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Meatballs with Tomato Sauce Calories
Classic meatballs served 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 192 calories. That works out to 160 calories per 100 g. It contains 8.6 g of carbs, 13.8 g of protein, 11 g of fat and 1.8 g of fiber. Its 0.8 µg of B12 covers 35% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 40 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
What is Meatballs with Tomato Sauce?
Meatballs with tomato sauce are a familiar Turkish home-cooked dish: seasoned minced meat is shaped into balls, browned or cooked in the pan, then simmered in a sauce often built around tomato paste. Recipes vary from kitchen to kitchen, with onion and herbs or spices commonly mixed into the meat.
The meatballs stay tender under their browned surface, while the sauce is savoury, rich and gently tangy. In Turkey, they’re often served as a main meal with rice, potatoes or bread; elsewhere, they also work well with couscous or crusty bread. They provide protein, with 11.5 g per 100 g. Add a crisp salad or cooked vegetables for a lighter-feeling plate.
Meatballs with Tomato Sauce Nutrition Facts
Selected: 100 g
160
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
7.2g
· 3% DV
Protein
11.5g
· 23% DV
Fat
9.2g
· 12% DV
Fiber
1.5g
· 5% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 18% · Protein 29% · Fat 53%
Meatballs with Tomato Sauce Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
0.7µg · 29% DV
B3
2.1mg · 13% DV
B5
0.6mg · 12% DV
Biotin
3.5µg · 12% DV
Minerals
Zinc
2mg · 18% DV
Phosphorus
120mg · 17% DV
Sodium
370mg · 16% DV
Selenium
8µg · 15% DV
How Nutritious Is Meatballs with Tomato Sauce?
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.
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 160 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?
Contains these 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
3.1g
MONOUNSATURATED
3.7g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.5g
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 mixing ground meat with seasoning and a binder, shaping it into balls, then cooking them in tomato sauce. Brown the meatballs first for better color and shape, then simmer them gently in the sauce until fully cooked.
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 roughly in the pan. Add breadcrumbs gradually if the mixture feels loose, chill the shaped meatballs before cooking, and brown them before stirring them into the sauce.
What meat is best for meatballs with tomato sauce?
A moderately fatty ground beef works well for meatballs with tomato sauce because it keeps the meatballs moist and flavorful. Ground pork, or a beef-and-pork mixture, is also common in many recipes; very lean meat can turn dry unless handled carefully.
What should you serve with meatballs with tomato sauce?
Meatballs with tomato sauce go well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, all of which soak up the sauce. Add a green salad or cooked vegetables to balance the meal and bring a fresh contrast to the rich tomato gravy.
Can you bake meatballs with tomato sauce instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake meatballs with tomato sauce instead of frying them. Bake the shaped meatballs until browned, then add them to the sauce to finish cooking, or bake them directly in an oven-safe dish covered with sauce to keep them moist.
Can you freeze meatballs with tomato sauce?
Yes, cooked meatballs with tomato sauce freeze well. Cool them promptly, portion them into airtight freezer-safe containers, and thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm them until steaming throughout, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.
How long do meatballs with tomato sauce last in the fridge?
Meatballs with tomato sauce keep for about three to four days in the refrigerator when stored promptly in a covered container. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat, and discard them if they were left at room temperature for too long.
How do you keep meatballs with tomato sauce tender?
To keep meatballs with tomato sauce tender, avoid using very lean meat, mix the ingredients only until combined, and simmer rather than boil them vigorously. Breadcrumbs soaked in milk or water can help retain moisture, while prolonged cooking can make the meatballs firm.
What is the difference between meatballs with tomato sauce and Swedish meatballs?
Meatballs with tomato sauce are served in a tomato-based sauce, while Swedish meatballs are traditionally paired with a creamy gravy and often lingonberry. Their seasonings and serving accompaniments differ too, although recipes vary and the meatball mixtures can overlap.
Can you make meatballs with tomato sauce ahead of time?
Yes, meatballs with tomato sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated once cooled. Their flavor often melds as they stand; reheat them gently in a covered saucepan, stirring carefully so the meatballs stay intact and adding a little water if needed.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.