3 piece (medium) of Meatballs (Raw) (120 g) has 252 calories. That works out to 210 calories per 100 g. It contains 5 g of carbs, 21 g of protein, 17 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.

What is Meatballs (Raw)?

Raw meatballs are seasoned ground meat, commonly beef or lamb, shaped into balls or patties before cooking. The mixture often includes onion and spices, and some versions use a little breadcrumb. They are uncooked preparation, not the ready-to-eat kind of meatball.

Cook them through in a pan, oven or on a grill, then serve with rice, vegetables or salad; they also work in a sandwich. Across many cuisines, meatballs are a familiar home-cooked dish, though the seasonings and accompaniments vary by region. They provide protein and are also fairly rich in fat. For a lighter meal, bake or grill them and pair with a generous salad.

Meatballs (Raw) Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

210

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

4.2g

· 2% DV

Protein

17.5g

· 35% DV

Fat

14.2g

· 18% 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 33% · Fat 59%

Meatballs (Raw) Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

2.1µg · 88% DV

3.8mg · 24% DV

0.35mg · 21% DV

0.18mg · 14% DV

Minerals

Zinc

3mg · 27% DV

Phosphorus

175mg · 25% DV

Selenium

11µg · 20% DV

Sodium

320mg · 14% DV

How Nutritious Is Meatballs (Raw)?

Nutrient density

High

70/ 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

48/ 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.

Meatballs (Raw) 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 Meatballs (Raw)

To burn the 210 calories in 100 g:

🚶

52min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

21min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

29min

Cycling

🏊

24min

Swimming

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

Is Meatballs (Raw) 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 (Raw) 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 Meatballs (Raw) Good For?

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

Meatballs (Raw) Fat Profile

SATURATED

5.2g

MONOUNSATURATED

6.1g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.25g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 1.9:1

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

Compare Meatballs (Raw)

🥩vs🥩

Meatballs (Raw) vs Ground Beef40 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🥩vs🍢

Meatballs (Raw) vs Chicken Skewer70 kcal more per 100 g

→🥩vs🥩

Meatballs (Raw) vs Sauteed Lamb20 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🥩vs🍗

Meatballs (Raw) vs Smoked Turkey100 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Meatballs (Raw)

🥩

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 Meatballs (Raw)

Can raw meatballs be cooked in sauce?

Yes, raw meatballs can cook directly in a simmering sauce. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer, make sure the meatballs are fully submerged or turn them as needed, and check that the center reaches 160°F (71°C) before serving.

Can you cook raw meatballs from frozen?

Yes, you can cook raw meatballs from frozen, though they will take longer than thawed ones. Cook them in the oven or a simmering sauce until the center reaches 160°F (71°C); avoid leaving them to thaw on the counter.

Should you wash raw meatballs before cooking them?

No, do not wash raw meatballs. Rinsing can spread bacteria from the meat around the sink and nearby surfaces; cook the meatballs thoroughly instead, and wash your hands and utensils after handling them.

What keeps raw meatballs from falling apart?

A well-mixed, chilled meatball mixture is less likely to fall apart. Mix the ingredients until they hold together, shape the balls evenly, and let them chill before cooking; turn them gently only after the outside has begun to set.

How do you season raw meatballs?

Season raw meatballs with salt, pepper, and spices that suit the recipe; finely chopped onion is also common. Mix seasonings evenly through the ground meat, then cook a small test portion fully before adjusting the seasoning of the remaining mixture.

Can raw meatballs be made ahead of time?

Yes, raw meatballs can be shaped ahead and refrigerated for up to 1–2 days before cooking. Keep them covered in a leakproof container on a low shelf, separate from ready-to-eat foods, and cook them thoroughly before serving.

How long do raw meatballs last in the freezer?

Raw meatballs keep their best quality in the freezer for about 3–4 months when wrapped airtight. Freeze them spaced apart first so they do not clump, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container.

Can raw meatballs be eaten rare or pink in the middle?

No, raw meatballs should not be served rare or pink in the middle. Because they are made from ground meat, bacteria can be present throughout each ball; cook the center to 160°F (71°C) for safety.

What is the best way to brown raw meatballs without drying them out?

Brown raw meatballs in a hot, lightly oiled pan, turning them gently so they color on several sides. Once browned, finish cooking them over lower heat or in sauce; browning alone does not mean the centers are cooked.

Can raw meatballs be made without breadcrumbs?

Yes, raw meatballs can be made without breadcrumbs. Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and soften its texture, but a well-mixed ground-meat mixture can still hold together; chill it before shaping and handle the balls gently while cooking.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026