Veal Balls

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Cuisine: American

Savory veal balls seasoned with onions, herbs, and mushrooms, baked to tender perfection. Ideal for comforting family dinners or special occasions with rich flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 2 to 2 1/2 lb. ground veal
  • 4 medium onions, finely chopped
  • dash of thyme
  • dash of sage
  • salt and pepper
  • 5 to 6 slices bread, cubed
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp. dried parsley

Instructions

  1. Shape the veal mixture into balls and brown them in shortening or butter.
  2. Place the browned veal balls in a casserole dish.
  3. Add a can of mushroom soup and a can of water to the casserole.
  4. Add a little flour to thicken the sauce.
  5. Optionally, add a little Kitchen Bouquet for color and flavor.
  6. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 1 1/2 hours until cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For a moister texture, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese or a splash of milk to the veal mixture. If you don’t have dried parsley, fresh parsley can be used instead, just double the amount. Ensure even cooking by shaping the veal balls uniformly. Browning them enhances flavor, but don't overcrowd the pan to maintain a good sear.

Serving Suggestions

These veal balls are excellent served over a bed of rice or alongside creamy mashed potatoes. Pair them with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. They also complement well with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a unique twist, try them with a side of Garden Pasta Salami Salad.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover veal balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish with a little sauce or water to prevent drying out, and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Veal Balls contains roughly 956 calories, with 18g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (62% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and potassium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1429mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).

956 kcal 48% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.5g 37% DV
Total Fat 30.4g 39% DV
Carbs 158g 57% DV
Fiber 7.6g 27% DV
Sugar 6.4g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1429mg 62% DV
Potassium 1559.9mg 33% DV
Cholesterol 280.3mg 93% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 119.1mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 23.9mg 27% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 304.8mg 23% DV
Iron 11.2mg 62% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of veal?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef or turkey for veal. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly. Ground turkey may lead to a drier result, so consider adding more moisture, like an extra egg or some broth, to maintain the desired consistency.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make gluten-free veal balls, replace the bread with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that the mushroom soup used is also gluten-free, or you can make a homemade version by combining sautéed mushrooms with broth and cornstarch as a thickener.

What can I serve with veal balls?

Veal balls pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs. They also go well with classic American recipes like mashed potatoes or a side of corn on the cob for a hearty meal.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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