Tender Red Wine Braised Meatballs
Indulge in the heartwarming delight of Tender Red Wine Braised Meatballs. These succulent meatballs are simmered in a rich, aromatic red wine sauce that envelops every bite with deep, comforting flavors. Perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings, this dish evokes cherished memories and invites warmth into your home. Serve them over creamy polenta or alongside crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce, creating an unforgettable dining experience that will impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4 (12 meatballs total) 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil for searing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape the mixture into uniform balls about one inch in diameter and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs in batches until golden brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Transfer back to the baking sheet.
- In the same skillet, add red wine and scrape up browned bits. Simmer for three minutes; then add beef broth and herbs; stir well.
- Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes until cooked through and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg