Veal Meatballs

Veal Meatballs are a delicate and tender alternative to traditional beef versions. These meatballs work perfectly with a light tomato sauce or served over creamy mashed potatoes. They are quick to prepare and provide a sophisticated flavour for a simple weekday dinner. This recipe focuses on keeping the meat moist while achieving a golden exterior.
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Photo of the finished dish for the recipe Veal Meatballs

Why you should cook veal meatballs

Veal meatballs have a much finer texture compared to other types of minced meat. The mild flavour allows you to experiment with different herbs like parsley or basil. They cook relatively quickly which makes them ideal for busy evenings. You can easily double the batch and freeze some for a later date.

How to prepare veal meatballs

Step 1
Mix ingredients: Place the minced veal, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, garlic, and parsley into a large mixing bowl. Add salt and pepper to season the mixture well. Use your hands to combine everything until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Do not overmix the meat as this can make the texture tough.
Step 2
Shape meatballs: Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball about the size of a golf ball. Repeat this process until all the meat is used up. Try to keep them a similar size so they cook at the same rate. You should get about twelve to sixteen meatballs from this batch.
Step 3
Fry the meat: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the veal meatballs to the pan but do not overcrowd it. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they brown properly on all sides. Turn them gently using tongs to avoid breaking them apart.
Step 4
Finish cooking: Continue frying for about ten minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through to the centre. You can cut one open to check that no pink remains. Serve the meatballs immediately while they are hot and juicy. They pair beautifully with pasta or a crisp green salad.

My best tips for veal meatballs

To ensure your veal meatballs remain juicy, avoid pressing down on them with a spatula while they fry. Keeping the heat at a medium level prevents the outside from burning before the inside is ready. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a little more breadcrumbs one spoonful at a time.

Chilling the shaped balls in the fridge for ten minutes before frying helps them hold their shape better in the pan. You can also bake them in the oven at two hundred degrees for a lighter version. Always use fresh herbs where possible to enhance the delicate taste of the veal. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the meat to get a good sear.

You may also like pork tenderloin medallions, boiled pork ribs or tuna mousse in choux buns.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 500 g minced veal
  • 50 g breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 40 g grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove of garlic finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 pinch of black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying

Cooking time

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Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1569 kJ / 375 kcal
  • Fat:22 g
  • - of which saturates:8 g
  • Carbohydrates:10 g
  • - of which sugars:1 g
  • Protein:30 g
  • Fibre:1 g
  • Salt:600 mg

People also ask

The best way to keep veal meatballs moist is to avoid overcooking them and to include ingredients like egg and cheese. These act as binders and add fat which prevents the meat from drying out. Frying them over a medium heat also helps lock in the natural juices.
Yes, you can freeze veal meatballs either raw or after they have been cooked. Place them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.
Veal meatballs are very versatile and taste great with spaghetti and a light tomato sauce. You can also serve them with creamy mashed potatoes or inside a crusty baguette for a hearty lunch. A simple side of steamed vegetables or a green salad also complements the meat well.
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