Best Pork & Veal Mince Recipes

Ground pork and veal offer a versatile culinary canvas, lending themselves to a wide array of dishes. Their combined flavor profile – the richness of pork balanced by the leaner, more delicate notes of veal – allows for both robust and refined creations. This exploration delves into the diverse possibilities, offering detailed recipes and helpful tips to guide culinary endeavors. The blend’s leaner nature contributes to healthier meal options while retaining the satisfying texture and intense flavor expected from ground meats. From simple weeknight meals to sophisticated entrees, these recipes showcase the adaptability and deliciousness of this unique meat combination.

Classic Meatloaf with a Twist

This recipe provides a foundation for understanding the versatility of the meat blend. The combination of pork and veal creates a moist and flavorful meatloaf that’s perfect for a family dinner. The key is to gently combine the ingredients to avoid overworking the meat, which can result in a tough loaf. Proper seasoning is crucial, using a blend of herbs and spices to complement the natural flavors of the meat.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork, 1 lb ground veal, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup milk, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground pork and veal.
3. Add the breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, bell pepper, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tip: For added flavor, wrap the meatloaf in bacon before baking.

Mediterranean Meatloaf with Feta and Olives

This recipe showcases the adaptability of ground pork and veal by incorporating Mediterranean flavors. The salty feta cheese and briny olives create a delightful contrast to the richness of the meat. The use of fresh herbs is essential for achieving an authentic Mediterranean taste.

Read Also: Easy Beef Stroganoff Cottage Pie Recipe » All Recipes

Ingredients: (Similar to Classic Meatloaf, but add:) 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved), 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano.

Instructions: Follow the instructions for the Classic Meatloaf, adding the feta cheese, olives, parsley, and oregano to the meat mixture before shaping the loaf.

Tip: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables and a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette.

Pasta Sauces and Fillings

Rich and Savory Bolognese Sauce

A classic Bolognese sauce benefits greatly from the blend of ground pork and veal. Their combined texture and flavor create a hearty and deeply satisfying sauce that clings beautifully to pasta. Slow cooking is key to developing the rich, complex flavors of this traditional dish. Patience is rewarded with an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork, 1 lb ground veal, 1 large onion (chopped), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 15 oz canned tomato sauce, 1/2 cup dry red wine, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper.

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground pork and veal over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve over your favorite pasta.

Tip: Add a bay leaf during cooking for an extra layer of flavor. Remove before serving.

Stuffed Shells with a Creamy Ricotta Filling

Jumbo pasta shells provide a perfect vessel for a creamy ricotta filling enhanced with the savory ground meat mixture. The balance of textures and flavors is what makes this dish truly special. Careful layering is crucial for preventing the shells from breaking during baking.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork, 1 lb ground veal, 15 oz ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 egg, 1 clove garlic (minced), salt and pepper to taste, 1 (24-ounce) package jumbo pasta shells, your favorite marinara sauce.

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta shells according to package directions.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground pork and veal, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Fill each cooked pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish.
6. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

Tip: Top with extra Parmesan cheese before baking for added flavor and a golden crust.

Hearty One-Dish Meals

Shepherd’s Pie with a Ground Pork and Veal Twist

The classic comfort food of Shepherd’s Pie takes on a new dimension with the flavorful combination of ground pork and veal. The richness of the meat complements the creamy mashed potato topping beautifully. Proper layering ensures a balanced dish with distinct yet harmonious flavors and textures.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork, 1 lb ground veal, 1 large onion (chopped), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 2 lbs russet potatoes (peeled and boiled), 1/4 cup milk or cream, 4 tbsp butter, salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground pork and veal in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. While the sauce simmers, mash the boiled potatoes with milk or cream and butter. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Pour the meat mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Tip: For a richer flavor, use bone-in beef broth.

Hearty Meat and Vegetable Casserole

This one-dish wonder combines the ground meat with an array of seasonal vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying meal. The versatility of this dish allows for customization with your preferred vegetables. Even cooking of the vegetables is important to ensure a balanced texture and flavor.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork, 1 lb ground veal, 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 zucchini (chopped), 1 green bell pepper (chopped), 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1 cup vegetable broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground pork and veal in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Add the onion, carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

Tip: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or corn for variety.

Conclusion

The culinary possibilities with ground pork and veal are extensive and exciting. The combination offers a delightful balance of flavor and texture, making it suitable for a broad range of dishes, from classic comfort food to more innovative creations. The recipes presented here provide a starting point for exploration, encouraging experimentation with herbs, spices, and vegetables to tailor the dishes to individual preferences. The key to success lies in understanding the basic principles of meat cookery and allowing sufficient time for flavor development.

Encourage Questions

Feel free to submit any questions you may have regarding these recipes or other culinary applications of ground pork and veal. Further inquiries about specific techniques, ingredient substitutions, or dietary modifications are welcomed and will be addressed to the best of our ability. We value your culinary curiosity and are committed to assisting in your culinary journey.

We encourage you to share your experiences and adaptations of these recipes. The shared knowledge and enthusiasm for cooking contribute to a vibrant and growing culinary community. Your feedback is invaluable in refining and enhancing these culinary explorations.

Further exploration into the world of ground pork and veal will undoubtedly reveal even more delicious possibilities.

Happy cooking!