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Red Wine Braised Meatballs

Red Wine Braised Meatballs: Cozy Italian Comfort Food Delight

Red Wine Braised Meatballs are a delightful comfort dish, bursting with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Use 80/20 for optimal flavor and moisture.
  • 3 tbsp Fresh Parsley Can be swapped with basil or oregano.
  • 1 medium Onion Finely chopped.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic is best.
  • Salt & Pepper Season to taste.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Red Wine Choose fruity varieties like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • 1 can Canned Tomatoes Crushed tomatoes for a smooth sauce.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Low-sodium broth enhances richness.

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • heavy skillet
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Begin by finely chopping one medium onion and mincing three cloves of garlic. Set them aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine one pound of ground beef, the chopped parsley, onion, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Gently mix until fully combined.
  3. Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into golf ball-sized meatballs, yielding about 20. Arrange them on a plate.
  4. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown for about 4-5 minutes until golden on all sides.
  5. Transfer the meatballs to a plate. Reduce heat to medium-low, then pour in one cup of red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in one can of crushed tomatoes and one cup of low-sodium beef broth, bringing to a gentle simmer.
  6. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, submerging them in the sauce. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring gently to ensure even cooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Perfect for meal prep, these meatballs can be made ahead and stored for those busy evenings. They taste even better the next day after flavors have melded.

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