Meatballs With Burgundy Sauce

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: French

Savory meatballs simmered in a rich Burgundy sauce, featuring tender beef, chestnuts, and aromatic seasonings—perfect for comforting dinners or elegant gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1/2 c. dry bread crumbs
  • 1/4 c. water
  • small can chestnuts, finely chopped
  • 1/4 c. milk
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/8 tsp. pepper
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  3. Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  4. Place on ungreased jelly roll pan.
  5. Bake for about 10 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Let meatballs cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meatball mixture. If you don’t have chestnuts, finely chopped mushrooms or walnuts can serve as tasty alternatives. To keep the meatballs moist, avoid over-mixing the ingredients. For a quicker meal, you can also sauté these meatballs in a skillet instead of baking them, similar to methods used in Beef Salad Stir-Fry.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the meatballs with a side of pasta or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables can provide a complementary crunch. For a hearty meal, consider pairing them with Holubtsi (Cabbage Rolls) or incorporate them into a sub sandwich with marinara and cheese for a satisfying twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water, covering to steam them for about 1-2 minutes, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, which helps retain their texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Meatballs With Burgundy Sauce contains roughly 627 calories, with 11g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2177mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).

627 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11g 22% DV
Total Fat 11.7g 15% DV
Carbs 121.7g 44% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 8.2g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2177.4mg 95% DV
Potassium 830.9mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 294.4mg 98% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 106.1mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 31.1mg 35% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 334.5mg 26% DV
Iron 3.8mg 21% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the meatballs before or after cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before or after cooking. If freezing raw, shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. For cooked meatballs, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to three months.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer a lighter dish or a vegetarian option. Adjust the seasoning slightly, as these alternatives may have a milder flavor compared to beef.

How can I make the sauce richer?

To enhance the richness of the sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine or beef broth while simmering the meatballs. You can also stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or some sautéed onions for added depth and sweetness.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Beef recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →