The 7 Best Substitutes For Ground Veal

Ground veal is a popular ingredient in many dishes, from classic Italian lasagna to French moussaka.

It’s lean and flavorful, making it an ideal choice for those looking for healthier alternatives to ground beef or pork.

However, some people don’t have access to ground veal or simply can’t afford it.

Fortunately, there are several substitutes that can be used as a replacement.

In this article, I will discuss the seven best substitutes for ground veal so you can still enjoy your favorite recipes without breaking the bank!

What is Ground Veal?

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/84724036732524473/

Ground veal is a type of ground meat made from the flesh of young cows.

It is usually sold in packages, either fresh or frozen, and can be used in a variety of dishes such as burgers, meatloaf, lasagna, and more.

Ground veal has a mild flavor that pairs well with other ingredients like herbs and spices.

The texture of ground veal is finer than that of beef or pork because it comes from younger animals.

This makes it ideal for recipes where you want to achieve a smooth consistency without large chunks of meat.

The color also tends to be lighter than beef or pork due to its age; however, this varies depending on the cut used for grinding.

When cooking with ground veal, it’s important to note that it cooks faster than other types of ground meats since there is less fat content.

As such, you should adjust your cooking time accordingly when using this ingredient in recipes.

Additionally, if you are substituting ground veal for another type of ground meat in a recipe (e.g., replacing beef with veal), make sure to reduce the amount called for by about 25%.

The 7 Best Substitutes For Ground Veal

Ground veal is a delicious and nutritious ingredient, but it can be hard to find in some parts of the world.

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional ground veal, here are seven great options:

1 – Ground Lamb

Ground lamb is a type of ground meat made from lamb, which is the meat of a young sheep.

It is usually sold in a ground form, which means that it has been finely chopped or ground into small pieces.

Ground lamb is a popular ingredient in many dishes, including burgers, meatballs, and shepherd’s pie.

Ground lamb can be used as a substitute for ground veal in many recipes.

It has a slightly stronger flavor than veal, so it is best to use it in dishes that have other strong flavors, such as curries and stews.

When using ground lamb instead of veal, it is important to adjust the seasonings accordingly.

For example, you may need to add more herbs and spices to balance out the stronger flavor of the lamb.

When cooking with ground lamb, it is important to cook it thoroughly.

Ground lamb should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.

Additionally, it is important to drain off any excess fat after cooking to avoid greasy dishes.

Ground lamb can be a delicious and healthy alternative to ground veal in many recipes.

With the right seasonings and cooking techniques, it can be a flavorful and satisfying addition to any meal.

2 – Ground Pork

Ground pork is a type of ground meat made from pork.

It is usually made from pork shoulder or pork belly, which are both fatty cuts of pork.

Ground pork can be used in a variety of dishes, such as meatballs, burgers, tacos, and meatloaf.

It can also be used as a substitute for ground veal in dishes such as lasagna, meatballs, and meatloaf.

When using ground pork instead of ground veal, it is important to remember that pork is much fattier than veal.

This means that you may need to adjust the amount of fat used in the recipe.

For example, if a recipe calls for 1 pound of ground veal, you may need to use 1.5 pounds of ground pork.

Additionally, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature, as pork cooks faster than veal.

Ground pork has a slightly sweet flavor and is very versatile.

It can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. It is also a great source of protein and is relatively inexpensive.

3 – Ground Chicken

Ground chicken is a type of ground meat made from chicken. It is usually made from dark meat, such as thighs, and is ground into small pieces.

Ground chicken can be used as a substitute for ground veal in many recipes. It can be used in dishes such as meatballs, meatloaf, burgers, and tacos.

When using ground chicken instead of ground veal, it is important to adjust the cooking time and temperature as ground chicken cooks faster than ground veal.

Additionally, ground chicken may require additional seasoning to bring out the flavor.

Ground chicken can also be used in dishes such as shepherd’s pie, lasagna, and stuffed peppers.

4 – Ground Beef

Ground beef is beef that has been finely chopped or ground up into small pieces. It is usually made from the trimmings of tougher cuts of beef, such as chuck or round.

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from burgers and tacos to casseroles and meatloaves.

Ground beef can be used instead of ground veal in many recipes. It is a great substitute for veal in dishes such as meatballs, meatloaf, and lasagna.

Ground beef has a slightly stronger flavor than veal, so it is important to adjust the seasonings accordingly.

When using ground beef instead of veal, it is best to use a leaner cut of beef, such as ground sirloin or ground round, to ensure that the dish is not too greasy.

Ground beef can also be used in place of veal in dishes such as shepherd’s pie and moussaka.

5 – Ground Turkey

Ground turkey is a type of ground meat made from ground turkey.

It is usually made from dark meat, but can also be made from white meat. It has a mild flavor and is usually lower in fat than ground beef.

Ground turkey can be used in place of ground veal in many recipes.

It can be used in dishes such as meatloaf, burgers, meatballs, and tacos. It can also be used in dishes such as lasagna, shepherd’s pie, and chili.

When using ground turkey instead of ground veal, it is important to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Ground turkey is usually milder in flavor than ground veal, so it may require more seasoning to achieve the desired flavor.

Additionally, ground turkey may require a longer cooking time than ground veal, as it is usually leaner and may take longer to cook through.

6 – Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)

Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) is a meat substitute made from defatted soy flour.

It is a high-protein, low-fat, and low-cost food product that is often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes.

TVP is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including casseroles, soups, stews, and chili.

To use TVP instead of ground veal, you can simply substitute the same amount of TVP for the ground veal in the recipe.

TVP is usually sold in dried form, so it needs to be rehydrated before use.

To do this, simply add an equal amount of hot water or broth to the TVP and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

Once rehydrated, the TVP can be used in the same way as ground veal. It can be added to sauces, stews, and casseroles, or used as a filling for tacos, burritos, and other dishes.

TVP has a slightly nutty flavor and a chewy texture, so it can be a great substitute for ground veal in many dishes.

7 – Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a type of fungi that are commonly used as a food source.

They have a meaty texture and can be used as a substitute for ground veal in many dishes.

When using mushrooms instead of ground veal, it is important to remember that mushrooms have a much stronger flavor than veal.

To make up for this, you can add additional seasonings such as garlic, onion, and herbs to the dish.

Additionally, mushrooms can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as sautéing, roasting, or grilling.

Mushrooms can also be used to add texture and flavor to dishes.

For example, they can be chopped and added to sauces, soups, and stews. They can also be used as a topping for pizzas, pastas, and salads.

FAQ

Can I sub ground lamb for ground veal?

Yes, you can substitute ground lamb for ground veal. Ground lamb is a flavorful and lean alternative to ground veal, and it has a similar texture. It is also lower in fat than ground veal, making it a healthier option.

Ground poultry, such as chicken or turkey, can also be used as a substitute for ground veal.

Dark meat chicken has a similar flavor to ground veal, while ground turkey is a lighter-tasting, leaner alternative.

Is ground veal the same as ground beef?

No, ground veal and ground beef are not the same. Veal is the meat of young cattle, usually between the ages of two and six months, while beef is the meat of older cattle, usually between the ages of one and three years. Veal is typically a light pink color, while beef is a darker red.

Additionally, veal is more tender and has a milder flavor than beef. Ground veal is often used in dishes such as meatloaf, burgers, and meatballs, while ground beef is more commonly used in dishes such as tacos, chili, and shepherd’s pie.

Are ground veal and lamb the same?

No, ground veal and lamb are not the same. Veal is the meat of calves, which are young and domesticated cows or bulls, while lamb, also known as mutton or hogget, is the meat of sheep. Veal can come from the cattle of either sex, but most veal comes from young males. Lamb, on the other hand, is usually sourced from young female sheep.

The texture and flavor of veal and lamb also differ, with veal being more tender and milder in flavor than lamb. Additionally, veal is typically more expensive than lamb due to the higher cost of raising calves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ground veal is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.

However, if you don’t have ground veal on hand, there are several other ingredients that can be used as a good substitute.

The best substitutes for ground veal are ground lamb, ground pork, ground chicken, ground beef, ground turkey, textured vegetable protein (TVP), and mushrooms. Each of these ingredients has its own unique flavor and texture, so you can experiment with different combinations to find the perfect flavor for your dish.

Using a combination of these ingredients is a great way to add flavor and texture to your dish, and will ensure that you never have to go without ground veal again.