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Tender Red Wine Braised Meatballs

Tender Red Wine Braised Meatballs for Cozy Comfort Nights

Tender Red Wine Braised Meatballs are juicy meatballs made with beef and pork in a rich red wine sauce, perfect for cozy nights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Provides richness and flavor; try ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 lb Ground Pork Adds tenderness and deeper flavor; can use more ground beef instead.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Helps bind the meatballs; swap for gluten-free breadcrumbs to cater to dietary needs.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Enhances flavor; fine grating ensures optimal mixing.
  • 2 large Eggs Binds the mixture together; letting them warm to room temperature makes mixing easier.
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced) Gives aromatic flavor; always opt for fresh garlic for the best taste.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped) Adds freshness; basil or oregano can be delightful substitutions.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust to personal taste before serving.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Used for browning the meatballs; feel free to use vegetable oil or butter if preferred.
  • 1 medium Onion (finely chopped) Adds sweetness; sauté until it turns translucent for the best flavor.
  • 1 cup Red Wine Crucial for deglazing and enhancing flavor depth; a medium-bodied Merlot or Pinot Noir works well.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Adds moisture; opt for low-sodium versions if watching sodium intake.
  • 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes Forms the sauce base, contributing acidity; drain excess liquid, if necessary.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Concentrates flavor and thickens the sauce; it deepens the overall color and taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Infuses Mediterranean flavors into the sauce; fresh herbs are a fantastic alternative if available.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Infuses Mediterranean flavors into the sauce; fresh herbs are a fantastic alternative if available.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Tender Red Wine Braised Meatballs
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently using your hands until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. Once mixed, let the mixture rest for 10 minutes while you heat up your skillet.
  2. Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate as you shape each one; they should be sturdy yet tender.
  3. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the meatballs, cooking them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
  4. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed and toss in the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
  5. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping the browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Allow the wine to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly and creating a rich flavor.
  6. Stir in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil into the skillet. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  7. Carefully return the browned meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid, and let them braise on low heat for about 30 minutes.
  8. After 30 minutes, check the meatballs for doneness. If they’ve reached an internal temperature of 160°F, remove the lid and taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter, spooning the rich sauce over the top. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Mix gently to avoid tough meatballs. Use room temperature eggs for better binding. Always deglaze the skillet for maximum flavor. Let meatballs rest after cooking for juiciness.

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