Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Serving dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, chopped celery, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. In a large skillet, cook the meatballs over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
7. Serve the Cajun-style stewed meatballs hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
5. Temperature:
Medium-high heat for browning the meatballs, low heat for simmering the stew.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 292
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 23g
Sodium: 1149mg
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef. Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs. Red bell pepper can be used instead of green bell pepper.
Variations:
For a spicier version, add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and hot sauce. You can also add sliced mushrooms or diced zucchini to the stew.
Tips and tricks:
Make sure to brown the meatballs well before adding the sauce to the skillet. This will give them a nice crust and prevent them from falling apart in the stew.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the stewed meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the stewed meatballs in a large serving dish, garnished with chopped parsley. You can also sprinkle some Cajun seasoning over the top for added flavor.
Garnishes:
Chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions make great garnishes for this dish.
Pairings:
Serve the Cajun-style stewed meatballs with rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. A side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, would also be a great addition.
Suggested side dishes:
Rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid from the skillet and simmer for a few more minutes to thicken it up. If the meatballs are falling apart, try adding more breadcrumbs to the mixture next time.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
Cajun cuisine originated in Louisiana and is known for its bold flavors and use of spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic.
Flavor profiles:
This dish has a spicy, savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the stewed meatballs family-style in a large serving dish, or portion them out onto individual plates.
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