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Red Wine Braised Meatballs

Red Wine Braised Meatballs: Comfort Food Bliss in Every Bite

Indulge in Red Wine Braised Meatballs, a comforting dish that marries rich flavors with cheesy polenta, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground chicken can substitute with ground beef, pork, lamb, or plant-based meat
  • 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese add more to taste or substitute with nutritional yeast
  • 1 each egg or flax egg for vegan option
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning the meatballs
  • 1 each diced onion
  • 1 each diced carrot
  • 1 each diced celery stalk
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste omit for a lighter taste
  • 1 cup red wine choose a robust variety like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter option
For the Polenta
  • 1 cup polenta or cornmeal, or instant polenta for quick fix
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil for dairy-free option
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Large Skillet
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Meatball Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, gluten-free breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, salt, pepper, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Mix until evenly combined, then form into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
Meatball Browning
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add meatballs in batches, browning for about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Vegetable Sautéing
  1. In the same skillet, reduce heat and add more olive oil if needed. Sauté diced onion, carrot, and celery for about 4-5 minutes until soft.
Sauce Creation
  1. Stir in tomato paste and mix with vegetables, then pour in red wine and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Meatball Braising
  1. Once sauce thickens, return meatballs to the skillet. Cover, reduce heat, and braise for 20-30 minutes.
Polenta Cooking
  1. In a saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in polenta, reduce heat, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese, butter, and salt to taste.
Serving
  1. Spoon polenta onto each plate, top with meatballs and sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, store meatballs and polenta separately to maintain the polenta's creamy texture when reheating.

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