VEAL MEATBALLS: MY MOM’S AMAZING RECIPE

Veal Meatballs with sauce are one of the most classic recipes, much loved by everyone, but especially by the little ones.

There are so many ways to prepare meatballs–every mom secretly guards her recipe, but today I want to show you how my mom makes them!

Round, tasty and juicy our meatballs are browned and then cooked in the sauce, this way they will not fall apart and will keep their shape intact .

Why Love?

• Classic Comfort: A beloved recipe passed down through generations.
• Kid-Friendly: Loved by even the pickiest eaters.
• Versatile: Great as a main dish or a pasta topping.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Can be made ahead and stored for quick meals.

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings

Makes about 25 meatballs

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 8 oz ground veal
• 1 oz breadcrumbs (or stale bread)
• 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• Chopped parsley to taste
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato puree
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp salt

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Breadcrumbs

• Cut the breadcrumbs (or stale bread) into small pieces and process them in a blender until finely ground.

2. Mix the Meatball Dough

• In a bowl, combine the ground veal, breadcrumbs, grated Parmigiano, egg, chopped parsley, and garlic.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Mix gently with your hands until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.

3. Shape the Meatballs

• Take small portions of the mixture (about 0.7–1 inch in size) and roll them into balls using your hands.
• Repeat until all the dough is used, making approximately 25 meatballs.

4. Brown the Meatballs

• Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.
• Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for a couple of minutes.

5. Cook in the Sauce

• Pour the tomato puree and water into the pan with the meatballs.
• Season with salt and pepper, stir gently, and lower the heat.
• Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Finish and Serve

• Once cooked, garnish with dried oregano (optional).
• Serve the meatballs steaming hot with crusty bread, pasta, or as desired.

Tips and Suggestions

• Variation: Fry the meatballs separately and add them to a pre-cooked tomato sauce for extra crispiness.
• Freezing Tip: Freeze raw or cooked meatballs for quick meals. Ensure all ingredients are fresh before freezing.
• Add a Twist: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or chili flakes for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional Facts

Enjoy the hearty, flavorful goodness of these veal meatballs in sauce. Perfect for any occasion, they’re bound to become a family favorite!