3 piece (medium) of Izmir Meatballs (120 g) has 204 calories. That works out to 170 calories per 100 g. It contains 12.2 g of carbs, 13.8 g of protein, 11 g of fat and 2 g of fiber. Its 1.2 µg of B12 covers 49% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 45 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Izmir Meatballs?

From İzmir in western Turkey, Izmir meatballs are oblong meat patties, usually seasoned with onion and spices, arranged with potatoes and peppers, then baked or simmered in tomato sauce. The meatballs are often browned first, which adds a savoury note to the finished dish. They are tender and hearty, with a gently tangy, slightly sweet sauce that soaks into the potatoes. In Turkey they are commonly served hot as a family lunch or dinner, often with rice, bread or a simple salad. For English-speaking diners, they make a filling one-dish meal; add fresh salad for contrast, or use less oil when browning the meatballs for a lighter result. They provide protein alongside substantial carbohydrates from the potatoes.

Izmir Meatballs Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

170

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

10.2g

· 4% DV

Protein

11.5g

· 23% DV

Fat

9.2g

· 12% DV

Fiber

1.7g

· 6% DV

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

Calories come from: Carbs 24% · Protein 27% · Fat 49%

Izmir Meatballs Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

0.98µg · 41% DV

2.1mg · 13% DV

0.65mg · 13% DV

0.19mg · 11% DV

Minerals

Zinc

2mg · 18% DV

Phosphorus

120mg · 17% DV

Sodium

340mg · 15% DV

Selenium

8.5µg · 15% DV

How Nutritious Is Izmir Meatballs?

Nutrient density

Medium

55/ 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

49/ 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.

Izmir 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 Izmir Meatballs

To burn the 170 calories in 100 g:

🚶

42min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

17min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

23min

Cycling

🏊

20min

Swimming

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

Is Izmir 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 Izmir Meatballs 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 Izmir 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

Izmir Meatballs Fat Profile

SATURATED

3.2g

MONOUNSATURATED

3.8g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.32g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 3:1

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

Compare Izmir Meatballs

🍖vs🥩

Izmir Meatballs vs Ground Beef80 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍖vs🍢

Izmir Meatballs vs Chicken Skewer30 kcal more per 100 g

→🍖vs🥩

Izmir Meatballs vs Sauteed Lamb60 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍖vs🍗

Izmir Meatballs vs Smoked Turkey60 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Izmir 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 Izmir Meatballs

What are İzmir Meatballs?

İzmir Meatballs are Turkish meatballs baked or simmered with potato wedges, green peppers and tomato sauce. The meatballs are usually shaped into oblong pieces, making the dish distinct from soups or casseroles made with small round meatballs.

How do you make İzmir Meatballs?

Mix ground meat with grated onion, breadcrumbs and seasonings, then shape it into oblong meatballs. Arrange them with potatoes and peppers, pour tomato sauce over the top, and bake until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

What makes İzmir Meatballs different from other Turkish meatballs?

İzmir Meatballs are served as a complete sauced dish with potatoes and green peppers, rather than as plain grilled köfte. Their characteristic oblong shape and oven-baked tomato sauce preparation are also different from many Turkish meatball dishes.

Do İzmir Meatballs need to be fried before baking?

No, İzmir Meatballs do not have to be fried before baking. Browning them briefly can add flavor and help them keep their shape, but you can arrange them raw with the potatoes and sauce and bake until fully cooked.

Why do İzmir Meatballs turn out tough?

İzmir Meatballs can become tough if the meat mixture is overworked, made with very lean mince, or cooked for too long. Mix only until combined and bake just until the meatballs are cooked through and the potatoes are tender.

Can you make İzmir Meatballs with lamb instead of beef?

Yes, you can make İzmir Meatballs with lamb or a beef-and-lamb mixture. Lamb gives the dish a richer flavor, while beef is a common choice; whichever you use, choose mince with enough fat to keep the meatballs tender.

What should you serve with İzmir Meatballs?

İzmir Meatballs pair well with rice, crusty bread, a simple salad or plain yogurt. Since the dish already includes potatoes and tomato sauce, a fresh or cooling side is often enough to complete the meal.

Can you prepare İzmir Meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the İzmir Meatballs and refrigerate them before cooking, or assemble the full dish ahead and bake it later. Keep uncooked meat covered and chilled, and allow extra cooking time if the assembled dish is cold.

How long do cooked İzmir Meatballs keep in the fridge?

Cooked İzmir Meatballs keep for about three days in the refrigerator when cooled promptly and stored in a covered container. Reheat them until steaming hot throughout, adding a splash of water if the tomato sauce has thickened.

Can you freeze İzmir Meatballs?

Yes, cooked İzmir Meatballs can be frozen in airtight, portion-sized containers. The potatoes may become softer after thawing, so thaw the dish in the refrigerator and reheat it gently with a little water to loosen the sauce.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026