Amazing Red Wine Braised Meatballs for a Delicious Dinner Recipe
Introduction
These amazing red wine braised meatballs offer a rich and comforting dinner option that combines tender beef with a flavorful sauce. Slow-cooked in red wine and tomatoes, they make a perfect meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fruity red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, parsley, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper using your hands until well combined.
- Step 3: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
- Step 4: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; brown the meatballs on all sides.
- Step 5: Remove meatballs; deglaze skillet with red wine, scraping up browned bits. Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth; bring to a simmer.
- Step 6: Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and braise on low heat for about 30 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano in place of parsley for a different aroma.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- If you prefer, substitute ground beef with a mixture of beef and pork for added richness.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors often improve after sitting overnight.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of wine?
Yes, choose a fruity dry red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for best results. Avoid wines that are too sweet or heavily oaked as they can alter the flavor.
How can I tell when the meatballs are fully cooked?
After braising for about 30 minutes, the meatballs will be firm to the touch and cooked through inside. You can also cut one open to check that there is no pink remaining.
PrintAmazing Red Wine Braised Meatballs for a Delicious Dinner Recipe
This recipe for Amazing Red Wine Braised Meatballs offers a satisfying and flavorful dinner featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich red wine and tomato sauce. Ground beef is enhanced with fresh parsley, garlic, and onion, browned to perfection, then slow-braised in a luscious blend of fruity Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth, making for a comforting and elegant meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup fruity red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves to ready them for mixing into the meatball mixture.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped parsley, onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix gently but thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of ingredients without overworking the meat.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, making sure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully and brown them on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes, forming a flavorful crust. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze Skillet and Prepare Sauce: Pour the red wine into the hot skillet used for browning and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Braise Meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, cover it, and reduce the heat to low. Let the meatballs braise in the sauce for about 30 minutes, or until cooked through and tender, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use a hearty fruity red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for the best flavor.
- Be careful not to overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender.
- Brown meatballs thoroughly to develop depth of flavor before braising.
- Braising on low heat helps keep the meatballs juicy and absorbs sauce flavors.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to enjoy the rich sauce.
Keywords: red wine meatballs, braised meatballs, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, comfort food
