Meatballs

Meatballs are savory balls of ground meat, typically beef, pork, or a blend, mixed with binders like breadcrumbs and eggs, and seasoned with herbs and spices. They are a staple in many cuisines worldwide, from Italian polpette and Swedish köttbullar to Middle Eastern kofta and American-style meatballs in marinara sauce.

🍳 View the full Meatballs recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Meatballs are a high-protein dish, with a moderate to high fat content depending on the meat used and cooking method. A typical serving (about 3-4 medium meatballs) can range from 250-400 calories, providing iron, B vitamins, and zinc.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	280 kcal
Protein	18 g
Carbs	10 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	580 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Zinc	3.5 mg
Vitamin B12	1.5 mcg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Selenium	20 mcg
Potassium	280 mg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg
Niacin (B3)	4.5 mg

Per 5 meatballs (approx. 113 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The concept of a meatball is remarkably universal, appearing in nearly every culinary tradition, often adapted to local ingredients and flavors. Nutritionally, combining meat with binders like breadcrumbs can help stretch the meat and create a more tender texture, while also adding some carbohydrates.