Ground Veal Recipes for Lean and Luxurious Protein Options

I absolutely love working with ground veal in creative recipes because it’s mild, tender, and incredibly versatile!

You can use it in everything from rich Bolognese sauces to juicy meatballs. It’s a nice change-up as it always brings a lighter texture than beef.

It cooks quickly, absorbs seasoning beautifully, and works well in both weeknight meals and more involved weekend dishes.

I’ve used ground veal in stuffed peppers, veal burgers, and even meatloaf, and it always turns out flavorful without being too heavy.

It’s leaner than many other ground meats, but still gives you a nice richness and depth when seasoned right!

1. Classic Veal Meatballs with Parmesan and Herbs

Ground veal makes these meatballs super tender—other meats just can’t match the texture.

I recommend using fresh basil and parsley for the best herbal flavor—dried just doesn’t do it for me!

Parmesan brings a savory richness that you notice right away when you take a bite.

Customize with your favorite Italian-style breadcrumbs or swap in a bit of Pecorino for extra depth.

Sprinkling extra cheese and herbs on top right before serving really makes them pop.

2. Pasta Bolognese with Ground Veal

Ground veal in pasta Bolognese gives the sauce a more delicate, mellow flavor that pairs perfectly with a rich tomato base.

You end up with a dish that feels lighter, but still has all the comforting depth you want from pasta.

Pick ripe tomatoes or a good-quality canned variety—trust me, this makes the sauce so much better.

Finishing with fresh herbs boosts both aroma and freshness!

3. Veal Burgers with Caramelized Onions

Grilling ground veal gives you patties that are extra juicy and tender.

The subtle flavor of veal pairs really well with sweet, golden caramelized onions, so don’t skip them!

Caramelized onions add a rich, almost buttery sweetness that perfectly complements the mild meat, making these burgers stand out from regular beef options.

Serve them on a soft bun with your favorite cheese for even more flavor.

4. Veal and Mushroom Risotto

Cooking with ground veal in risotto lets it blend right into the creamy rice and gives each bite a mild, savory flavor.

Earthy mushrooms play so well with the delicate veal, and the texture is fantastic.

5. Veal Meatloaf with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella

Ground veal as the base makes your meatloaf incredibly tender.

I mix in Italian sausage for extra flavor and a juicier texture.

Don’t skip the mozzarella—when you slice into the meatloaf, you get a gooey, cheesy center that adds so much excitement to every bite!

The veal and sausage blend harmoniously, making a mozzarella stuffed meatloaf rich but never heavy.

6. Veal Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers with ground veal are wholesome and look great on any dinner table.

You get a mild, tender flavor from the veal, which mixes perfectly with fresh herbs.

Adding parsley and basil really brightens up each bite!

7. Veal Croquettes with Aioli

Veal croquettes are crisp and golden outside with a tender, savory center.

Ground veal gives them a delicate flavor and a softer texture than beef.

Pairing these with aioli adds a creamy, garlicky contrast that just works!

I like to prep the filling ahead so the flavors have time to develop.

8. Veal Shepherd’s Pie

Swap out the traditional beef for ground veal and notice how much softer and more delicate the texture becomes.

The natural sweetness of veal pairs so well with buttery, creamy mashed potatoes—especially if you add a bit of garlic or fresh herbs.

I love how ground veal lets the vegetables shine more than beef does; check out more inspiration for veal shepherd’s pie at Ontario Veal Appeal.

9. Veal Meatball Soup with Spinach

Veal meatball soup with spinach is warming and nutritious when you want something lighter but still flavorful.

Ground veal gives the meatballs a delicate texture that pairs well with the mild broth and tender spinach.

Add fresh spinach at the end so it keeps its bright green color and gentle bite.

10. Veal Tacos with Salsa Verde

Veal tacos are a fun way to use ground veal for a weeknight meal.

Add a homemade or store-bought salsa verde for a zesty, tangy kick.

Fresh cilantro and lime brighten everything up and cut through the richness.

Veal soaks up seasonings beautifully and pairs nicely with the bright flavors in salsa verde.

Thinly sliced red onions give your platter a nice pop!

11. Veal Ragu with Pappardelle

Ground veal creates a mixture that’s tender and rich, especially when simmered in a tomato sauce that clings to every ribbon of pappardelle!

Slowly cooking the veal lets all those flavors meld with garlic, onion, and a pinch of herbs for a deep, savory result.

Perfect for a weekend project, and those wide noodles make every bite extra comforting!

12. Veal and Ricotta Stuffed Eggplant

Veal brings a mild, tender flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy ricotta.

The eggplant shells hold everything together and get beautifully soft in the oven.

I especially like using lots of fresh basil and parmesan for extra aroma—this step always makes the kitchen smell amazing!

13. Veal Burgers with Gorgonzola and Arugula

Veal gives these burgers a mild, tender bite that soaks up every bit of flavor from the creamy gorgonzola.

The sharp, tangy cheese with the peppery kick of fresh arugula on a pillowy bun is such a great combo!

I always reach for ciabatta rolls for these—something about the airy texture just works perfectly.

14. Veal Meatballs in White Wine Sauce

Veal gives these meatballs a tender texture you don’t get with other meats.

The white wine sauce makes the whole dish feel lighter than a typical red sauce.

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but still feels special.

15. Veal Kabobs with Rosemary and Garlic

Marinate ground veal with chopped rosemary and garlic for a few hours before grilling.

This gives the veal a deep, fragrant flavor that stands out in every bite.

Ground veal stays juicy on the grill, making the kabobs extra tender and perfect for summer meals.

Mix in fresh herbs to brighten up the dish in a simple but delicious way.

Pair these kabobs with grilled vegetables for a full meal.

16. Veal Meat Sauce Lasagna

Layers of tender ground veal, creamy béchamel, and al dente pasta come together for an unforgettable lasagna experience.

Ground veal brings a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with béchamel, giving each bite a rich yet balanced taste.

I like to let my meat sauce simmer for added depth!

17. Veal Sliders With Mint Yogurt Sauce

Veal sliders are tender, juicy, and a fun option for a party platter or just a low-key dinner at home.

Ground veal makes the patties super moist and gives them a delicate flavor you won’t get with beef.

A cool mint yogurt sauce brings out the best in veal, adding a refreshing zing that really works with the meat.

18. Veal and Mushroom Stroganoff

Ground veal in stroganoff blends perfectly with the creamy mushroom sauce.

The richness of the sauce clings to each bite, and serving it over buttered noodles is always a comfort.

Mix things up with a few extra mushrooms or a bit of sour cream for an even silkier texture.

19. Veal Meatloaf Muffins

Veal meatloaf muffins offer simple portion control and keep dinner feeling fun.

You get tender, mild ground veal packed into a muffin tin, making each serving just the right size.

The best part is how the veal’s delicate flavor really comes through when baked in individual portions like these.

These muffins can also bake up faster than a traditional loaf, saving precious weeknight time!

20. Ground Veal and White Bean Chili

This chili swaps in ground veal for a lighter texture and a milder flavor that pairs so well with creamy white beans.

I’ve noticed ground veal browns fast and grabs onto spices, so every bite turns out rich and satisfying.

Tossing in cannellini or great northern beans gives it a creamy, cozy feel—just right for a cool night.

21. Veal and Zucchini Meatballs

Ground veal cooks up so tender and mild, and adding zucchini gives these meatballs a moist, delicate bite.

You get a boost of veggies without even trying, and the mild flavor makes the meatballs really versatile!

I love these over couscous or quinoa, where they soak up all that light, lemony sauce—so fresh and simple for a weeknight. Honestly, who doesn’t want dinner to be that easy sometimes?