10+ Recipes to Use Up Red Wine in Delicious Dishes

Red wine is a wonderful ingredient that can add depth and flavor to many dishes. If you find yourself with an open bottle that you can’t finish, don’t pour it down the drain. You can use up red wine in countless recipes, turning potential waste into mouthwatering meals.

From savory stews to sweet desserts, red wine can enhance your cooking in various ways. You can elevate everyday meals while also making the most of what you have in your kitchen.

1) Beef Stew with Red Wine

Beef stew with red wine is a cozy dish you can enjoy any time. It’s rich in flavors, making it comforting on chilly days. Using red wine helps deepen the taste of the beef and vegetables.

To start, you will need some good cuts of beef, like chuck roast, cut into cubes. Then, brown the meat in a heavy pot to lock in those tasty juices.

After browning, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Don’t forget to pour in a bottle of red wine and let it simmer. This helps to tenderize the beef as it cooks.

You can season it with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme and bay leaf. Simmer the stew until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 1 bottle red wine (750 ml)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the beef cubes in batches.
3. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft.
4. Pour in red wine and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and add salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.
6. Simmer covered for 2 to 3 hours until beef is tender.

2) Red Wine Reduction Sauce

Red wine reduction sauce is a delicious way to use leftover red wine. This sauce goes well with meats like steak or chicken. It adds rich flavor to your dishes.

To start, heat some olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced shallots and sauté for about two minutes. Then, add garlic and cook for another two minutes.

Next, pour in your red wine and let it simmer. You want to reduce it by half, which should take about three to four minutes. After that, stir in beef broth and let it simmer for five more minutes.

This sauce can be finished with a bit of butter for extra richness. It’s easy to make and tastes fantastic!

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Minced shallots
• Garlic
• Red wine
• Beef broth
• Butter

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add minced shallots and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Pour in red wine and reduce by half for 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in butter before serving.

3) Red Wine Risotto

Red wine risotto is a tasty way to use up leftover wine. It’s creamy and full of flavor. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a side.

To start, you need Arborio rice. This type of rice is perfect for risotto because it absorbs liquid well. Use a medium to full-bodied dry red wine for the best taste.

Begin by toasting the rice in butter and olive oil. This adds a nice nutty flavor. Then, slowly add broth while stirring. Pour in the wine towards the end of cooking to enhance the flavor further.

Finish with some grated Parmesan cheese and a touch of butter for creaminess.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, heat the broth and keep it warm.
2. In a large pan, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
4. Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour in the red wine and stir until absorbed.
6. Gradually add warm broth, stirring frequently.
7. When the rice is creamy and tender, mix in Parmesan cheese.
8. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

4) Coq au Vin

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that lets you use red wine in a delicious way. It features chicken that is braised in wine with vegetables, creating a warm and comforting meal.

For this recipe, you can use a whole cut-up chicken or just your favorite parts, like thighs and legs. The wine gives the dish depth, while ingredients like bacon and mushrooms add savory flavors.

To get started, you’ll need some basic ingredients and a bit of time. Cooking this dish will fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• 3.5-pound chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 cups red wine
• 4 ounces bacon or pancetta
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Brown the chicken in the bacon fat, then remove.
4. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
5. Add mushrooms and carrots, cooking until tender.
6. Return the chicken and bacon to the pot.
7. Pour in the red wine and add thyme, salt, and pepper.
8. Cover and bake for about 1.5 hours, until the chicken is tender.

5) Red Wine Sangria

Red wine sangria is a fun and tasty way to use up leftover wine. It combines wine with fresh fruits and a splash of liqueur for a refreshing drink. You can customize it based on your favorite flavors.

Start with a fruity red wine, like Garnacha or Pinot Noir. These wines work well because they complement the fresh fruit. Slice up oranges, apples, and berries to add to your pitcher.

Mix in some brandy and juice, like orange juice or pineapple juice, for extra flavor. Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours. This gives the flavors time to blend.

Sangria is perfect for parties or a casual gathering. Serve it over ice, and enjoy your delicious creation!

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine (Garnacha or Pinot Noir)
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 apple, chopped
• Fresh berries (strawberries or blueberries)

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine red wine, brandy, and orange juice.
2. Add the sliced orange and chopped apple.
3. Stir in the fresh berries.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
5. Serve over ice and enjoy!

6) Chocolate Red Wine Cake

Chocolate red wine cake is a delicious way to use up your leftover red wine. The rich chocolate flavor combines perfectly with the wine, creating a moist and delectable dessert.

You will love how simple it is to make. Start by mixing your dry ingredients, including cocoa powder and flour. Then, add sugar, eggs, and, of course, your red wine.

This cake pairs wonderfully with a creamy chocolate frosting or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Each bite is a delight with its tender crumb and rich taste.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup red wine (preferably Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In another bowl, combine eggs, oil, red wine, and vanilla. Mix well.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7) Mushroom Red Wine Pasta

You can easily make a delicious Mushroom Red Wine Pasta at home. This dish combines the rich flavors of mushrooms and red wine for a comforting meal. Start by gathering your ingredients.

For this recipe, you’ll need a mix of mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, to create depth in flavor. Using red wine adds a lovely richness to the sauce.

Cook your pasta according to the package instructions. While it’s cooking, sauté the mushrooms in olive oil until they are soft. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Pour in the red wine and let it simmer to bring out the flavor. Mix in the cooked pasta and a little pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Top with your choice of cheese or fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 16 oz mushrooms (shiitake or cremini)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup red wine
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pasta of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add mushrooms and sauté until soft.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour in red wine and simmer for a few minutes.
6. Mix in the cooked pasta and season with salt and pepper.

8) Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

Red wine braised short ribs are a delicious way to use up that bottle of red wine. The rich flavor will make your meal feel special.

Start by seasoning your short ribs with salt and pepper. Then, sear them in a pot until they are browned, which adds flavor. After that, add your chopped vegetables, like onions and carrots.

Next, pour in the red wine and let it simmer. Cook the ribs low and slow, either in a Dutch oven or a slow cooker. This helps them become fork-tender.

For a finishing touch, strain the cooking liquid. Then, simmer it until it reduces to a thick sauce. Drizzle it over the ribs when serving.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs short ribs
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 cups red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary)

Cooking Instructions

1. Season short ribs with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat.
3. Sear short ribs until browned, about 8 minutes.
4. Remove ribs and set aside.
5. Add onions and carrots to the pot; sauté for a few minutes.
6. Add wine and beef broth; bring to a simmer.
7. Return short ribs to the pot. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours or in a slow cooker for 8 hours.
8. Strain the sauce and simmer it until thickened.
9. Serve ribs with sauce on top.

9) Red Wine Poached Pears

Red wine poached pears are a delicious way to use up leftover red wine. This dessert is both elegant and simple to make. The pears cook in a sweet red wine sauce, making them tender and flavorful.

To get started, choose firm pears like Bosc or Bartlett. They hold up well during cooking. You will also need some red wine, pomegranate juice, sugar, and star anise to add a warm spice note.

The cooking process involves simmering the pears in your red wine mixture until they soften. The result is a lovely dish that can be served warm or cold, topped with cream or ice cream.

Ingredients

• 1 (750 ml) bottle of red wine
• 4 pears, peeled
• ½ cup pomegranate juice
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 star anise

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour the red wine into a saucepan.
2. Add the pomegranate juice, sugar, and star anise. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Carefully add the peeled pears to the saucepan.
5. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, until pears are tender.
6. Remove the pears and let the sauce thicken if desired.
7. Serve pears with the sauce drizzled on top.

10) Red Wine Vinaigrette

Red wine vinaigrette is a simple and tasty way to use up red wine. This dressing pairs well with salads and can enhance many dishes. You’ll love how quick it is to make!

To start, whisk together olive oil and red wine vinegar. You can add ingredients like garlic, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, mix in some honey.

Another fun option is to shake everything in a mason jar. Just add your ingredients, secure the lid, and shake until it’s well blended!

This vinaigrette can also be used as a marinade for meats or a drizzle over roasted vegetables. It’s versatile and brings a bright taste to your meals.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth.
2. Alternatively, combine in a mason jar and shake well.
3. Use immediately or store in the fridge. Shake before serving.