3 piece (medium) of Grilled Meatballs (Lean) (120 g) has 186 calories. That works out to 155 calories per 100 g. It contains 3.8 g of carbs, 27 g of protein, 6.2 g of fat and 0.7 g of fiber. Its 2 µg of B12 covers 85% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Grilled Meatballs (Lean)?

Grilled Meatballs (Lean) are Turkish-style köfte: seasoned minced meat shaped into small patties or ovals and cooked over a grill. The lean version uses meat with less fat, developing a browned, lightly charred outside while staying tender inside.

In Turkey, they are usually served hot with grilled tomatoes and peppers, salad or piyaz, and sometimes bread or rice. Their savoury, warmly spiced flavour works well as a filling main meal, whether cooked at home or ordered at a kebab restaurant. They are protein-rich, with 22.5g of protein per 100g. For a lighter plate, pair them with a generous salad and avoid adding extra oil during cooking.

Grilled Meatballs (Lean) Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

155

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

3.2g

· 1% DV

Protein

22.5g

· 45% DV

Fat

5.2g

· 7% DV

Fiber

0.6g

· 2% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 9% · Protein 60% · Fat 31%

Grilled Meatballs (Lean) Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

1.7µg · 71% DV

4.5mg · 28% DV

0.32mg · 19% DV

0.19mg · 15% DV

Minerals

Zinc

4mg · 36% DV

Phosphorus

210mg · 30% DV

Selenium

14µg · 25% DV

Sodium

320mg · 14% DV

How Nutritious Is Grilled Meatballs (Lean)?

Nutrient density

High

65/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

58/ 100

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.

Grilled Meatballs (Lean) Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Grilled Meatballs (Lean)

To burn the 155 calories in 100 g:

🚶

38min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

16min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

21min

Cycling

🏊

18min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Grilled Meatballs (Lean) Processed?

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.

Does Grilled Meatballs (Lean) Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Grilled Meatballs (Lean) Good For?

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

Grilled Meatballs (Lean) Fat Profile

SATURATED

2.1g

MONOUNSATURATED

POLYUNSATURATED

0.4g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 1.4:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

Compare Grilled Meatballs (Lean)

🍖vs🥩

Grilled Meatballs (Lean) vs Ground Beef95 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍖vs🍢

Grilled Meatballs (Lean) vs Chicken Skewer15 kcal more per 100 g

→🍖vs🥩

Grilled Meatballs (Lean) vs Sauteed Lamb75 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍖vs🍗

Grilled Meatballs (Lean) vs Smoked Turkey45 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Grilled Meatballs (Lean)

🥩

Ground Beef

250 kcal

🍢

Chicken Skewer

140 kcal

🥩

Sauteed Lamb

230 kcal

🍗

Smoked Turkey

110 kcal

🥩

Beef Kavurma

230 kcal

🍆🍖

Meatballs with Eggplant Purée

155 kcal

🥩

Beef Cubed

250 kcal

🍗

Chicken (Sauteed)

165 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Meatballs (Lean)

How do you make lean grilled meatballs?

Lean grilled meatballs are made by mixing lean ground meat with seasoning, shaping it into small patties or balls, and cooking them over a hot grill. Make the pieces an even size so they cook at the same rate, and avoid pressing them down while grilling.

What are lean grilled meatballs made of?

Lean grilled meatballs are usually made with lean ground beef, salt, pepper, and seasonings such as onion, garlic, or herbs. A small amount of breadcrumbs or egg can help bind the mixture, though recipes vary by region and household.

How do you stop lean grilled meatballs from falling apart?

To keep lean grilled meatballs from falling apart, mix the meat until it holds together, shape it firmly, and chill it before grilling. Start on a properly heated, clean grill and turn the meatballs only after the underside has formed a browned crust.

How do you keep lean grilled meatballs from drying out?

Keep lean grilled meatballs moist by avoiding overcooking and making them a consistent thickness. Lean meat has less fat to protect it from drying, so take the meatballs off the grill as soon as they are cooked through and let them rest briefly.

What should you serve with lean grilled meatballs?

Lean grilled meatballs pair well with grilled vegetables, a crisp salad, rice, potatoes, or flatbread. For a lighter meal, serve them with vegetables and a yogurt-based sauce; for sandwiches, tuck them into pita with salad and sauce.

Can you freeze lean grilled meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze lean grilled meatballs cooked or uncooked. Cool cooked meatballs first, then store them airtight; freeze uncooked ones in a single layer before transferring them to a container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating or cooking.

How long do lean grilled meatballs last in the fridge?

Cooked lean grilled meatballs keep in the refrigerator for about three to four days in a covered container. Refrigerate them promptly after cooking, and reheat them until hot throughout before serving.

Are lean grilled meatballs better than fried meatballs?

Lean grilled meatballs are usually cooked with less added fat than pan-fried meatballs because grilling lets some fat drip away. Their flavor and texture are also different: grilling gives them a browned, lightly smoky exterior.

Are lean grilled meatballs healthy?

Lean grilled meatballs can be a nutritious protein-rich part of a meal, and grilling requires little added oil. Pair them with vegetables or a salad for a more balanced plate, and avoid charring the surface.

Can you cook lean grilled meatballs on a barbecue without a grill basket?

Yes, lean grilled meatballs can be cooked directly on barbecue grates if they are firm and the grates are clean and hot. Shape them into slightly flattened patties for easier handling, and use a thin spatula to turn them gently.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026