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Puerto Rican-Style Meatballs Calories
Typically made with ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg and sofrito, then simmered in tomato-based sauce; a protein-rich dish.
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 serving (medium) of Puerto Rican-Style Meatballs (150 g) has 338 calories. That works out to 225 calories per 100 g. It contains 10 g of carbs, 21.7 g of protein, 23.3 g of fat and 0.8 g of fiber. Its 1.9 µg of B12 covers 78% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 50 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Puerto Rican-Style Meatballs Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 serving (medium) · 150 g
338
KCAL / 150G
Carbs
10g
· 4% DV
Protein
21.7g
· 43% DV
Fat
23.3g
· 30% DV
Fiber
0.8g
· 3% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 12% · Protein 26% · Fat 62%
Puerto Rican-Style Meatballs nutrition facts table · 1 serving (medium) (150 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 338 kcal | |
| Total fat | 23.3 g | 30% |
| Saturated fat | 7.2 g | 36% |
| Trans fat | 0.6 g | |
| Sodium | 615 mg | 27% |
| Total carbohydrate | 10 g | 4% |
| Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% |
| Protein | 21.7 g | 43% |
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 1 Serving of Puerto Rican-Style Meatballs?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 serving (medium) | 150 g | 338 kcal |
| 1 ounce (small) | 28 g | 63 kcal |
| 1 piece (mini) | 35 g | 79 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 225 kcal |
| 3 piece (small) | 105 g | 236 kcal |
| 4 piece (medium) | 140 g | 315 kcal |
| 5 piece (large) | 175 g | 394 kcal |
| 6 piece (extra large) | 210 g | 473 kcal |
| 1 cup (whole) | 225 g | 506 kcal |
Calculated from 225 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Puerto Rican-Style Meatballs
What are Puerto Rican-style meatballs made of?
Puerto Rican-style meatballs are usually made with ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg and sofrito, then simmered in tomato-based sauce. Sofrito is an aromatic mixture commonly made with ingredients such as onion, peppers, garlic and herbs.
How do you make Puerto Rican-style meatballs?
To make Puerto Rican-style meatballs, mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg and sofrito, shape into balls, and brown them lightly. Simmer them in tomato-based sauce until cooked through so they absorb the sauce’s flavor.
What is sofrito in Puerto Rican-style meatballs?
Sofrito is the aromatic vegetable-and-herb base that gives Puerto Rican-style meatballs much of their distinctive flavor. Puerto Rican versions commonly use onion, peppers, garlic and herbs such as cilantro or culantro; homemade or prepared sofrito can be used.
How are Puerto Rican-style meatballs different from Italian meatballs?
Puerto Rican-style meatballs are often seasoned with sofrito and simmered in a tomato-based sauce, while Italian-American meatballs commonly use a different herb and cheese profile and may be served with pasta. Recipes vary, but sofrito is a defining flavor in the Puerto Rican style.
What sauce goes with Puerto Rican-style meatballs?
Puerto Rican-style meatballs are typically simmered in a tomato-based sauce, often flavored with sofrito, onion and garlic. The simmering lets the meatballs take on the sauce’s flavor and keeps the dish moist.
What do you serve with Puerto Rican-style meatballs?
Puerto Rican-style meatballs pair well with white rice, rice and beans, or plantains, which complement the savory tomato sauce. You can also serve them with a simple salad or vegetables for a lighter plate.
Can you make Puerto Rican-style meatballs without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can make Puerto Rican-style meatballs without breadcrumbs, though the mixture may be softer and more likely to break apart. Shape the meatballs gently and handle them carefully while browning and simmering.
How long do Puerto Rican-style meatballs last in the fridge?
Cooked Puerto Rican-style meatballs keep for three to four days in the refrigerator when stored promptly in a covered container. Reheat them with their sauce until hot all the way through before serving.
Can you freeze Puerto Rican-style meatballs?
Yes, Puerto Rican-style meatballs freeze well with their sauce. Cool them, pack in airtight freezer-safe portions, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove until thoroughly hot.
Can you bake Puerto Rican-style meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake Puerto Rican-style meatballs until mostly cooked, then finish them in the tomato sauce. Avoid overbaking, since simmering them in the sauce helps keep the meatballs tender and moist.
Puerto Rican-Style Meatballs Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
1.88µg · 78% DV
B3
4.8mg · 30% DV
B5
0.98mg · 20% DV
B6
0.33mg · 19% DV
Minerals
Selenium
23µg · 42% DV
Zinc
3.97mg · 36% DV
Phosphorus
203mg · 29% DV
Sodium
615mg · 27% DV
Potassium ⭐
435mg · 13% DV
Puerto Rican-Style Meatballs Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Puerto Rican-Style Meatballs
To burn the 338 calories in 1 serving (medium) (150 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.
What is Puerto Rican-Style Meatballs?
Puerto Rican-Style Meatballs are made with ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg and sofrito, a fragrant blend of aromatics used in Puerto Rican cooking. They are simmered in a tomato-based sauce, which keeps them tender and gives them a savoury, gently spiced flavour. They are served as a home-style meal in Puerto Rico and work just as well for an easy dinner elsewhere.
Pair them with rice, bread or a simple salad to soak up the sauce and balance the plate. The meat makes this a protein-rich, filling dish; for a lighter version, simmer the meatballs in the sauce rather than browning them in extra oil.
How Nutritious Is Puerto Rican-Style Meatballs?
Nutrient density
Medium
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.
Is Puerto Rican-Style 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 Puerto Rican-Style Meatballs Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Puerto Rican-Style 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
Puerto Rican-Style Meatballs Fat Profile
SATURATED
7.2g
MONOUNSATURATED
8.7g
POLYUNSATURATED
5.25g
Omega 6:3 ratio 25.8:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (25.8:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.