10+ Recipes to Use Up Red Wine: Delicious Dishes You Can Make Tonight!

Red wine can add wonderful flavor to many dishes, but sometimes you might find yourself with leftover wine that you want to use up. There are plenty of delicious recipes that can help you turn that leftover red wine into tasty meals and treats. From savory dishes to sweet desserts, you’ll discover how versatile red wine can be in your cooking.

Whether you have a little or a lot of red wine left, there are creative ways to incorporate it into your meals. Cooking with red wine not only enhances the taste but can also help you reduce waste.

Get ready to explore some easy and satisfying recipes that will make the most of your leftover red wine.

1) Coq au Vin

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that’s perfect for using up red wine. It features tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich red wine sauce. The wine enhances the flavor, making it delicious and comforting.

You’ll also find mushrooms, onions, and sometimes bacon in this dish. These ingredients add great depth and texture. It’s ideal for a chilly evening at home.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 4 chicken drumsticks
• 2 cups red wine
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides.
3. Stir in onions and mushrooms; cook until softened.
4. Add garlic, flour, salt, and pepper; mix well.
5. Pour in red wine and bring to a simmer.
6. Cover and cook on low for 1.5 hours (about 150°C).
7. Serve hot, garnished with thyme.

2) Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish that’s perfect for using up red wine. This hearty stew is rich in flavor and warms you up on cold days. You marinate beef in red wine, which adds depth and tenderness.

Start by searing your beef until it’s browned. Then, cook onions, carrots, and garlic in the same pot. Add mushrooms for an earthy flavor. You can use a good quality burgundy or other dry red wine like Merlot.

Let the stew simmer slowly. This allows all the flavors to mix beautifully. Serve it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 4 cups red wine
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate beef in red wine for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Sear beef chunks until browned on all sides.
4. Add onions, carrots, and garlic; cook until softened.
5. Stir in mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour in the marinated wine, bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat and let simmer for 2-3 hours at 325°F (160°C).
8. Serve hot, paired with bread or potatoes.

3) Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs

Red wine-braised short ribs are a delicious way to use up that bottle of red wine. They are tender, rich, and packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in.

To start, you’ll want to season the short ribs and sear them to create a nice brown crust. This helps lock in flavor. After that, you’ll add red wine and some aromatics like garlic and herbs.

Let the ribs simmer low and slow until they are fork-tender. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve these short ribs with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds beef short ribs
• 1 bottle dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like thyme and bay leaves)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
5. Add onions and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened.
6. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
7. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
8. Return the ribs to the pot and add beef broth and herbs.
9. Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to the oven.
10. Cook for about 3 hours, until the ribs are tender. Enjoy!

4) Red Wine Chocolate Cake

Red wine chocolate cake is a delicious way to use leftover red wine. It combines the rich taste of chocolate with a hint of fruity wine flavor. This cake is moist and fudgy, making it perfect for any occasion.

You’ll start by mixing together the dry ingredients like flour and sugar. Then, add in your wet ingredients, including the red wine. The wine not only gives flavor but also helps keep the cake moist.

Once baked, frost your cake with a rich chocolate ganache for an extra treat. This dessert will impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 cups red wine
• Other baking ingredients (eggs, cocoa powder, baking soda, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the sugars, flour, and cocoa powder.
3. Add eggs and red wine to the dry ingredients.
4. Pour into a greased cake pan.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
6. Let cool and frost with chocolate ganache.

5) French Onion-Braised Lamb Shanks

This dish brings together the flavors of French onion soup and tender lamb shanks. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become fall-apart tender while absorbing rich flavors.

You’ll start with caramelized onions and leeks. Then, add red wine to create a beautiful sauce. Serve this with barley and fresh greens for a complete meal.

The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes this recipe special. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 lamb shanks
• 4 large onions, sliced
• 2 leeks, sliced
• 2 cups red wine
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup barley
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large pot, caramelize onions and leeks over medium heat.
3. Add lamb shanks and sear on all sides.
4. Pour in red wine and beef broth.
5. Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Cover and cook in the oven for 2-3 hours, until tender.
7. Stir in barley and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Serve warm.

6) Pasta Bolognese with Red Wine

Pasta Bolognese is a comforting dish you can make using that leftover red wine. This hearty sauce pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta. The rich flavors of the wine enhance the overall taste.

To make it, start by sautéing some onions, garlic, and carrots. Then, add ground meat like beef or pork. Pour in some red wine and let it simmer for a while.

Don’t forget to add tomatoes and herbs for extra flavor. Serve it over freshly cooked pasta and top it with Parmesan cheese. Enjoy a delicious meal that uses up your red wine!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or pork
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 cup (240 ml) red wine
• 1 can (14 oz or 400 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked pasta
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrot in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
3. Pour in red wine and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add diced tomatoes and herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Serve over cooked pasta and top with Parmesan cheese.

7) Red Wine Mushroom Risotto

Red wine mushroom risotto is a delicious dish that makes use of your leftover red wine. The creamy texture and rich flavors create a comforting meal.

You can use a variety of mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for added depth. Pair it with a good quality dry red wine, such as Zinfandel or Merlot, to enhance the taste.

This dish is simple to make. You’ll enjoy the aroma from the garlic and shallots as you cook. Plus, the addition of freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the end adds a nice touch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup mixed mushrooms
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat broth in a pot until warm.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
4. Stir in mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add Arborio rice and cook, stirring for 2 minutes.
6. Pour in red wine, stirring until absorbed.
7. Gradually add warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring often.
8. Cook until rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
9. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper before serving.

8) Red Wine Cherry Cobbler

Red wine cherry cobbler is a delicious way to enjoy cherries with a twist. The red wine adds a great flavor that makes this dessert special. It’s perfect for using up that leftover bottle of wine.

To make this cobbler, you’ll need fresh cherries. Mix them with red wine, sugar, and a bit of lemon juice for sweetness. The cobbler topping is simple and flaky, adding a nice crunch.

This dessert is best served warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. It’s a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
• 1 cup red wine
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cherries, red wine, sugar, and lemon juice.
3. Pour the cherry mixture into a baking dish.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add melted butter and milk, then stir until smooth.
6. Pour the batter over the cherries.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with ice cream, if desired.

9) Red Wine-Braised Brisket

Red wine-braised brisket is a delicious way to use up that bottle of red wine. The slow cooking process makes the beef incredibly tender and flavorful.

You start by seasoning the brisket with salt and pepper. Then, sear it in a hot pan to create a nice crust. Next, add onions, garlic, and your red wine to the pot for a rich base.

Let it simmer for several hours until the meat is tender. The wine and spices blend beautifully, giving you a savory sauce to enjoy with the brisket.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds beef brisket
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the brisket with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large pot and sear the brisket on both sides.
4. Add the onions and garlic, then cook until soft.
5. Pour in the red wine and beef broth.
6. Add the bay leaves and herbs.
7. Cover and cook in the oven for 4-5 hours.
8. Slice and serve with the sauce.

10) Red Wine Jus for Steak

Red wine jus is a delicious sauce that enhances the flavor of steak. It’s rich and savory, making it a perfect match for hearty meats. You can easily make it in just a few steps.

Start by cooking shallots in a bit of butter and oil until they soften. Then, add red wine to the pan and let it simmer. Let it simmer and reduce to concentrate the flavors.

Next, pour in beef broth. Continue to simmer until the sauce thickens. You can add herbs like rosemary for extra depth. This sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled or pan-seared steak.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 tablespoon sunflower oil
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 cup red wine (like Pinot Noir)
• 1 cup beef broth
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the butter and oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add chopped shallots and cook until they soften.

3. Pour in red wine and let it simmer until it reduces by half.

4. Then, add beef broth and simmer until it thickens.

5. Finally, season with salt and pepper, and add herbs if desired.