Go Back
+ servings
Red Wine Braised Meatballs

Red Wine Braised Meatballs: Comfort Food Your Family Will Love

This Red Wine Braised Meatballs recipe, combined with creamy polenta, offers irresistible flavor and comfort for your family.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Beef
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Chicken Alternative: ground beef, pork, or lamb
  • 1 small Onion Finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs Can use crushed crackers or gluten-free
  • 3/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese 1/4 cup for meatballs, 1/2 cup for polenta
  • 1 Egg Can replace with a flax egg for vegan option
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil Total for browning and sautéing
  • 1 Carrot Chopped
  • 1 Celery 1 stalk, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Paste Can use canned diced tomatoes
  • 750 ml Hearty Red Wine Alternative: zinfandel or syrah
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Optional, can use vegetable broth
For the Polenta
  • 1 cup Polenta Can use instant for quicker preparation
  • 2 tbsp Butter Substitute with olive oil for dairy-free
  • Salt and Pepper To taste

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and form into meatballs.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5–7 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.
  4. Pour in the red wine, stir well, and bring to a simmer. Allow it to reduce for 15-20 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
  5. Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let them braise in the sauce for 20–30 minutes.
  6. In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a rolling boil. Whisk in the polenta and reduce heat, stirring continuously for about 10–15 minutes until thickened.
  7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, butter, and salt to taste, creating a creamy polenta.
  8. Serve the meatballs on top of the creamy polenta, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 3meatballsCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 28gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Browning the meatballs enhances flavor, and using a good quality wine will improve the sauce's taste. Fresh vegetables yield a richer flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!