Ready & Packaged Foods
All →Vegetables & Legumes
All →Desserts & Confectionery
All →Meat & Protein
All →Grains & Bakery
All →Beverages
All →Milk & Dairy
All →
High protein, iron-rich, classic comfort food
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
3 piece (medium) of Beef Meatball (90 g) has 198 calories. That works out to 220 calories per 100 g. It contains 5.9 g of carbs, 14.9 g of protein, 13.1 g of fat and 0.6 g of fiber. Its 1.9 µg of B12 covers 79% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 40 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Beef meatballs are made by seasoning ground beef, often with onion and herbs or spices, then shaping it into small rounds or patties. They are common in many cuisines; this style is closely associated with Turkish köfte, which is typically pan-fried or grilled.
A well-browned outside gives way to a tender, savory centre. Serve them hot with rice, flatbread, salad or roasted vegetables; they also work tucked into a sandwich. They provide substantial protein and are a satisfying main dish. For a lighter plate, grill rather than fry the meatballs and pair them with fresh salad or vegetables.
Selected: 100 g
220
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
6.5g
· 2% DV
Protein
16.5g
· 33% DV
Fat
14.5g
· 19% DV
Fiber
0.7g
· 3% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 12% · Protein 30% · Fat 58%
Vitamins
B12
2.1µg · 88% DV
B3
3.8mg · 24% DV
B6
0.25mg · 15% DV
B2
0.18mg · 14% DV
Minerals
Zinc
4mg · 36% DV
Phosphorus
180mg · 26% DV
Selenium
14µg · 25% DV
Sodium
420mg · 18% DV
High
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 220 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
No known major allergens
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
5.8g
MONOUNSATURATED
6.2g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.7g
Omega 6:3 ratio 2.2:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
Beef meatballs are usually made with ground beef, breadcrumbs or soaked bread, egg, and seasonings; many recipes also add onion or garlic. The exact mixture varies, but a little binder helps the meatballs hold their shape as they cook.
Use enough binder, avoid adding excess liquid, and mix the beef meatball mixture until it just holds together. Chilling the shaped meatballs before cooking helps them firm up, and turning them too early in the pan can make them break.
Beef meatballs often turn tough when the mixture is overworked or they are cooked for too long. Mix only until the ingredients come together, and use beef with some fat rather than very lean ground beef for a juicier texture.
Pan-frying gives beef meatballs a browned, flavorful crust, while baking is convenient when cooking a large batch. Either method works well; space the meatballs apart and cook them until the centers are done without leaving them on the heat longer than needed.
Check the center of a beef meatball with a food thermometer: ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C). Cutting one open can give a visual clue, but a thermometer is the more reliable way to confirm it is safely cooked.
Cooked beef meatballs keep for 3–4 days in the refrigerator when stored in a covered container. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking, and reheat only the portion you plan to eat.
Yes, beef meatballs freeze well both raw and cooked. Freeze raw meatballs in a single layer first so they do not stick together, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag; cool cooked meatballs before packing them.
Beef meatballs pair well with pasta and tomato sauce, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter meal, serve them with a crisp salad or vegetables rather than a rich, creamy side.
Yes, you can shape beef meatballs ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them. Keep the raw mixture chilled, and do not leave it at room temperature while preparing other parts of the meal.
You can use finely ground oats, crushed crackers, or soaked bread in place of breadcrumbs in beef meatballs. These binders affect texture slightly, so add them gradually until the mixture holds together without becoming dense.
Ask the AI nutrition coach — calories, portions, alternatives and more, answered in seconds in the app.
Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.