Description
Tender, flavorful Red Wine Braised Meatballs simmered in a rich, velvety red wine and tomato sauce a comforting, elegant twist on the classic Italian favorite that’s perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup dry red wine
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix gently until combined.
2. Shape into golf ball–sized meatballs and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. Brown meatballs on all sides in batches, then transfer to a plate.
5. In the same pan, add onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
6. Add garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
8. Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
9. Return meatballs to the pan, cover, and reduce heat to low.
10. Simmer gently for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are tender and sauce thickens.
11. Discard bay leaf and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
12. Serve over pasta, polenta, or crusty bread.
Notes
Use a good-quality dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Make ahead — flavor improves after a day as the sauce deepens.
Freeze leftovers with sauce for up to 3 months for easy weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: red wine meatballs, braised meatballs, italian comfort food, beef and pork meatballs