If you're a meatball lover, you may wonder how many calories are in 1 cubic inch beef meatballs. Well, you'll be happy to know that 1 cubic inch beef meatballs contain just 38 calories, making them a great addition to your meal plan in moderation.
In addition to being low in calories, beef meatballs are also a good source of protein, iron, and zinc. A 1 cubic inch serving size is equivalent to approximately 1 small-sized meatball.
In this article, we'll explore the nutritional information of beef meatballs, how to include them in your diet, healthy ways to prepare them, and more. So, let's get started!
How Many Calories are in 1 Cubic Inch Beef Meatballs?
As mentioned earlier, 1 cubic inch beef meatballs contain 38 calories. This makes them a great option for those who want to add a protein-packed food to their meal plan without going overboard on calories.
In addition to being low in calories, beef meatballs are a good source of protein, iron, and zinc. One 1 cubic inch serving size of beef meatballs contains approximately:
- 2.7 grams of protein
- 0.3 grams of carbohydrates
- 2.4 grams of fat
- 0 grams of fiber
- 10.8 milligrams of cholesterol
- 0.2 milligrams of iron
- 0.4 milligrams of zinc
How to Include Beef Meatballs in Your Diet?
Beef meatballs can be a versatile addition to your diet. Here are some ideas on how to include them:
- Add them to pasta dishes
- Make a meatball sub sandwich
- Add them to soups or stews
- Make a meatball pizza
Just be sure to watch portion sizes and balance them with other nutritious foods.
Healthy Ways to Prepare Beef Meatballs?
While beef meatballs can be delicious, they can also be high in saturated fat and sodium if prepared in unhealthy ways. Here are some tips for healthier meatballs:
- Use lean ground beef or lean ground turkey instead of regular ground beef
- Use whole grain breadcrumbs instead of white breadcrumbs
- Add vegetables like grated zucchini or carrots for added nutrients
- Bake meatballs instead of frying them to reduce added fat
- Season with herbs and spices instead of salt to reduce sodium intake
Are Beef Meatballs Good for Weight Loss?
While beef meatballs can be a nutritious addition to a weight loss meal plan, it's important to watch portion sizes and balance them with other healthy foods. If you're trying to lose weight, be sure to create a calorie deficit by eating fewer calories than you burn each day.
Are There Any Health Benefits of Eating Beef Meatballs?
Yes, there are health benefits of eating beef meatballs. Here are some of them:
- Good source of protein
- Good source of iron and zinc
- Contain essential amino acids that cannot be produced by the body
- May help build and repair muscle tissue
How to Cook Beef Meatballs?
Here's a simple recipe for cooking beef meatballs:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well
- Shape mixture into 16-20 meatballs
- Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through
What are the Alternatives to Beef Meatballs?
If you're looking for alternatives to beef meatballs, you might try:
- Ground turkey meatballs
- Vegetarian meatballs made with lentils, beans, or tofu
- Chicken meatballs
- Pork meatballs
How to Store Beef Meatballs in the Fridge?
If you have any leftover meatballs, store them in the fridge within two hours of cooking to prevent bacteria from growing. Here's how to do it:
- Cool meatballs at room temperature for no more than two hours
- Place meatballs in an airtight container or zip-top bag
- Label and date the container or bag
- Store in the fridge for up to four days
How to Freeze Beef Meatballs?
If you like to meal prep or want to save some meatballs for later, freezing them is a great option. Here's how to do it:
- Cool meatballs at room temperature for no more than two hours
- Place meatballs in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag
- Label and date the container or bag
- Store in the freezer for up to three months
Beef meatballs can be a nutritious addition to your meal plan and are a good source of protein, iron, and zinc.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Cubic Inch Beef Meatballs
What is a cubic inch beef meatball?
A cubic inch beef meatball is a small ball of ground beef that measures one cubic inch in volume. It is commonly used in recipes such as spaghetti and meatballs or as a topping for pizza.
How many calories are in one cubic inch beef meatball?
One cubic inch beef meatball contains 38 calories. However, this may vary depending on the ingredients used to make the meatball and the method of cooking.
What are the nutritional benefits of 1 cubic inch beef meatballs?
Beef is a good source of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients. However, 1 cubic inch beef meatballs are small and do not provide a significant amount of these nutrients. They are best enjoyed as part of a balanced and varied diet.
How should I cook 1 cubic inch beef meatballs?
1 cubic inch beef meatballs can be baked, grilled, fried or cooked in a variety of ways. They can be added directly to sauces or served on their own as an appetizer.
Can 1 cubic inch beef meatballs be frozen?
Yes, 1 cubic inch beef meatballs can be frozen. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw them, simply leave them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in the microwave on the defrost setting.