Savory Italian Meatballs with Herbs and Wine
These Savory Italian Meatballs are a delightful twist on traditional recipes. Crafted with a blend of lean ground beef and Italian sausage, these meatballs are infused with a medley of spices, fresh herbs, and a splash of red wine for an unparalleled depth of flavor. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, they soak up the delicious tomato sauce, making them irresistibly tasty. Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, these meatballs can be served on their own, with pasta, or as subs. Share this savory treat and watch everyone come back for seconds!
14
Servings
50
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean ground beef
8 ounces (raw)
Italian sausage
8 ounces (sweet or hot, removed from casings)
Large egg
1 (lightly beaten)
Dry red wine
3 tablespoons (none)
Tomato paste
2 tablespoons (none)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Fresh parsley or parsley flakes
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Garlic
1 clove (finely chopped)
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (none)
Onion powder or onion flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
Marjoram
1 teaspoon (none)
Sweet basil
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a small bowl, beat the egg until smooth, then mix in the dry red wine and tomato paste. Set this mixture aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef and Italian sausage (removing casings if necessary), blending them well using your hands.
4
Gradually add the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, salt, ground black pepper, parsley, garlic, parmesan cheese, onion powder, marjoram, and sweet basil to the meat mixture. Mix well until evenly distributed.
5
Pour the egg and wine mixture into the bowl, integrating it slowly into the meat mixture until fully combined. If the mixture feels dry, add additional tomato paste or wine, one tablespoon at a time.
6
Shape the meat mixture into 2 to 3-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
8
Once baked, transfer the meatballs to your favorite tomato sauce and simmer for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
2.9g
Carbs
3.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Italian Meatballs with Herbs and Wine?
These meatballs are a flavorful blend of lean ground beef and Italian sausage, enhanced with fresh herbs, spices, and a splash of red wine, then baked and simmered in tomato sauce.
What types of meat are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of lean ground beef and 8 ounces of Italian sausage.
Can I use sweet or hot Italian sausage?
Yes, you can use either sweet or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
The meatballs should bake for a total of 20 minutes.
Should I flip the meatballs while they are in the oven?
Yes, flip the meatballs halfway through the 20-minute baking time to ensure even cooking.
What size should the meatballs be?
The meat mixture should be shaped into 2 to 3-inch meatballs.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 14 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 50 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 3.6 grams of protein in each serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 2.5 grams of fat.
What are the carbohydrate levels?
There are 2.9 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should the meatballs simmer in sauce?
Once baked, simmer the meatballs in your favorite tomato sauce for at least 30 minutes.
Do I need to remove the sausage from its casing?
Yes, the Italian sausage should be removed from its casings before mixing with the beef.
What kind of wine is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of dry red wine.
What should I do if the meat mixture feels too dry?
If the mixture is dry, add additional tomato paste or red wine one tablespoon at a time.
What type of breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
Are there specific herbs used in these meatballs?
Yes, the recipe includes parsley, marjoram, and sweet basil.
Does this recipe include cheese?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How is the egg prepared before adding it to the meat?
The egg should be lightly beaten and then mixed with the red wine and tomato paste.
What seasoning is used for the onion flavor?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of onion powder or onion flakes.
Is garlic included in the recipe?
Yes, one clove of finely chopped garlic is used.
What is the role of tomato paste in the recipe?
Tomato paste is mixed with the egg and wine to add moisture and depth of flavor to the meat mixture.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of flakes?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of either fresh chopped parsley or parsley flakes.
Should I line the baking sheet?
Yes, it is recommended to line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Is salt and pepper added?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
What is the suggested way to serve these meatballs?
They can be served on their own, with pasta, or as meatball subs.
Are these meatballs suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they are ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or weekly meal prep.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Pork due to the Italian sausage content.
How much marjoram is required?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of marjoram.