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Lean cooked meatballs, high in protein and iron
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
3 piece (medium) of Meatballs (cooked, no oil) (120 g) has 216 calories. That works out to 180 calories per 100 g. It contains 4.2 g of carbs, 26.4 g of protein, 9.6 g of fat and 0.6 g of fiber. Its 2.5 µg of B12 covers 105% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Meatballs cooked without oil are the Turkish-style köfte: seasoned ground meat shaped by hand into small rounds or ovals. Recipes vary by region and household, often using onion and spices, and they may be grilled, baked or cooked on a hot surface without added oil.
They are served as a main dish with rice, flatbread, salad or grilled vegetables, and can also be part of a larger shared spread. The browned exterior gives way to a tender, savoury centre. They are protein-rich and relatively low in carbohydrate; a 100 g portion provides 22 g of protein. Pair them with vegetables for a lighter, balanced plate.
Selected: 100 g
180
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
3.5g
· 1% DV
Protein
22g
· 44% DV
Fat
8g
· 10% 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 8% · Protein 51% · Fat 41%
Vitamins
B12
2.1µg · 88% DV
B3
4.5mg · 28% DV
B6
0.35mg · 21% DV
B2
0.22mg · 17% DV
Minerals
Zinc
4mg · 36% DV
Phosphorus
210mg · 30% DV
Selenium
16µg · 29% DV
Sodium
380mg · 17% DV
High
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
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.
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 180 calories in 100 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.
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.
No known major allergens
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
3.2g
MONOUNSATURATED
3.1g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.3g
Omega 6:3 ratio 1.7:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
Meatballs are usually made from ground meat mixed with seasonings and shaped into small rounds. Recipes may include onion, herbs, egg, or breadcrumbs; the exact ingredients vary by cuisine and by the kind of meat used.
To keep meatballs from falling apart, mix the ingredients evenly, shape them gently, and chill them before cooking. If the mixture contains grated onion, squeeze out excess liquid, and let the meatballs form a crust before turning them.
Meatballs can turn tough when the mixture is overworked or they are cooked for too long. Lean meatballs are especially easy to dry out, so mix just until combined and stop cooking once they are safely cooked through.
Cooked meatballs generally keep for 3–4 days in a refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or colder. Refrigerate them in a covered container within two hours of cooking, and reheat them thoroughly before serving.
Yes, cooked meatballs freeze well. Cool them, pack them in an airtight freezer-safe container, and thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating. For the best texture, avoid repeatedly thawing and refreezing the same portion.
Reheat cooked meatballs gently in a covered pan with a splash of water or sauce to help prevent them from drying out. You can also warm them in a covered oven-safe dish; heat until they are hot all the way through.
You can bake meatballs instead of frying them: arrange them with space between each one on a baking tray and cook until done in the centre. Turning them once can help them brown more evenly, especially if they are large.
Italian meatballs are commonly seasoned with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan and served with tomato sauce. Swedish meatballs are typically smaller, often use a mix of meats and warm spices, and are served with a creamy gravy.
Meatballs pair well with pasta and tomato sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, or rice and roasted vegetables. For a lighter meal, serve them with a crisp salad or cooked vegetables instead of a rich sauce.
The most reliable way to check meatballs is with a food thermometer inserted into the centre; ground beef, pork, or lamb should reach 160°F (71°C). Colour alone is not a dependable way to judge whether they are safely cooked.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.