Meatball Stew

Use your favorite meatball recipe or use this one:

1 ½ pounds ground beef

1 tsp. Salt

1/8 tsp. Pepper

1 egg

1 Tblsp. Minced onion

½ cup soft bread crumbs

Mix all ingredients together. Brown in a non-stick skillet; place in 2 qt. casserole.

3 Tblsp. Oil or fat from browning meatballs

1 can (1pound) tomatoes, cut up or use diced

1 cup water

2 tsp. Sugar

1 tsp. Basil leaves

3 medium potatoes, pared and diced

4 small carrots, pared and diced

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped

1 stalk celery, sliced

Blend flour into oil/fat. Stir in tomatoes, water, sugar and basil; stir well Add potatoes, carrots, onion and celery. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, adding more water of necessary. Pour over meatballs in casserole. Cover. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. An alternate cooking method: Cook in a crock-pot on low for 7 to 9 hours or on high for 3 to4 hours. Makes 6 servings.