Veal meatballs make an excellent item for a classy meal.
You will indeed have a luxurious, hearty dinner or lunch when paired with suitable side dishes.
While veal is calf (cow or bull) meat, meatballs are rolled ground meat mixed with ingredients like eggs, bread crumbs, butter, onion, and seasoning.
You can steam, fry, braise, or bake veal meatballs.
We can help you pick some excellent sides if you’re wondering what to serve with veal meatballs.
This rich, savory, and succulent food goes well with many dishes, including rice, mushrooms, soups, and veggies.
Take a look at the top ten side dishes for veal meatballs to learn what tastes best with the main course.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Veal Meatballs?

You might want to consider serving side dishes for veal meatballs if you want to enjoy a well-balanced, filling, and rounded-up meal.
Meatballs are pretty heavy in flavor (although this often depends on how you season them) and are too rich to work as a complete meal.
You can serve sautéed or braised veggies on the side to add a subtle touch and balance the intensity or go for something heavy like a rice pilaf to contrast the main dish perfectly.
Adding sides to the table is also crucial as they would help you get the other necessary nutrients that meat alone doesn’t provide.
What to Serve with Veal Meatballs? 10 BEST Side Dishes
1 – Spaghetti

Although there are many ways to enjoy a warm plate of spaghetti, serving it with veal meatballs is a great option for an exquisite but uncomplicated meal.
Fitting both beginners and advanced cooks alike, these delightful meatballs bring complexity to the plate with their succulent taste and complement the pasta nicely.
Veal also has great health benefits because it contains fewer calories and more protein per serving.
Also, the luscious texture of veal adds a unique consistency that will take your classic Italian meal to a new level.
2 – Mushroom Sauce

If you’re looking for the perfect accompaniment to your veal meatballs, look no further than mushroom sauce.
Not only is it a classic flavor combination, but it can really justify the subtle richness of the veal.
Plus, mushrooms offer a nice earthy undertone when paired with the unique taste of veal.
Furthermore, making your own mushroom sauce is easy and takes hardly any time.
A few simple ingredients like mushrooms, butter, and onion, cooked together in one pot will have you savoring this exclusive delicacy in no time.
3 – Toasted Orecchiette
Orecchiette pasta hails from Puglia, Italy, and is an excellent choice for adding a flavorful punch to any dish.
Made with only semolina flour, water, and salt, these ear-shaped bites are designed to hold onto sauces while their rough texture allows them to be used in many recipes.
When toasted, the orecchiette becomes nutty and crunchy in texture which pairs wonderfully with the delicate veal meatballs.
You can add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor or some vegetables like spinach for a healthier alternative.
4 – Parsnip Puree
Parsnip Puree is another excellent accompaniment for veal meatballs.
If your meatballs are savory, a parsnip puree brings in the perfect balance of sweetness to help offset the seasoning.
Additionally, it is a great way to mix health and indulgence.
Parsnips are high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, making them an excellent healthy side dish for heartier proteins like veal meatballs.
Perfect for any dinner occasion, pairing a generous portion of creamy parsnip puree with veal meatballs will surely be a delight leaving guests wanting more.
5 – Braised Vegetables
Sometimes, a dish as simple as braised vegetables can make all the difference.
Choose your favorite mix of root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and turnips, then lightly steam them in a pan with some butter and herbs.
The result is an unexpectedly delicious side dish that will bring out the best in your veal meatballs.
Combining the inviting flavors of braised root vegetables with the savory richness of the veal meatballs creates an unforgettable meal.
Plus, it’s healthy too.
You can easily whip up this combination for an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner that will certainly impress your family and friends.
6 – Risotto Milanese
If you’re looking for an impressive, Italian-inspired meal that will delight the eyes of all who behold it, look no further than our favorite combination, risotto Milanese and veal meatballs.
The creamy texture of the former provides the perfect backdrop to savor each succulent bite of the meatballs.
Plus, the delicate flavor of veal compliments the creamy risotto so perfectly, making it a deliciously savory combination.
Whether a dinner served amidst family or a special occasion dish among friends, this classic pairing will amaze everyone with its flavor and presentation.
7 – Potato Croquettes
Enjoy an elevated, restaurant-style dinner with the winning combination of potato croquettes and veal meatballs.
This dynamic duo offers a delightful contrast.
Light and fluffy croquettes balance out the savory veal meatballs for a truly unforgettable flavor experience.
Potato croquettes have a mild flavor that pairs nicely with a variety of seasonings in the meatballs, bringing out unique nuances that you might not get with other kinds of side dishes.
Furthermore, their simple preparation makes them an easy addition to your menu.
With this combination of comforting flavors and convenience, it’s no wonder why these dishes make such an excellent pairing.
8 – Rice Pilaf
Nothing screams comfort food louder than a bowl of rice pilaf.
This classic Mediterranean dish has been pleasing crowds for centuries, and it’s no wonder why.
Rice pilaf is the perfect side dish for veal meatballs because it adds flavor and texture to the meal.
Plus, it’s super simple to make.
All you need is some cooked rice and tasty herbs or easily available ingredients like garlic, onions, or mushrooms.
The combination of light and fluffy steamed rice with herbs creates a flavorful base to complement the juicy, savory veal meatballs.
A bonus is that there’s almost no effort required.
The prep work is minimal, given the few ingredients, and most of it comes together in one pot.
9 – Tomato, White Bean, and Cucumber Salad In Basil Vinaigrette
A light and refreshing side dish like tomato, white bean, and cucumber salad in basil vinaigrette is a great way to keep the meal balanced.
Combining tomatoes with white beans and cucumbers in a zesty basil vinaigrette creates a light yet flavorful side dish that will complement the veal meatballs.
With just the right balance of acidity from the tomatoes, creaminess from the beans, and crunchiness from the cucumber, this salad offers something for everyone.
10 – Creamy Tuscan Mushrooms
For an exquisite medley of flavor, creamy Tuscan mushrooms and veal meatballs serve as the ideal combo.
Boasting a delectable earthiness from the mushrooms combined with Italian-herbed veal for robustness, this tasty combination truly comes alive atop its creamy sauce.
The mushrooms are sautéed in garlic with plenty of herbs, onions, white wine, and cream to create an irresistible sauce that seeps into the velvety veal meatballs.
This dish is best served over mozzarella polenta for an unforgettable dining experience.
With such delectable flavors at play here, it’s no wonder why this delicious pair is perfect together.
Conclusion
Veal meatballs are generally healthier than their alternatives- thanks to the meat source.
They are perfect for special occasions and parties when entertaining friends or family.
Choose your favorite sides from the list and get a delicious rounded meal everybody loves.
We’re confident it will rain compliments when you try one or two (or more) of these dishes.
Lastly, the dishes are customizable for those who are feeling adventurous.
As long as you’re aware and mindful of the flavors used in the veal meatballs, you can create sides to die for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are veal meatballs and how do you make them?
Veal meatballs are a delicious, traditional Italian dish made from ground veal, eggs, breadcrumbs and seasonings.
To prepare them, the ingredients are mixed together in a bowl and then shaped into meatballs before being cooked on the stovetop or baked in the oven.
Are there any tips for making perfectly-shaped veal meatballs?
Yes! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your veal meatballs come out perfectly shaped every time – use the same size spoon or scoop to measure each ball of mixture, roll each ball firmly between your palms until they become round and have a tight texture and finally cook them on low heat so they can keep their shape while cooking.
What type of side dishes pair best with veal meatballs?
Veal meatballs go well with a variety of sides such as potatoes, rice, pasta salads or crusty breads.
They also pair nicely with roasted vegetables such as carrots, onions and bell pepper as well as green salads for an added crunch.
Can you freeze leftovers of cooked veal meatballs?
Yes, you can definitely freeze leftover cooked veal meatballs!
To do this, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in microwave or on the stovetop.
What to Serve with Veal Meatballs? 10 BEST Side Dishes

Ingredients
- Spaghetti
- Mushroom Sauce
- Toasted Orecchiette
- Parsnip Puree
- Braised Vegetables
- Risotto Milanese
- Potato Croquettes
- Rice Pilaf
- Tomato, White Bean, and Cucumber Salad In Basil Vinaigrette
- Creamy Tuscan Mushrooms
Instructions
- Pick your favorite recipe from the article.
- Organize your ingredients and utensils.
- Follow the detailed instructions in the recipe to make your side dish.
- Prepare and serve for delicious meal!