Delicious Meatball Recipe with a White Wine Twist
Are you looking for a delicious and impressive dish to serve at your next dinner party? Look no further than these mouthwatering meatballs in white wine sauce. The combination of tender, juicy meatballs and rich, savory sauce will leave your guests begging for seconds.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also features a unique twist on the classic meatball dish. The addition of white wine and sun-dried tomatoes creates a complex flavor profile that is both sophisticated and satisfying.
Whether you are an experienced chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab a bottle of your favorite white wine and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you searching for the perfect comfort food that feels indulgent yet is still healthy and satisfying? This meatballs recipe with creamy white wine sauce is exactly what you are looking for! There are several reasons why this dish is going to become your go-to recipe for a cozy dinner.
Firstly, the combination of white wine and sun-dried tomatoes in the sauce adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. This unique pairing tantalizes your taste buds with every bite, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Secondly, the homemade meatballs are moist and juicy, thanks to the addition of ricotta cheese and eggs in the mix. These ingredients make the meatballs tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer beef, lamb, turkey or veal, this dish can accommodate any protein preference. It also pairs well with any type of pasta or mushroom sauce.
But perhaps the most appealing aspect of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. With only a few simple steps, you can make restaurant-quality meatballs and sauce that look and taste like they took hours to create. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal which means quick prep time followed by low-maintenance cooking – ideal for busy weeknights!
In conclusion, if you want to cook a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or an intimate date night at home, you should definitely try these Meatballs with White Wine Sauce. Trust me, once you taste them, they will be on the regular rotation at your dinner table.
Ingredient List
Here are all of the ingredients you will need to make these mouthwatering meatballs with a creamy white wine sauce:
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 30 g parmigiano, cut into pieces of about 3 cm
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 1 cup flour
- 2 cups dry white wine
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
This ingredient list may seem long at first glance, but most of these items are pantry staples that you may already have on hand. However, if some of them are not readily available, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with some easy substitutions and variations in the next section.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you know the ingredients required to make these delicious meatballs with a white wine sauce, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to have a mouthwatering meal in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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First, start by heating up 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan. Add 1 minced garlic clove and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Next, add your meatballs into the frying pan and lightly dredge them in flour. Cook them over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until they are browned on all sides.
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Then, add in 1 cup of dry white wine into the pan and let it come to a boil. Reduce heat and let the meatballs simmer in the wine sauce for a few minutes.
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While the meatballs are cooking, you can prepare the white wine sauce by adding 2 cups of heavy cream or half and half into another saucepan. Heat it up over medium heat and then add 60g of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of cornflour or flour, and salt & pepper to taste.
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Whisk continuously until the mixture thickens.
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Once your white wine mushroom sauce is ready, add it to your meatball saucepan. Stir gently so that the creamy white wine mushroom sauce is well incorporated with the meatballs.
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Finally, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes as an optional ingredient, stir well for a few more minutes, and enjoy!
Making these meatballs with a white wine sauce is easy and requires minimal effort in the kitchen. This savory dish can be served with pasta or just on their own as an appetizer or main course meal. Try making different variations like lamb meatballs or German meatballs with a white wine caper sauce — The possibilities are endless!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up or make this recipe your own, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try!
Firstly, if you aren’t a fan of beef, ground turkey meatballs also work perfectly in this recipe. You could also try using chicken or lamb meatballs for a change of pace.
If you prefer a creamier white wine sauce, add 1 cup of cream to the sauce after cooking the wine and mushrooms. This will create a luxurious and indulgent sauce that pairs perfectly with the meatballs.
For a vegetarian twist, swap out the ground beef for mushrooms or even tofu to create mouth-watering mushroom meatballs. You can even serve these with spaghetti and mushroom sauce for a fully vegetarian meal.
Alternatively, for those who love some extra flavour in their meatballs, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or capers to the mix. These additions not only provide an added burst of flavour but also pair perfectly with the white wine mushroom sauce.
Lastly, if you want to keep things classic but still switch things up slightly, try making Swedish meatballs instead. To do so, use ground pork or veal in place of beef and cook in a creamy gravy featuring sour cream and lingonberry jam.
Whatever substitution or variation you choose, be sure to have fun with it! The key is to experiment with different flavours until you find your perfect combination.
Serving and Pairing
These succulent meatballs with a creamy white wine mushroom sauce recipe are a surefire hit when it comes to family-friendly dinners or special entertaining. When it’s time to serve up these delectable tasty treats, keep in mind that they pair perfectly with a chilled glass of refreshing dry white wine. The wine’s acidity, balanced flavor profile, and slight hint of sweetness bring out the best flavors in the meatballs and complement the richness of the creamy white wine sauce.
I highly recommend pairing these meatballs with a crisp and floral white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore different white wine flavors, try savoring this dish with a light-bodied Chardonnay or Viognier. Both types of wines offer notes of stone fruit, citrus, and vanilla that balance well with the garlicky, creamy tomato and mushroom-based sauce.
In addition to white wine, these meatballs also pair exceptionally well with a selection of freshly baked bread, roasted vegetables, or buttery mashed potatoes. For an extra pop of flavor and color, consider serving them with a side salad consisting of mixed greens, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese shavings, and tangy balsamic vinaigrette. At My sommelier events we pair this recipe precisely according to your preference.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re short on time or want to get ahead of the game, this meatballs with white wine sauce recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for later use. It’s perfect for batch cooking and meal prepping.
To make the meatballs ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions until after they’ve been cooked for 10 minutes. Let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to serve, simply heat them up in either the oven or microwave until they’re heated through. For best results, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
As for the sauce, it can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk until fully heated through.
To store any leftovers, place them in separate airtight containers and store them in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. These meatballs reheat beautifully and make for a delicious leftover meal the next day.
Overall, this recipe is versatile and perfect for make-ahead meals or storing leftovers.
Tips for Perfect Results
One of the keys to making this meatball recipe with a white wine sauce a success is to pay attention to the little details that can make all the difference. Here are some tips that can help you achieve perfect results:
1. Bind the Meatball Mixture Well
When mixing the ingredients for the meatballs, be sure to bind them well so they don’t fall apart while cooking. The ricotta cheese helps in holding the meatball together.
2. Dredge Meatballs Lightly
Dredging the meatballs in flour before adding them to the frying pan can help keep their shape and create a golden crust. However, be careful not to dredge them too heavily or it will make the meatballs too dry.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Frying Pan
Cooking too many meatballs at once can cause them to steam each other and lose their crispy texture. Cook them in batches and leave enough space around each one to ensure even browning.
4. Keep an Eye on The Sauce
White wine sauces have a tendency to curdle or separate if cooked at high temperatures for too long. Cook it over low heat to avoid any chance of separation or curdling.
5. Balance Flavors
Don’t forget to balance the flavors of your dish by adjusting salt and acid levels accordingly.
With these tips in mind, you can expect creamy white wine mushroom sauce blanketing your perfectly succulent meatballs with every bite bursting with flavor.
FAQ
As a sommelier, I have received several questions from customers about pairing wine with various dishes. In this recipe, white wine plays a significant role in enhancing the flavor of the meatballs and the creamy white wine sauce. Therefore, I have compiled common questions about using white wine to make this savory dish irresistible. In this FAQ section, you will find my answers to some frequently asked questions.
How to make a white wine Sause?
As the olive oil heats up in the saucepan over medium heat, I toss in some garlic and red pepper and stir sauté until it reaches a golden hue in approximately a minute. After that, I add salt and pepper, followed by wine and butter to create a delicious sauce. I let the mixture simmer for two minutes, then remove it from the heat. This fantastic sauce can be paired with pasta, chicken breasts, shrimp or scallops for an unforgettable meal.
What does white wine do to sauce?
White wine can be used as a great substitute for vinegar in classic sauces like Béarnaise and beurre blanc to give them a unique flavor profile that is less acidic. The addition of white wine adds depth to cream-based sauces, which can help to balance their richness. Additionally, white wine is a perfect pairing for dishes with dairy, as seen in traditional fondue recipes.
What wine is best for meatball sauce?
For those who fancy white wine, I’d recommend going for a Chardonnay with a delicate, subtle oak flavor or a full-bodied Riesling from Austria. When it comes to pairing it with meatballs that have a rich Middle Eastern flavor packed with spices, I would suggest opting for a blend of Syrah and Grenache, such as those hailing from the southern Rhône in France or Australia. These wines complement the boldness of the meatballs perfectly.
What is white wine sauce made of?
To prepare a white wine sauce, one would need dry white wine, garlic, and shallot as ingredients.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this recipe for meatballs with white wine sauce is a delicious and easy option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and white wine, the meatballs are packed with flavor and the creamy white wine sauce takes it to the next level.
Not only is this dish satisfying for any taste bud, it offers substitutions and variations to fit dietary needs such as swapping out ground beef for ground turkey or veal. It pairs perfectly with pasta or on its own, making it versatile for any meal.
Additionally, with make-ahead, storing and reheating tips provided, you can easily prepare this dish in advance and have leftovers for another meal.
In conclusion, whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this meatball recipe with white wine sauce is sure to impress. It is a perfect blend of richness and flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try tonight and let your taste buds enjoy!
Meatballs With a White Wine Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb extra lean ground beef
- 100 g ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 10 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup parmigiano, slightly grated
- salt and pepper (to season)
- flour, for dredging
Wine Sauce
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 10 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup white wine
Instructions
- Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, add ground beef, ricotta cheese, an egg, sund-dried tomatoes, parmigiano cheese, salt and pepper.
- Mix well until ingredients are evenly distributed. With your hands, shape the meatballs into the size of golf balls and pat them down so they can evenly cook.
- Wine Sauce: In a large pot, heat oil and add garlic. Lightly dredge the meatballs in flour and add to the pan.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes. Fry meatballs until golden on the outside. Add wine to deglaze the pan and let wine reduce by half and thicken up.
- Let cook for an additional 5 minutes.