These tender beef meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful Bourguignon sauce make for a comforting and elegant meal. Perfect for cozy dinners, this recipe combines classic French flavors with simple ingredients you’ll love.
In a large bowl, combine the beef, bread crumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, then shape the mixture into about fifteen meatballs, each around 2 inches wide. Pour some flour into a shallow dish and roll each meatball in it until they're lightly coated.
02
Brown the Meatballs
Heat some oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them, turning occasionally, until they’re browned on all sides and mostly cooked through—this should take about 5 minutes. Once done, take them out and set them aside.
03
Saut Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped carrots, diced onion, sliced mushrooms, and a bit more garlic. Cook everything over medium heat, stirring often, until the vegetables start to soften, about 10 minutes.
04
Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
Pour in the red wine and beef broth, then sprinkle in the garlic and herb seasoning, thyme, salt, pepper, and add a bay leaf for extra flavor. Gently nestle the meatballs back into the sauce. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer slowly for around 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
03 / EXTRA DETAILS
Good to know.
Cook's tip
- Use fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaves to enhance the sauce’s aroma.
- Brown the meatballs well before simmering to lock in flavor and texture.
- Simmer the sauce gently to allow the flavors to meld without drying out the meatballs.
Why you’ll love it
These meatballs are packed with rich flavors from a classic French sauce. The tender beef combined with the deep, savory taste of the bourguignon sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s a perfect dish for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Serving ideas
Serve this dish over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed green beans or roasted root vegetables adds a nice balance and color to the plate.
Storage & leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to 2 months.