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Italian-style meatballs Calories
Protein-rich
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
3 piece (medium) of Italian-style meatballs (105 g) has 258 calories. That works out to 246 calories per 100 g. It contains 7.1 g of carbs, 18.1 g of protein, 17.2 g of fat and 0.5 g of fiber. Its 1.8 µg of B12 covers 74% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 45 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Italian-style meatballs Nutrition Facts
Selected: 3 piece (medium) · 105 g
258
KCAL / 105G
Carbs
7.1g
· 3% DV
Protein
18.1g
· 36% DV
Fat
17.2g
· 22% DV
Fiber
0.5g
· 2% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 11% · Protein 28% · Fat 61%
Italian-style meatballs nutrition facts table · 3 piece (medium) (105 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 258 kcal | |
| Total fat | 17.2 g | 22% |
| Saturated fat | 6.09 g | 30% |
| Trans fat | 0.19 g | |
| Sodium | 546 mg | 24% |
| Total carbohydrate | 7.1 g | 3% |
| Fiber | 0.5 g | 2% |
| Protein | 18.1 g | 36% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Medium Italian-style meatballs?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 piece (medium) | 35 g | 86 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 25 g | 62 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 55 g | 135 kcal |
| 2 piece (medium) | 70 g | 172 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 246 kcal |
| 3 piece (medium) | 105 g | 258 kcal |
| 4 piece (medium) | 140 g | 344 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 150 g | 369 kcal |
| 1 serving (extra large) | 220 g | 541 kcal |
Calculated from 246 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian-style meatballs
What goes into Italian-style meatballs?
Italian-style meatballs commonly combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, grated Parmesan or another cheese, and herbs such as parsley. Recipes vary: some use beef alone, while others combine beef with pork, and many simmer the cooked meatballs in tomato sauce.
Are Italian-style meatballs traditionally served with spaghetti?
Not usually in Italy as one combined dish. Italian-style meatballs, or polpette, are often served on their own or with vegetables, while meatballs piled onto spaghetti are especially associated with Italian-American cooking.
How do you make Italian-style meatballs from scratch?
Mix ground meat gently with breadcrumbs, egg, grated cheese, garlic, and herbs, then shape into even balls. Brown them in a pan or bake them, and finish cooking in tomato sauce if desired. Avoid packing or overworking the mixture, which can make the meatballs dense.
Why do Italian-style meatballs fall apart while cooking?
Italian-style meatballs can fall apart if the mixture is too wet or too loose, or if they are turned before a browned crust forms. Chill the shaped meatballs briefly and let them brown undisturbed before turning; a little more breadcrumb can help bind a wet mixture.
Can you bake Italian-style meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, Italian-style meatballs can be baked instead of fried. Baking is convenient for cooking a batch at once and uses less added oil, while pan-frying creates more browning. Either way, cook them through, then add them to sauce if you want a traditional saucy finish.
What sauce goes best with Italian-style meatballs?
A tomato sauce with garlic and Italian herbs is the classic match for Italian-style meatballs. Brown the meatballs first, then let them finish cooking in the sauce so the flavors mingle. They can also be served with a simple pan sauce or without sauce.
What should you serve with Italian-style meatballs?
Italian-style meatballs pair well with pasta, crusty bread, polenta, or roasted vegetables. For an Italian-American-style meal, serve them over spaghetti with tomato sauce; for a lighter plate, pair them with a green salad or vegetables.
Can you freeze Italian-style meatballs?
Yes, cooked Italian-style meatballs freeze well. Cool them, portion them into an airtight freezer-safe container, and freeze with or without sauce. Thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat until hot throughout; freezing raw, shaped meatballs is also an option.
How long do cooked Italian-style meatballs last in the fridge?
Cooked Italian-style meatballs keep for about 3–4 days in the refrigerator when stored promptly in a covered container. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking, and reheat them until hot throughout before serving.
How do you keep Italian-style meatballs tender?
Handle Italian-style meatball mixture gently and stop mixing as soon as it holds together; overworking makes the texture firm. Breadcrumbs soaked in milk can add moisture, and cooking the meatballs just until done helps prevent them from drying out.
Italian-style meatballs Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
1.79µg · 75% DV
B3
4.73mg · 30% DV
B6
0.3mg · 18% DV
B2
0.23mg · 18% DV
Minerals
Selenium
21µg · 38% DV
Zinc
3.68mg · 33% DV
Phosphorus
197mg · 28% DV
Sodium
546mg · 24% DV
Potassium ⭐
305mg · 9% DV
Italian-style meatballs Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Italian-style meatballs
To burn the 258 calories in 3 piece (medium) (105 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.
What is Italian-style meatballs?
Italian-style meatballs are small rounds of seasoned minced meat, commonly mixed with breadcrumbs, egg and herbs, then browned or baked. Recipes vary, and may include grated cheese or garlic; tomato sauce is a familiar accompaniment. In Italy, meatballs are often served as a separate main course rather than piled on pasta, while spaghetti and meatballs is a popular Italian-American pairing.
They have a savoury, herby flavour, with a browned outside and tender centre. Serve them with pasta, crusty bread or vegetables, depending on the meal. They are a protein-rich choice, providing 17.2 g of protein per 100 g. For a lighter plate, bake the meatballs and use a modest amount of sauce, or pair them with a generous serving of vegetables.
How Nutritious Is Italian-style meatballs?
Nutrient density
Medium
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
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.
Is Italian-style meatballs Processed?
NOVA 3
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 Italian-style meatballs Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Italian-style meatballs Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Italian-style meatballs Fat Profile
SATURATED
6.09g
MONOUNSATURATED
7.56g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.37g
Omega 6:3 ratio 8.5:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (8.5:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.