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Small Meatball Calories
Small meatball, typically made from beef or mixed ground meat. Rich in protein and iron.
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 piece (small) of Small Meatball (25 g) has 53 calories. That works out to 210 calories per 100 g. It contains 1.8 g of carbs, 3.8 g of protein, 3.3 g of fat and 0.2 g of fiber. Its 0.3 µg of B12 covers 13% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Small Meatball Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 piece (small) · 25 g
53
KCAL / 25G
Carbs
1.8g
· 1% DV
Protein
3.8g
· 8% DV
Fat
3.3g
· 4% DV
Fiber
0.2g
· 1% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 14% · Protein 29% · Fat 57%
Small Meatball nutrition facts table · 1 piece (small) (25 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 53 kcal | |
| Total fat | 3.3 g | 4% |
| Saturated fat | 1.3 g | 7% |
| Trans fat | 0.02 g | |
| Sodium | 85 mg | 4% |
| Total carbohydrate | 1.8 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.2 g | 1% |
| Protein | 3.8 g | 8% |
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 Small Meatball?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 piece (small) | 25 g | 53 kcal |
| 3 piece (small) | 75 g | 158 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 210 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 100 g | 210 kcal |
| 5 piece (small) | 125 g | 263 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 150 g | 315 kcal |
| 10 piece (small) | 250 g | 525 kcal |
| 1 pack (jumbo) | 250 g | 525 kcal |
Calculated from 210 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Meatball
How do you make small meatballs?
Small meatballs are made by mixing ground meat with seasonings and a binder, then shaping the mixture into bite-sized rounds. Chill the shaped meatballs briefly if the mixture feels soft, then brown them in a pan or bake until fully cooked.
Why do small meatballs fall apart while cooking?
Small meatballs often fall apart when the mixture is too wet, poorly combined, or handled before the outside has set. Drain excess liquid from grated onion, mix the ingredients thoroughly, and let the meatballs brown before turning them.
Is it better to bake or pan-fry small meatballs?
Both methods work for small meatballs. Pan-frying gives them a browned, crisp exterior, while baking is convenient when you are cooking a large batch. Whichever method you choose, arrange them with space around each one so they cook evenly.
How can you tell when small meatballs are cooked through?
Small meatballs are cooked through when the center is no longer pink and is piping hot. For ground beef, a food thermometer inserted into the center should read 160°F (71°C); their small size means they can overcook quickly, so check them promptly.
How do you keep small meatballs tender?
Use ground meat that is not extremely lean, and avoid packing the mixture tightly when shaping small meatballs. Cook them only until done; prolonged high heat can make the meatballs firm and dry.
Can you freeze small meatballs?
Yes, small meatballs can be frozen either raw or cooked. Freeze them in a single layer first so they do not stick together, then transfer them to a sealed freezer container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking or reheating.
What should you serve with small meatballs?
Small meatballs pair well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a vegetable side. They also work in tomato sauce, soups, and grain bowls, where their bite-sized shape makes them easy to serve alongside other ingredients.
How long do cooked small meatballs last in the fridge?
Cooked small meatballs keep in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days when chilled within two hours of cooking. Store them in a covered container and reheat until steaming hot throughout.
Can small meatballs be cooked directly in sauce?
Yes, small meatballs can finish cooking directly in a gently simmering sauce. Browning them first adds flavor and helps them hold their shape; avoid a vigorous boil, which can break the meatballs apart.
What is the best meat for small meatballs?
Ground beef or a beef-and-other-meat blend both work well for small meatballs. A little fat helps keep them moist, while very lean meat is more likely to turn dry; season the mixture well because the small portions cook quickly.
Small Meatball Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
0.3µg · 13% DV
B3
0.8mg · 5% DV
B5
0.23mg · 5% DV
B2
0.05mg · 4% DV
Minerals
Zinc
0.7mg · 6% DV
Selenium
3.5µg · 6% DV
Phosphorus
36mg · 5% DV
Sodium
85mg · 4% DV
Potassium ⭐
65mg · 2% DV
Small Meatball Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Small Meatball
To burn the 53 calories in 1 piece (small) (25 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 Small Meatball?
Small meatball refers here to the bite-sized Turkish köfte made by mixing minced meat with onion and seasonings, then shaping it into small rounds. Beef is common, though some home recipes use lamb or a mixture of meats. The pieces may be pan-fried, grilled or simmered in a dish.
Browning gives them a savoury crust, while the centre stays tender. In Turkey, they are served with rice, tucked into soup or shared as part of a meal; elsewhere, they work just as well in a sandwich or alongside vegetables. They offer protein and iron, with some carbohydrate often coming from the mixture used to bind them. For a lighter plate, bake or grill them and serve with salad rather than a rich sauce.
How Nutritious Is Small Meatball?
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 Small Meatball 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 Small Meatball Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Small Meatball Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Small Meatball Fat Profile
SATURATED
1.3g
MONOUNSATURATED
1.45g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.28g
Omega 6:3 ratio 3:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.