Experience the Divine Flavors of Red Wine Infused Meatballs
Welcome, food lovers! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Red Wine Meatballs. These savory meatballs are braised in a rich and velvety red wine sauce that is perfect for cold winter nights or cozy dinners at home.
If you’re like me, nothing screams comfort food more than a hearty bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. But don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this dish – it packs a serious flavor punch! The red wine sauce adds a sophisticated twist to these humble meatballs, creating a winning combination that will take your taste buds on a journey they won’t soon forget.
This recipe is perfect for those who love to experiment with new flavors in their cooking. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make and requires only a handful of ingredients that you may even have on hand already.
So if you’re ready to impress your dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a decadent meal, grab your apron and let’s get started on making these delicious Red Wine Meatballs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and hearty meal that will only take a little over an hour to prepare? Look no further than these Red Wine Meatballs. These meatballs pack just the right amount of flavor and protein, making it an ideal main course option. Here are some reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
– Infused with Red Wine: The red wine in the recipe isn’t just an added flavor, but rather a key ingredient that will give a unique depth and richness to the dish.
– Versatile Sauce: With this recipe, you’ll also make a mouthwatering red wine sauce that works well with any type of pasta or rice. Whether you’re having spaghetti or rice pilaf, this sauce would be an amazing addition to your meal.
– Customizable Ingredients: This recipe is versatile enough to work well with either steak, beef, fillet mignon or ground beef. So feel free to tweak this recipe according to your taste preferences.
– Easy to Make: This recipe might seem like a complicated one when looking at its long list of ingredients; however, the detailed step-by-step instructions guarantee that even novice cooks can make delectable meatballs.
Moreover, these meatballs make great leftovers meals. You can use them in sandwiches or salads for lunch the next day or even freeze them for later use. They’ll continue to be in your weekly menu rotation because they’re not only delicious but practical too.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients needed to make these savory and delicious red wine meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp. allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
- 2 cups red table wine
- Water, as needed
For the red wine sauce:
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp. tomato paste
- 2 cups red table wine
- 1 bay leaf
Note: You can also use cranberry red wine or a dry red blend for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
Start by finely chopping one small yellow onion and mincing up two cloves of garlic. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup red table wine, ⅓ cup water, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 tbsp cornstarch until smooth. Add in the finely chopped onion, minced garlic cloves, 1 lb ground beef, 1 egg, ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup evaporated milk, and seasonings; 2 tsp allspice to the mixture. Gently mix everything together with a wooden spoon or your hands until fully combined.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Use your hands to form about 20-24 meatballs out of the beef mixture. Keep them uniform in size and shape for even cooking.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat and let it heat up before placing the meatballs carefully into the pan. Brown each side of the meatballs red wine for about three minutes until browned on both sides but not fully cooked through (they will finish cooking later in the recipe). Once browned on both sides, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Wine Sauce
In a small bowl blend together 2 tbsp tomato paste with a splash of red table wine to make a thick paste. In a sauté pan add some extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add thinly sliced one small yellow onion and garlic cloves sliced very thin.
Once the onions have started sautéing add your tomato paste/wine mixture. Slowly whisk in two cups of red table wine, two cups of canned tomatoes and a bay leaf. Bring everything bring to boil then lower the temperature to low-medium.
Once slightly thickened add in all of your braised meatballs. Leave everything to simmer together for around 10-15 minutes. Check as to if you require more seasoning adding more salt, pepper or additional allspice.
Step 5: Serve the Meatballs
Serve your delicious red wine meatballs in wine gravy over spaghetti red wine for a hearty main course and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this red wine meatballs recipe is that it is incredibly versatile and can be modified to fit your specific taste preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to mix things up:
– Meat: Instead of using ground beef, you could use ground pork or turkey as well. You could also swap out the ground beef for steak, filet mignon, or any other type of meat that suits your palate.
– Wine: While the recipe calls for using red table wine, you could experiment with different types of red wine and see how they impact the flavor of the dish. For example, using cranberry red wine can give your meatballs a unique tartness.
– Sauce: If you want a less saucy dish, you could reduce the amount of tomato paste or skip the sauce altogether. Alternatively, you could add other ingredients to the sauce such as mushrooms or bell peppers to give it an extra flavor boost.
– Spices: The allspice used in this recipe can be substituted with other spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a different taste. You could also add more garlic or onion if you prefer a stronger savory kick.
– Serving: While spaghetti is a classic pairing for meatballs, you could serve them with other types of pasta such as fettuccine or penne. Alternatively, you could serve the meatballs on their own as an appetizer.
Overall, these substitutions and variations aim to spice up the dish and make it customizable to suit diverse palates. Feel free to experiment with different variations until you find one that fits your taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
:
These red wine meatballs are a hearty dish that can be served as a main course or appetizer at your next dinner party. The rich flavors of the meatballs pair perfectly with a bold red table wine, such as a cabernet sauvignon or merlot.
To serve, you can either plate the meatballs on their own with some additional sauce on top, or you can go for a more classic presentation by serving them over a bed of spaghetti. If you choose the latter option, make sure to drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the spaghetti to add another layer of flavor.
For a side dish, consider serving roasted vegetables, such as brussels sprouts or carrots, to complement the richness of the meatballs. You can also opt for mashed potatoes or polenta to soak up the delicious wine gravy.
If you want to impress your guests even more, try pairing these meatballs with a braised red meat dish, such as beef steak or fillet mignon. The two will complement each other well and create a memorable dining experience.
Overall, these red wine meatballs are versatile and can be served in various ways depending on your preferences. Just don’t forget to have some extra red table wine on hand for sipping alongside this delicious meal!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about these red wine meatballs is that you can easily make them ahead of time and store them to eat later. Once the meatballs are done cooking, allow them to cool completely before storing them. You can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat, simply place them in a saucepan over medium heat with some additional wine sauce and cook until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish on high for one to two minutes.
If you’re making a big batch of these meatballs for a party or holiday gathering, you can also prepare them ahead of time and freeze them raw. To do this, let the meatballs come to room temperature before freezing and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Transfer the frozen meatballs to labeled freezer bags and store them for up to three months. When you’re ready to use them, just thaw them completely before cooking according to the recipe.
These red wine meatballs are also great for meal prep! Cook up a batch over the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week. Just be sure to store them properly so they don’t spoil.
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving perfect meatballs can be a daunting task for any cook. However, a few tips can ensure that you get tender and flavorful meatballs every time. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results for these red wine meatballs.
Firstly, it’s essential to not overwork the ground beef. Overworking the meat will result in dense and tough meatballs. Just mix the ingredients until they’re combined, then stop.
Another important tip is to avoid adding too much flour or breadcrumbs. These ingredients are used as binding agents, but if you add too much, the meatballs will be dry and crumbly. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
When shaping the meatballs, be gentle and don’t pack them too tightly. A loose ball will create a tender and juicy meatball.
Searing the meatballs before braising is also crucial. It creates a crispy exterior and seals in the juices, resulting in moist and soft meatballs.
Lastly, try using a higher fat content ground beef for richer flavor and more tender texture. An 80/20 ratio of lean to fat often works well.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make delicious red wine meatballs that are sure to impress your guests.
FAQ
Now that we have gone through the ingredient list, how-to recipe steps, possible substitutions and serving and pairing suggestions for these delicious red wine meatballs, you may have some remaining questions. Fear not! In this FAQ section, I’ll address some of the most common inquiries regarding this recipe.
What type of red wine is best for meatballs?
When it comes to pairing wine with meatballs, it’s no secret that red wines are an excellent choice. Specifically, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Syrah are highly recommended to perfectly complement the rich, full flavors of this classic dish.
What is the best red wine for meatballs and sauce?
When it comes to pairing wines with a classic dish like Spaghetti & Meatballs, it’s best to opt for a medium-bodied Italian red wine. Some excellent choices include Chianti Classico, Barbera, Primitivo, Valpolicella, and Montepulciano.
What wine is good for meatballs?
Do you lean towards white wines? Consider indulging in a Chardonnay with a subtle oak taste or a full-bodied Riesling from Austria. Those craving a meaty meal with a Middle Eastern undertone should try pairing their dish with a strong and spicy Grenache and Syrah blend hailing from southern Rhône, France or Australia.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these red wine meatballs are an absolute delight for anyone who enjoys the rich flavor of red wine infused in beefy goodness. They are easy to make, versatile and can be served with a countless number of dishes. They are perfect for family dinner nights or even a more formal get-together with friends.
Moreover, they can be stored and reheated easily, and the wine gravy can also be made ahead of time to save even more time on busy days. The variations and substitutions allow you to customize the recipe to your liking, making it even more enjoyable.
So if you’re looking for a new way to enjoy your red table wine or just looking for a delicious meal option to impress your guests, look no further than these Red Wine Meatballs. Trust me, this is one recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a shot and see how it becomes a new staple in your cookbook!
Red Wine Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup cream (18%) or 3/4 cup evaporated milk
- 3/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons salad oil
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 can beef bouillon or 1 can consomme
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup red table wine
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, cornstarch and allspice, tossing lightly with a fork until blended.
- Beat egg slightly, add cream and salt and blend.
- Add to meat mixture and mix lightly.
- Shape into 1 1/2" balls.
- Heat oil in skillet, add meat balls and brown on all sides.
- Remove meatballs and reserve.
- Add flour to drippings in skillet and blend.
- Add consumme, water, pepper and wine.
- Cook, stirring constantly until thickened and smooth.
- Add salt to taste.
- Add meatballs, cover skillet and simmer 20 minutes.