3 piece (medium) of Homemade Meatballs (120 g) has 264 calories. That works out to 220 calories per 100 g. It contains 9.6 g of carbs, 19.8 g of protein, 15.6 g of fat and 0.8 g of fiber. Its 1.4 µg of B12 covers 60% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Homemade Meatballs?

Homemade Meatballs here refers to Turkish-style köfte: minced meat, commonly beef or lamb, mixed with onion and seasonings, with bread or breadcrumbs often added to bind the mixture. The patties are shaped by hand and pan-fried, grilled or baked; family recipes vary in their herbs and spices.

They have a browned exterior and a tender, savoury centre, and are usually served hot with rice, potatoes, salad or flatbread. In Turkey they make a familiar home-cooked main, while elsewhere they work just as well in a sandwich or alongside vegetables. They provide protein—16.5 g per 100 g—though fat content depends on the meat and cooking method. For a lighter meal, use lean mince and bake them.

Homemade Meatballs Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

220

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

· 3% DV

Protein

16.5g

· 33% DV

Fat

13g

· 17% 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 15% · Protein 31% · Fat 54%

Homemade Meatballs Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

1.2µg · 50% DV

3.9mg · 24% DV

0.22mg · 17% DV

0.28mg · 16% DV

Minerals

Zinc

3mg · 27% DV

Phosphorus

170mg · 24% DV

Selenium

11µg · 20% DV

Sodium

420mg · 18% DV

How Nutritious Is Homemade Meatballs?

Nutrient density

High

60/ 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

46/ 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.

Homemade Meatballs 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 Homemade Meatballs

To burn the 220 calories in 100 g:

🚶

54min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

22min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

30min

Cycling

🏊

26min

Swimming

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

Is Homemade Meatballs 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 Homemade Meatballs Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs yes

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Homemade Meatballs Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Homemade Meatballs Fat Profile

SATURATED

5.2g

MONOUNSATURATED

5.8g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.4g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 2.8:1

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

Compare Homemade Meatballs

🥩vs🥩

Homemade Meatballs vs Ground Beef30 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🥩vs🍢

Homemade Meatballs vs Chicken Skewer80 kcal more per 100 g

→🥩vs🥩

Homemade Meatballs vs Sauteed Lamb10 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🥩vs🍗

Homemade Meatballs vs Smoked Turkey110 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Homemade Meatballs

🥩

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 Homemade Meatballs

What meat is best for homemade meatballs?

A mixture of ground beef with some fat makes homemade meatballs flavorful and less likely to dry out. Ground pork is also commonly mixed in for tenderness, while leaner meat works best when you avoid overcooking the meatballs.

Do homemade meatballs need breadcrumbs and eggs?

No, homemade meatballs do not strictly need both breadcrumbs and eggs. Breadcrumbs help hold moisture and bind the mixture, while egg can help it hold together; you can use another binder or omit them, but the texture may change.

How do you stop homemade meatballs from being dense?

Handle homemade meatballs gently and stop mixing as soon as the ingredients come together. Overworking or tightly packing the mixture makes the cooked meatballs firm; lightly damp hands make it easier to shape them without pressing too hard.

How long should homemade meatballs bake?

Homemade meatballs usually bake in about 15–20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on their size and the meat used. Check that the centers are fully cooked rather than relying only on the outside color.

Can you cook homemade meatballs in sauce without browning them first?

Yes, homemade meatballs can cook directly in gently simmering sauce without browning first. They will be softer and will not have the browned crust that pan-searing creates; keep the sauce at a gentle simmer so the meatballs stay intact.

Why do homemade meatballs shrink when cooked?

Homemade meatballs shrink as their fat and moisture render out and the meat proteins tighten during cooking. A mixture with some fat, gentle handling, and avoiding excessive heat can reduce shrinkage, though a small amount is normal.

Can you make homemade meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape homemade meatballs ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until cooking. For best food safety, cook them within one to two days, or freeze them if you need to store them longer.

How do you freeze homemade meatballs without them sticking together?

Freeze homemade meatballs in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. This keeps them separate so you can take out only the amount you need.

Can you put raw homemade meatballs straight into a slow cooker?

Yes, raw homemade meatballs can be cooked in a slow cooker, but they may be softer and less browned than seared ones. Arrange them in the sauce without overcrowding and make sure they reach a safe temperature all the way through.

What is the difference between homemade meatballs and Swedish meatballs?

Homemade meatballs are a broad category, while Swedish meatballs are a particular style often seasoned with warm spices and served with a creamy gravy, lingonberry, and potatoes. A homemade recipe can use many different seasonings and serving styles.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026