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Several small, round-to-oval meatballs with browned, slightly uneven surfaces and a coarse, compact texture are arranged on a plate.
●Low GI
💪High Protein

Meatballs Calories

High in protein, good source of iron and B12

CALORIES · 100 G

250kcal

GI

15low

POTASSIUM · 100 G

280mg

FIBER · 100 G

0.6g

Quick answer

3 piece (medium) of Meatballs (90 g) has 225 calories. That works out to 250 calories per 100 g. It contains 7.2 g of carbs, 14.9 g of protein, 15.3 g of fat and 0.5 g of fiber. Its 1.7 µg of B12 covers 71% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 15 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

Meatballs Nutrition Facts

Selected: 3 piece (medium) · 90 g

225

KCAL / 90G

Carbs

7.2g

· 3% DV

Protein

14.9g

· 30% DV

Fat

15.3g

· 20% 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 13% · Protein 26% · Fat 61%

Meatballs nutrition facts table · 3 piece (medium) (90 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories225 kcal
Total fat15.3 g20%
Saturated fat5.49 g27%
Trans fat0.36 g
Sodium468 mg20%
Total carbohydrate7.2 g3%
Fiber0.5 g2%
Protein14.9 g30%

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 3 Pieces of Meatballs?

ServingAmountCalories
3 piece (medium)90 g225 kcal
1 piece (small)30 g75 kcal
2 piece (large)60 g150 kcal
100 g100 g250 kcal
1 serving (medium)120 g300 kcal
5 piece (large)150 g375 kcal
1 cup (whole)160 g400 kcal
1 serving (large)180 g450 kcal
8 piece (jumbo)240 g600 kcal

Calculated from 250 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meatballs

How do you make meatballs?

Meatballs are made by mixing ground meat with seasonings and, in many recipes, onion, egg, and breadcrumbs. Shape the mixture evenly, then pan-fry, bake, or grill until cooked through; avoid packing the mixture too tightly, which can make them dense.

Why do meatballs fall apart?

Meatballs often fall apart when the mixture is too wet, not mixed enough, or turned before a crust forms. Drain excess liquid from grated onion, mix until the ingredients hold together, and let the first side brown before flipping.

What are meatballs made of?

Meatballs are usually made from ground beef, pork, lamb, or a blend, combined with seasonings. Many recipes add breadcrumbs and egg for texture and binding, while onion, garlic, and herbs vary by cuisine and family recipe.

How do you keep meatballs tender?

Keep meatballs tender by avoiding very lean meat, mixing only until the ingredients come together, and not overcooking them. Breadcrumbs soaked in milk or water can add moisture, while gently shaping the mixture helps prevent a tough, compact texture.

Is it better to bake or fry meatballs?

Neither method is always better: frying gives meatballs a browned crust quickly, while baking makes it easier to cook a batch with less added oil. Whichever method you use, cook them through and avoid crowding the pan or tray.

Can you freeze meatballs?

Yes, meatballs freeze well either raw or cooked. Freeze raw shaped meatballs separately first so they do not stick together, then transfer them to a sealed container; thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking or reheating.

How long do cooked meatballs last in the fridge?

Cooked meatballs generally keep for three to four days in a refrigerator set at 40°F (4°C) or colder. Refrigerate them promptly in a covered container, and reheat until steaming hot throughout before serving.

How do you know when meatballs are done?

Meatballs are done when the center reaches a safe temperature for the meat used; a food thermometer is more reliable than judging by color alone. For ground beef, pork, or lamb, the center should reach 160°F (71°C); poultry meatballs need 165°F (74°C).

What should you serve with meatballs?

Meatballs pair well with pasta and tomato sauce, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter meal, serve them with a green salad or steamed vegetables; the best side depends on the seasoning and sauce.

Why are meatballs tough?

Meatballs turn tough when the meat is overworked, packed tightly, or cooked for too long. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients, shape them gently, and remove them from the heat as soon as they are safely cooked through.

Meatballs Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

1.71µg · 71% DV

B3

3.78mg · 24% DV

B6

0.29mg · 17% DV

B2

0.16mg · 12% DV

Minerals

Selenium

16µg · 29% DV

Zinc

3.06mg · 28% DV

Phosphorus

162mg · 23% DV

Sodium

468mg · 20% DV

Potassium ⭐

252mg · 7% DV

Meatballs Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

15
Low
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

1.1
Low

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

How to Burn Off Meatballs

To burn the 225 calories in 3 piece (medium) (90 g):

🚶

56min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

23min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

31min

Cycling

🏊

26min

Swimming

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

What is Meatballs?

Turkish-style Meatballs are made by mixing minced meat with onion and seasonings, then shaping it into small, often flattened patties. Recipes vary by household and region, and the meatballs are commonly grilled, pan-fried or baked.

In Turkey, they’re served hot as a main dish with rice, salad, bread or grilled vegetables; leftovers also make an easy sandwich filling. They provide protein, iron and vitamin B12, with 16.5 g of protein per 100 g. For a lighter plate, grill or bake them and pair with a generous salad rather than serving them with fried sides.

How Nutritious Is Meatballs?

Nutrient density

Medium

58/ 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

43/ 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.

Is 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 Meatballs Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes
Dairy free
Eggs yes
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is 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

✓ Suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Meatballs Fat Profile

SATURATED

5.49g

MONOUNSATURATED

6.39g

POLYUNSATURATED

1.17g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 14.1:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (14.1:1).

Compare Meatballs

🍖vs🥩
Meatballs vs Ground BeefSame calories per 100 g
→
🍖vs🍢
Meatballs vs Chicken Skewer110 kcal more per 100 g
→
🍖vs🥩
Meatballs vs Sauteed Lamb20 kcal more per 100 g
→
🍖vs🍗
Meatballs vs Smoked Turkey140 kcal more per 100 g
→

Foods Similar to 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

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.