 20–24 meatballs).

2. Optional boost for flavor
   Lightly brown meatballs in a skillet for 2–3 minutes (not required but adds depth).

3. Assemble in slow cooker
   Add potatoes, carrots, onion, broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. Stir.

4. Add meatballs
   Gently place meatballs on top and slightly press into liquid.

5. Cook

   • LOW: 6–7 hours

   • HIGH: 3–4 hours
     Potatoes should be fork-tender and meatballs fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

6. Finish
   Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning. Optional: stir in fresh parsley.

💪 Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: 410

• Protein: 38 g

• Carbs: 32 g

• Fat: 15 g

• Fiber: 4 g

🔥 Extra Protein Boost Options

• Add ½ cup red lentils to the stew (adds ~6 g protein per serving)

• Stir in ½ cup cottage cheese at the end for creaminess

• Use half lean ground turkey + half beef for variety

• Add 1 scoop unflavored collagen powder into broth