5 Meals That Pair Well With Red Wine

Is there anything better than a glass of red wine with dinner? As someone who’s spent years experimenting with different food and wine combinations, I’ve found that certain meals just sing when paired with the right red. In 2025, the art of pairing meals with red wine has reached new heights as more people discover how the right combination can transform an ordinary dinner into something spectacular. I’m sharing my five favorite meals that pair well with red wine – complete with recipes that you can whip up for your next dinner party or cozy night in.

Whether you’re a casual wine enthusiast or a seasoned pro, these meals that pair well with red wine will satisfy your taste buds and complement your favorite bottle perfectly. Each recipe includes exactly what you’ll need, simple instructions, and why the pairing works so beautifully. The best part? Most of these can be prepared ahead of time, leaving you free to enjoy your company and your wine!

Classic Beef Bourguignon: The Ultimate Red Wine Companion

When I think about meals that pair well with red wine, beef bourguignon immediately comes to mind. This rich French stew is actually cooked with red wine, making it the perfect companion for your glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Burgundy. The deep, savory flavors of this slow-cooked dish match the tannins in full-bodied reds beautifully.

What makes this pairing work so well is the way the beef absorbs the wine during cooking, creating a food pairing that follows fundamental principles. The mushrooms add an earthy quality that complements the fruit notes in the wine, while the long cooking process ensures the meat is fall-apart tender.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt & pepper to taste

Equipment Needed:

• Dutch oven or heavy pot
• Wooden spoon
• Knife & cutting board

Instructions:

• Cook bacon in a Dutch oven until crispy. Remove and set aside.
• Sear beef cubes in bacon fat until browned. Remove and set aside.
• Sauté onions, carrots, and mushrooms until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
• Stir in tomato paste, wine, beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and reserved bacon.
• Return beef to the pot, cover, and simmer for 2.5–3 hours until tender.
• Serve over mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fat: 22g
• Serves: 4-6

Garlic Butter Steak with Roasted Potatoes: Simple Luxury

Sometimes the simplest meals that pair well with red wine are the most satisfying. This garlic butter steak is just fancy enough for a special occasion but easy enough for a weeknight. My boyfriend requests this dinner constantly, especially when we open a bold Malbec or Syrah.

The juicy, medium-rare steak creates a perfect balance with the tannins in red wine. Meanwhile, the garlic and butter add richness that stands up to the wine’s complex flavors. It’s like they were made for each other! This is my go-to when I want to impress guests at an at-home wine tasting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 ribeye steaks (1.5″ thick)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp rosemary
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper

Equipment Needed:

• Cast-iron skillet
• Baking sheet
• Tongs

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes.
• Season steaks generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat skillet over high heat. Sear steaks for 3–4 minutes per side.
• Lower heat, add butter, garlic, and rosemary. Baste steaks for 1–2 minutes.
• Rest steaks for 5 minutes before slicing.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fat: 42g
• Serves: 2

Mushroom & Goat Cheese Risotto: Earthy Red Wine Match

Don’t believe the myth that risotto only pairs with white wine! This creamy mushroom risotto is surprisingly fantastic with red wine, particularly with an earthy Pinot Noir. The umami flavors from the mushrooms create a bridge to the wine, while the tangy goat cheese adds a dimension that makes the pairing sing.

I discovered this pairing during a wine tasting trip to Oregon where they’re famous for their Pinot Noir. The winemaker served this risotto, and I’ve been making it at home ever since. The earthiness of both the dish and the wine creates a harmony that’s hard to beat.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup dry white wine (for cooking)
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 shallot, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup Parmesan
• Salt & pepper

Equipment Needed:

• Large saucepan
• Wooden spoon

Instructions:

• Sauté mushrooms in butter until golden. Remove and set aside.
• Cook shallot and garlic until soft. Add rice and toast for 2 minutes.
• Pour in white wine and stir until absorbed.
• Gradually add broth, stirring until creamy (about 20 minutes).
• Stir in mushrooms, goat cheese, and Parmesan. Season to taste.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 16g
• Serves: 4

Spicy Lamb Meatballs with Feta: Bold Mediterranean Flavors

These Mediterranean-inspired meatballs have become my secret weapon for casual dinner parties. The spices and richness of lamb call for a fruity red wine like Zinfandel or Grenache. The slight heat from the chili flakes creates an interesting contrast with the fruit notes in these wines.

What I love about meals that pair well with red wine like this one is how they can transport you to another place. These meatballs remind me of traveling around the Mediterranean, where lamb and bold red wines are staples. Try serving these with a California Cabernet Sauvignon for an interesting fusion of flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment Needed:

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet

Instructions:

• Mix lamb, breadcrumbs, egg, spices, and feta. Form into meatballs.
• Heat oil in a pan and cook meatballs until browned (10–12 minutes).
• Serve with tzatziki and warm pita.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fat: 21g
• Serves: 4

Dark Chocolate & Raspberry Tart: Perfect Red Wine Dessert

Who says meals that pair well with red wine can’t include dessert? This decadent chocolate tart pairs beautifully with Cabernet Sauvignon or Port. The bitterness of the dark chocolate and the tartness of fresh raspberries create a perfect balance with the sweetness in the wine.

I’ve found that many people overlook the possibility of pairing desserts with wine, but this combination is truly special. The dark chocolate brings out the fruit notes in red wine, while the wine’s tannins complement the richness of the chocolate. It’s a match made in heaven!

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 8 oz dark chocolate
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar

Equipment Needed:

• Tart pan
• Saucepan

Instructions:

• Bake pie crust according to package instructions. Let cool.
• Heat cream until simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth.
• Pour into crust and chill for 2 hours.
• Top with raspberries and dust with powdered sugar.

Nutritional Info (per slice):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fat: 20g
• Serves: 8

The beauty of meals that pair well with red wine is how they transform both the food and the drink into something greater than the sum of their parts. These five recipes have become my go-to options for 2025, whether I’m hosting friends or enjoying a quiet dinner with my boyfriend. The right pairing can turn an ordinary Tuesday into a special occasion!

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different wines to find your perfect match. A bottle that might seem just okay on its own can suddenly shine when paired with the right dish. That’s the magic of food and wine pairing – it’s personal, subjective, and endlessly enjoyable.

What’s your favorite meal to pair with red wine? Try these recipes and let me know which one becomes your new favorite. Cheers to good food, great wine, and the joy of discovering perfect pairings!