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Meatballs with Tomato Sauce Calories
Rich in protein and iron, enhanced with tomato sauce
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
Quick answer
3 piece (medium) of Meatballs with Tomato Sauce (120 g) has 198 calories. That works out to 165 calories per 100 g. It contains 9.4 g of carbs, 15.8 g of protein, 11 g of fat and 1.9 g of fiber. Its 1.3 µg of B12 covers 55% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
What is Meatballs with Tomato Sauce?
Meatballs with Tomato Sauce is a home-style dish of seasoned ground meat shaped into balls, browned, then gently cooked in a tomato-based sauce. This version is familiar in Turkish cooking, where the meat mixture may be seasoned with onion and spices and the sauce is often kept simple and savoury.
The meatballs are tender and substantial, balanced by the sauce’s gently tangy, slightly sweet flavour. Serve them as a main course with rice, pasta or bread; a crisp salad or plain yoghurt makes a fresh accompaniment. They provide protein and iron, with 13.2 g of protein per 100 g. For a lighter meal, use less oil in the sauce and add plenty of vegetables.
Meatballs with Tomato Sauce Nutrition Facts
Selected: 100 g
165
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
7.8g
· 3% DV
Protein
13.2g
· 26% DV
Fat
9.2g
· 12% DV
Fiber
1.6g
· 6% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 19% · Protein 32% · Fat 49%
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Meatballs with Tomato Sauce Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
1.1µg · 46% DV
B3
2.1mg · 13% DV
B2
0.17mg · 13% DV
B5
0.55mg · 11% DV
Minerals
Selenium
11µg · 20% DV
Phosphorus
140mg · 20% DV
Zinc
2mg · 18% DV
Sodium
370mg · 16% DV
Potassium ⭐
290mg · 9% DV
How Nutritious Is Meatballs with Tomato Sauce?
Nutrient density
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.
Satiety score
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.
Meatballs with Tomato Sauce Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
To burn the 165 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.
Is Meatballs with Tomato Sauce 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 with Tomato Sauce Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Meatballs with Tomato Sauce 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
Meatballs with Tomato Sauce Fat Profile
SATURATED
3.2g
MONOUNSATURATED
3.7g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.4g
Omega 6:3 ratio 3.1:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
How do you make meatballs with tomato sauce?
Meatballs with tomato sauce are made by shaping seasoned ground meat into balls, browning them, then simmering them in tomato sauce until cooked through. Browning first helps them hold their shape and adds flavor to the sauce.
What ingredients go into meatballs with tomato sauce?
Meatballs with tomato sauce usually contain ground meat, onion, breadcrumbs or soaked bread, and seasonings; egg is often added to bind the mixture. The sauce is commonly made with tomatoes, oil, and garlic, though recipes vary.
Why do meatballs with tomato sauce fall apart?
Meatballs with tomato sauce usually fall apart when the mixture is too wet, under-mixed, or handled before it firms up. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, chill the shaped meatballs briefly, and brown them gently before adding them to the sauce.
What is the best meat for meatballs with tomato sauce?
A blend of ground beef with some fat works well for meatballs with tomato sauce because it stays moist and flavorful during cooking. Leaner meat is an option, but avoid simmering it for too long or the meatballs may become dry.
Can you cook meatballs with tomato sauce in the oven?
Yes, meatballs with tomato sauce can be baked in the oven. Arrange the meatballs in a baking dish, add the sauce, and cook until the centers are done. Baking is convenient when you want to cook the meatballs and sauce together.
How do you make tomato sauce for meatballs with tomato sauce?
A simple tomato sauce for meatballs with tomato sauce starts with crushed or grated tomatoes cooked with oil, salt, and optional garlic. Simmer it until flavorful, then add the meatballs; leave the pan uncovered briefly if the sauce is too thin.
What should you serve with meatballs with tomato sauce?
Meatballs with tomato sauce pair well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, which can soak up the sauce. A green salad or cooked vegetables make a fresh, lighter side.
Can you put raw meatballs directly into tomato sauce?
Yes, raw meatballs can cook directly in simmering tomato sauce, provided they reach a safe internal temperature. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil, and avoid stirring roughly so the meatballs stay intact.
How do you keep meatballs with tomato sauce tender?
To keep meatballs with tomato sauce tender, use a mixture that is not too lean, add breadcrumbs or soaked bread, and avoid overmixing. Simmer them gently and stop cooking once they are done; prolonged cooking can make them firm.
Can you freeze meatballs with tomato sauce?
Yes, meatballs with tomato sauce freeze well. Cool them, pack them with the sauce in airtight portions, and thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating until hot throughout. Freezing them with the sauce helps keep the meatballs moist.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.