Tender Red Wine Braised Meatballs
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Tender Red Wine Braised Meatballs. Juicy meatballs are slow-cooked in a rich, savory red wine sauce, creating a dish that envelops you in warmth and flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, serve them over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce. This dish promises an unforgettable experience that will leave everyone asking for more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (70% lean, 30% fat)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup dry red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- 2. Shape the Meatballs: Roll mixture into equal-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- 3. Sear the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs for about 3 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked.
- 4. Make the Sauce: Remove excess oil from the skillet. Add red wine to deglaze the pan and scrape up brown bits. Stir in crushed tomatoes and beef broth along with thyme and bay leaf.
- 5. Simmer Together: Return meatballs to the skillet with sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for about 30 minutes until cooked through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg