Need a new crowd-pleasing dinner recipe to serve guests?
If you’re anything like me, you are always on the lookout for recipes that balance simplicity and flavor. Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite easy dinner recipes: homemade meatballs in a creamy wine protein-packed sauce.
There’s something so comforting about the aroma of sizzling meatballs and the velvety texture of a wine-infused sauce.
P.S. The sauce has a sneaky ingredient that adds extra protein.
Meatballs Around The World
Meatballs are undoubtedly a versatile and beloved dish globally, with each region and culture putting a unique spin on them. Here’s a glimpse into how meatballs are prepared around the world:
China:
Dish: Chinese meatballs, known as “lion’s head meatballs” or “rou wan,” are often made with a mixture of pork and other ingredients like water chestnuts and bamboo shoots.
Serving Style: They are braised in a savory sauce and served with vegetables, noodles, or rice. Lion’s head meatballs are a popular dish in Chinese cuisine.
Italy
Dish: In Italy, meatballs are known as “polpette.” They are often made with a mixture of ground meats, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs.
Serving Style: Polpette can be served on their own as an appetizer or as part of a main course. They are commonly added to pasta dishes like spaghetti and meatballs or enjoyed with a side of vegetables.
Sweden
Dish: Swedish meatballs, or “köttbullar,” are traditionally made with a mix of ground beef and pork, seasoned with spices like allspice and nutmeg.
Serving Style: They are often served with lingonberry sauce, creamy gravy, and potatoes or lingonberry jam. Swedish meatballs are a popular dish both at home and in restaurants.
Middle East
Dish: In the Middle East, kofta is a type of spiced meatball or meat skewer made with minced or ground meat, often lamb or beef.
Serving Style: Kofta can be grilled, baked, or fried and is commonly served with flatbreads, rice, or in wraps. They are also enjoyed with yogurt-based sauces and salads.
USA
Dish: In the U.S., meatballs are commonly made with ground beef or a combination of beef and pork. They are seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs.
Serving Style: Meatballs in the U.S. are frequently associated with spaghetti and meatballs, but they can also be served in sandwiches, as appetizers with toothpicks, or as part of meatball subs.
These meatball varieties highlight the incredible diversity of meatball around the world. Whether served as a comforting home-cooked meal or enjoyed in restaurants, meatballs continue to bring a joy of shared flavors.
Let’s get into the recipe:
Meatballs in a Creamy Protein-packed Wine Sauce
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
For the Creamy Wine Protein-packed Sauce
- 1/4 cup dry red wine
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 small sweet onion, diced and sauteed
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
On the Side
- Jasmine rice
- Roasted Vegetables
Instructions
- Add jasmine rice to a rice cooker or follow the stove top instructions before starting the meatballs.
- After starting the rice, chop some of your favorite vegetables and roast in the oven for about 30 minutes. I like to chop up carrots, broccoli, and beets for this meal.
- Drizzle chopped veggies in olive oil and cook until soft.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Creamy Wine Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually add the dry red wine while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps.
- Add small sweet onion, diced and sauteed, cottage cheese, and a splash of milk or cream to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Once the wine has reduced slightly, pour blended mixture into the sauce pan and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently transfer the cooked meatballs to the creamy wine sauce, coating each one evenly.
- Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
- Spoon the meatballs and creamy sauce onto the jasmine rice.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a burst of aromatic freshness.
- Serve with the roasted vegetables on the side
Notes
The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your liking—
Sub ground beef or chicken for the turkey in the meat balls.
Mix up the roasted veggies and add a crusty baguette to soak up that divine sauce.
Sub pasta or whipped potatoes for the jasmine rice.
Add a dash of chili flakes for some heat.
Experiment with different herbs to elevate the flavor profile.
Conclusion
This dish is a testament to the idea that creating a gourmet experience at home doesn’t have to be complicated. A meal that brings together the rustic charm of homemade meatballs with the luxurious touch of a creamy wine sauce.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this Easy Homemade Meatballs in a Creamy Wine Protein-packed Sauce is sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion. Share the joy of good food with your loved ones, and savor the satisfaction that comes from creating a delicious meal from scratch.
xxx
Allie
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