Who doesn't like meatballs; especially red wine meatballs that are full of garlic and cheese and perfect on spaghetti or sandwiches or even on toothpicks! Plus they make great party appetizers!
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I love meatballs and it seems the rest of the world does, too.
I've made meatballs from all over, but it seems the classic homemade Italian meatball still prevails.
Perhaps it's because they can be eaten in one bite or perhaps it's because round food is so cute.
Whatever it is, meatballs are always a party fave.
Why I Love Red Wine Meatballs
I love this recipe for red wine meatballs because the flavor of the red wine really comes through.
And I don't know about you but when I have spaghetti and meatballs, I always have a glass of red wine.
Kind of seals the deal, so to speak!
These spicy meatballs are full of flavor and easy to make since they are baked in the oven-which means not having to clean grease from your stovetop!
There are also countless ways to serve these Italian meatballs which means you can get more than one dinner out of them.
Plus these meatballs easily become party meatballs!
Ingredients for Red Wine Meatballs
Onions and Garlic - These are mandatory for most any Italian dish I make
Olive Oil for sauteeing the onions and garlic
Red wine- In this red wine meatball recipe the wine not only adds flavor and moisture, it also helps tenderize the meat. Yes, wine is an acid. St. Julian recommends a Merlot.
Ground Beef and Ground Pork or Veal- A mixture creates more flavor
Eggs- These also add moisture but also help bind the meat together.
Pecorino Cheese-Can't be Italian without cheese! I like Pecorino for its strong flavor, but use Parmesan if you prefer
Seasonings- Meatballs should have a lot of seasoning. Feel free to add more or less. I love marjoram but oregano would also work. More garlic needed? Add some garlic powder. To test for seasoning, take a small spoonful of meat mixture and place it in a small bowl in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Taste and see what you prefer.
Dry bread crumbs- breadcrumbs absorb the juices from the meat keeping the meatballs moist.
How To Make Red Wine Meatballs
The process of making this somewhat spicy meatball recipe is easy.
Begin by cooking the onions and garlic with olive oil and then adding the red wine.
Let the mixture cool. While it is cooling combine the meat with your hands, mixing it together well.
Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well, but do not overwork the meat.
Shape into balls and place on baking sheet. I use a cookie scoop to keep my meatballs about the same size.
Bake for about 25 minutes depending on size.
How To Serve Meatballs
I love meatballs with spaghetti sauce, or as some say, marinara.
Keep it simple if you must and use a jarred sauce. I prefer this one.
Meatballs can also be added to lasagna. They may need to be sliced in half.
Serve them over or with garlic bread or in an Italian loaf for a meatball sub.
Add them to pizza.
And don't forget my favorite Italian salad on the side made with old fashioned Iceberg lettuce.
How To Serve Meatballs at a Party?
I like to serve red wine meatballs with tooth picks and marinara on the side for dunking.
For fun make an extra spicy marinara and serve that next to a regular one!
Or even serve with a vodka sauce. In fact, you could make a meatball bar and serve with a trio of sauces and even some bruschetta or garlic bread!
Or keep it simple and combine the marinara and meatballs in a crockpot and put the toothpicks on the side!
FAQ's
Where do meatballs come from?
Why do meatballs fall apart?
Will meatballs finish cooking in sauce?
I love meatballs of all kinds and in all ways.
In fact, I've even been known to eat them cold from the fridge.
And share them with the dog.
Whatever you do make sure to try this recipe and let me know what you think of red wine meatballs.
More Meatball Recipes
Baharat Spicy Chicken Meatballs
Spiced Chicken Meatballs with Garlic and Yogurt
Grilled Vietnamese Pork Meatballs
Sweet and Sour Cabbage with Meatballs
I'd love to hear if you make this recipe!
Please share a review or rate the recipe,
and be sure to tag me on social!
Recipe
Red Wine Meatballs
- Prep Time: 30 Minutes
- Cook Time: 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 90 Minutes
- Yield: About 40 Meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Ingredients
1 c chopped onion
2 T olive oil
4 minced garlic cloves
1 c red wine
1 lb lean ground beef
1 pound ground pork or ½ lb veal and ½ lb pork
2 large eggs
1 c fresh grated Pecorino Romano Cheese
2 T minced Italian parsley
2 t salt
1 t pepper to taste
½ t red pepper flakes
1-2 t marjoram
2 c fine dry bread crumbs
Instructions
Heat oil in skillet. Add chopped garlic and onions and saute over medium heat until soft and translucent. Add red wine and cook until reduced by about half. Let mixture cool.
In a mixing bowl combine meats. I do this with my hands. Messy but it works. Add eggs, cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and bread crumbs. Stir well. Hands are the easiest. Mix in the cooled onion/red wine mixture.
Preheat oven to 375.
Shape into 1 ½″ meatballs. and place on large baking sheet.
Bake for about 25 minutes.
Cooked meatballs may be added to marinara sauce.
(You may keep these warm in the sauce. I also made these ahead and then brought them to room temperature as I reheated the sauce. Place them in the sauce for about 10 minutes on low to warm them.) Serve on toothpicks or over spaghetti or in a sandwich!
Notes
This is a rewritten recipe from 2016 that I like much better and they are much easier to make!
Adapted from St. Julian Vineyard
mjskit says
It's been ages since I made meatballs. You are really inspiring me with this recipe! Love that you use both beef and pork.
In Good Flavor says
Wow! These meatballs sound delicious! What a great idea to add wine to them! I would want lots of leftover of this pasta dish to enjoy all week.
lisa is cooking says
I've never tried adding wine to meatballs, but now I'd love to try it. Spaghetti and meatballs is perfect for chilly fall days!
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
You know I love me the meats, so I would steal all those balls. Shoving them in my big fat mouth... And walking away with an innocent look on my face - cause what also happens with me and meat is... I don't share 😉
SavoringTime in the Kitchen says
I am craving pasta too! Actually anything comforting and warm these days. I think the red wine addition is such a great idea and must add wonderful flavor to the meatballs. Mama Mia!
La Table De Nana says
Came to refresh my memory for the mini tacos..and saw this:) Yor posts don't come to me..happy I found these you maka me hungry!
Cheri Savory Spoon says
What a fabulous dish Abbe and now I am craving spaghetti and meatballs for breakfast. Adding red wine to your meatballs sounds like a great idea!!!
Amy (Savory Moments) says
I love the addition of red wine to your meatballs! These look so good! I love a good plate of spaghetti.
Pam says
I just made spaghetti and meatballs last weekend, wish I had seen this first! Bet the red wine is great in it. I always make a lot of meatballs too, great leftover in a hoagie or whatever. Perfect fare, one of my fave meals. Take care
Liz Berg says
Now I'm craving meatballs!! I love the idea of making a big batch and having a stash in the freezer---especially when they're big, red wine infused meatballs!
Angie Schneider says
It's rainy and cold over here..this is like a warm cozy blanket :-)) I love the use of red wine in meatballs...very special and delicious.
Gerlinde de Broekert says
We are all making meatballs, it must be the weather. Yours look so good smothered in tomato sauce covered with pasta and accompanied with some garlic bread and wine.
Kitchen Riffs says
I'm actually more of a meat sauce person too, and almost never make meat balls. And when I do, I love them in a grinder/hero/hogie -- whatever you want to call it. 🙂 Really like the idea of red wine in meat balls -- I usually add it to my meat sauce. Good recipe. And sounds like a fun time -- I've had a growler of wine! Never even realized it was a thing. 🙂