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Several small, round meatballs with uneven surfaces and browned, crisp-looking patches are arranged on a plate, with their juicy-looking interiors visible in one cut piece.
●Low GI
💪High Protein

Meatballs Calories

High in protein

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 7.7 g of carbs, 14.9 g of protein, 15.3 g of fat and 0.5 g of fiber. Its 1.6 µg of B12 covers 68% 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

7.7g

· 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 14% · Protein 26% · Fat 60%

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

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories225 kcal
Total fat15.3 g20%
Saturated fat5.49 g27%
Trans fat0.45 g
Sodium612 mg27%
Total carbohydrate7.7 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
1 piece (jumbo)50 g125 kcal
100 g100 g250 kcal
1 serving (medium)120 g300 kcal
5 piece (large)150 g375 kcal
1 serving (large)180 g450 kcal
10 piece (jumbo)300 g750 kcal

Calculated from 250 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meatballs

What are meatballs made of?

Meatballs are usually made with ground meat, seasoning, and a binder such as breadcrumbs or soaked bread. Many recipes also add egg and finely chopped onion; the exact ingredients vary by cuisine and style.

Why do meatballs fall apart?

Meatballs can fall apart when the mixture is too loose, too dry, or not mixed enough to hold together. Add binder gradually, shape them firmly without compressing them excessively, and let them set before cooking.

How do you keep meatballs moist?

Use meat with some fat and avoid overmixing or packing the meatballs too tightly. Cook them just until done rather than leaving them on the heat; breadcrumbs soaked in milk can also help retain moisture.

Should meatballs be baked, pan-fried, or cooked in sauce?

Meatballs can be baked, pan-fried, or simmered in sauce. Pan-frying gives them a browned exterior, baking is convenient for a batch, and simmering in sauce adds flavor; whichever method you use, cook them through.

How can you tell when meatballs are cooked through?

The safest check is a food thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball. Ground beef, pork, or lamb should reach 160°F (71°C), while meatballs made with ground poultry should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can you freeze meatballs?

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

How long do cooked meatballs last in the fridge?

Cooked meatballs 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 leftovers until steaming hot throughout.

Are breadcrumbs necessary in meatballs?

No, breadcrumbs are not essential in meatballs, but they help bind the mixture and make its texture softer. Without them, use another suitable binder or handle the mixture gently so the meatballs hold their shape.

Can you make meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape meatballs ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until cooking. For longer storage, freeze them; avoid leaving raw meatballs at room temperature while preparing the rest of the meal.

What should you serve with meatballs?

Meatballs pair well with pasta and tomato sauce, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. A crisp salad can balance a richer meal, while bread is useful for soaking up sauce.

Meatballs Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

1.62µg · 68% DV

B3

4.14mg · 26% DV

B6

0.29mg · 17% DV

Biotin

4.5µg · 15% DV

Minerals

Selenium

16µg · 29% DV

Zinc

3.06mg · 28% DV

Sodium

612mg · 27% DV

Phosphorus

162mg · 23% DV

Potassium ⭐

252mg · 7% DV

Meatballs Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

15
Low
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

1.2
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?

Meatballs here refers to Turkish köfte: seasoned minced meat, commonly beef or lamb, shaped into small patties or balls. Recipes vary, and may include onion, herbs and breadcrumbs. They are cooked at home in a pan or on a grill, and are also a familiar choice at lokantas and kebab shops.

The browned outside gives way to a tender, savoury centre. In Turkey, they are often served as a main with rice or bulgur, salad and bread; elsewhere, they also work well with flatbread or roasted vegetables. Meatballs are a good source of protein, while their fat content depends on the meat and cooking method. For a lighter meal, grill them and pair with salad or vegetables.

How Nutritious Is Meatballs?

Nutrient density

Medium

52/ 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 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 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

— Not suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not 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.