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–+ servings
Red Wine Braised Meatballs

Red Wine Braised Meatballs for Cozy Gourmet Nights

Delight in these Red Wine Braised Meatballs that combine comfort food and Italian flair, bringing joy to every meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Use 80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Basil is a great substitute.
  • 1 medium Onion Enhances the flavor with natural sweetness; shallots work well as a substitute.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic is best for a full flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to your preference.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground pepper is recommended.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Red Wine Choose a fruity option like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • 14 ounces Canned Tomatoes Crushed tomatoes are ideal for consistency.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Opt for low-sodium to control salt levels.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Consider using fresh oregano if available.

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • skillet
  • baking sheet
  • measuring cups
  • Knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop one medium onion and two cloves of garlic. This helps ensure a seamless cooking process.
  2. Mix Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped parsley, onion, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Form Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This yields around 12-15 meatballs.
  4. Brown Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add the meatballs, browning them for 4-5 minutes on each side.
  5. Create Sauce: Remove meatballs and deglaze the skillet with red wine, letting it simmer. Add crushed canned tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine.
  6. Braise Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet, reduce heat, and cover. Let it braise gently for around 30 minutes.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Check meatballs for doneness and serve over pasta, creamy polenta, or with crusty bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 3meatballsCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 24gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

Use high-quality red wine for the best flavor. Don't rush the browning step, as it adds depth to the meatballs.

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