Hearty White Bean Meatball Skillet – Ready in 45 Minutes

White Bean & Meatball Stew

Deliciously hearty, this classic Egyptian dish brings the comforting flavors of slow‑cooked beans and savory meatballs to your table. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or a comforting dinner, it pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice and warm local bread.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups dried white beans, soaked overnight
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1.1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and lamb)
• 4 cups tomato juice (about 1 liter)
• 2 Tbsp tomato sauce
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small hot pepper, minced (optional)
• ½ bunch fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 Tbsp oil + 2 Tbsp butter
• Serve with white rice and local flatbread

Instructions

1. Soak the beans in plenty of water overnight (or at least 8 hours).
2. Rinse the beans thoroughly, then cook them in boiling water until they’re about 80 % cooked (they should be tender but not mushy).
3. Mix the ground meat with the chopped onion, minced bell pepper, paprika, salt, pepper, and half of the parsley. Combine until well blended.
4. Form the mixture into small meatballs, then refrigerate for 30‑60 minutes to set.
5. Heat a large sauté pan over medium‑high heat; add oil and butter.
6. Sauté the remaining onion and minced hot pepper until lightly browned.
7. Add the tomato sauce and stir to coat the aromatics.
8. <strongPour in the tomato juice and season with the remaining pepper, salt, and paprika.
9. <strongSimmer the sauce until it melds and reduces slightly.
10. <strongDrain the cooked beans and add them to the pan; give everything an even stir.
11. <strongThicken over low heat, stirring, for about 15 minutes with the lid on.
12. <strongTop with the chilled meatballs and optionally sprinkle diced hot pepper.
13. <strongCook the combined mixture for another 10 minutes, then stir the meatballs through and garnish with the remaining fresh herbs.
14. <strongServe hot, accompanied by fluffy white rice and fresh flatbread.