Welcome to this classic Sbarro Mama’s Meatball Recipe with Spaghetti & Sauce! There’s nothing quite as comforting as a plate of delicious meatballs resting on a bed of spaghetti, drenched in rich marinara sauce. If you’re a fan of hearty Italian meals, you’re in the right place. This recipe brings the flavors of Sbarro’s right into your kitchen, with a simple step-by-step guide that will leave your family asking for seconds!
Introduction
Originating from the classic Italian-American cuisine, meatballs are a beloved dish enjoyed by people all over the world. This Sbarro Mama’s Meatball Recipe captures that traditional, comforting flavor with tender, juicy meatballs paired perfectly with spaghetti and a rich marinara sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a hearty meal for a crowd, this dish is sure to satisfy. What makes this recipe even more special is how easily you can bring the taste of Italy to your home in just under an hour!
This dish is not only a fan favorite but also an excellent option for those looking for an easy-to-make yet flavorful dinner. With a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can recreate the magic of Sbarro’s kitchen. Pro tip: Try pairing this dish with garlic bread for an added touch of Italian authenticity!
Ingredients for Sbarro Mama’s Meatball Recipe
For this delightful Sbarro Mama’s Meatball Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb. Lean ground beef
- 1 Whole egg
- 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Romano cheese, shredded
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Dried parsley
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- Cooked pasta of choice (spaghetti recommended)
- Jarred marinara sauce
Optional substitutions for dietary needs:
- Ricotta cheese: Substitute with a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free version.
- Panko bread crumbs: Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this dish celiac-friendly.
How to Make Sbarro Mama’s Meatball Recipe – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine lean ground beef, Panko bread crumbs, egg, ricotta cheese, Romano cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, garlic powder, dried parsley, and dried basil. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until all ingredients are well combined. Avoid over-mixing as this can lead to tough meatballs.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Using a portion scoop or a tablespoon, scoop about 1 oz. of the meat mixture and roll it into balls with your hands. Place the meatballs evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should get about 25 meatballs from this mixture.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the meatballs for 18-22 minutes or until they are fully cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare your spaghetti.
Step 4: Prepare the Spaghetti
Cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside.
Step 5: Serve with Marinara Sauce
Warm up your favorite jarred marinara sauce on the stove. Once the meatballs are done, serve them over a bed of spaghetti and pour marinara sauce generously on top. Garnish with freshly grated Romano cheese and parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
Helpful Tips for Sbarro Mama’s Meatball Recipe
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and herbs. It makes a huge difference in the final dish.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently mix the meatball ingredients to prevent the meatballs from becoming tough.
- Freezing Tip: You can freeze any leftover cooked meatballs for up to three months. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Cooking Tips for the Best Sbarro Mama’s Meatball Recipe
- Perfect Meatball Texture: If you want super tender meatballs, make sure not to compact the meat mixture when shaping them. Lightly rolling the mixture will give you the best results.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure that the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and optimal flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: While dried parsley and basil work fine, using fresh herbs will enhance the flavor. Just double the quantity if substituting fresh for dried.
Serving Suggestions for Sbarro Mama’s Meatball Recipe
Pair this dish with:
- Garlic bread: A crispy, buttery side dish that complements the rich marinara and juicy meatballs.
- Caesar salad: For a light, refreshing contrast to the hearty main course.
- Red wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Nutritional Information
Enjoy the comfort of this meal knowing it’s packed with protein, calcium, and iron.
Nutritional info for Sbarro Mama’s Meatball Recipe (per serving):
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 30g
Storage and Leftovers for Sbarro Mama’s Meatball Recipe
Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep your Sbarro Mama’s Meatball Recipe fresh for days:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: To reheat, place meatballs in the microwave or bake in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Sbarro Mama’s Meatball Recipe
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe. Just note that turkey may need slightly less cooking time. - Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and freeze them uncooked. Thaw them in the fridge before baking as directed. - What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or even cream cheese can be used as substitutes for ricotta. - How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Ensure you mix the ingredients well and don’t skip the egg and bread crumbs, which help bind the meatballs.
Related Recipes for Meatball Lovers
- Ultimate Cowboy Casserole with Cornbread
This hearty casserole is the perfect comfort food for a family dinner. - Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix
Easy and flavorful sausage balls for a quick snack or party appetizer.
Conclusion
This Sbarro Mama’s Meatball Recipe with Spaghetti & Sauce brings the flavors of Italy right into your home with minimal effort and maximum flavor. We’d love to hear how your version turned out! Don’t forget to share your variations or tips in the comments below. Let’s keep this Italian culinary tradition alive!
Print
Sbarro Mama’s Meatball Recipe – Easy Spaghetti & Sauce
Description
Welcome to this classic Sbarro Mama’s Meatball Recipe with Spaghetti & Sauce! There’s nothing quite as comforting as a plate of delicious meatballs resting on a bed of spaghetti, drenched in rich marinara sauce. If you’re a fan of hearty Italian meals, you’re in the right place. This recipe brings the flavors of Sbarro’s right into your kitchen, with a simple step-by-step guide that will leave your family asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Lean ground beef
- 1 Whole egg
- 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Romano cheese, shredded
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 2–3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Dried parsley
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- Cooked pasta of choice (spaghetti recommended)
- Jarred marinara sauce
Optional substitutions for dietary needs:
- Ricotta cheese: Substitute with a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free version.
- Panko bread crumbs: Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this dish celiac-friendly.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine lean ground beef, Panko bread crumbs, egg, ricotta cheese, Romano cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, garlic powder, dried parsley, and dried basil. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until all ingredients are well combined. Avoid over-mixing as this can lead to tough meatballs.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Using a portion scoop or a tablespoon, scoop about 1 oz. of the meat mixture and roll it into balls with your hands. Place the meatballs evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should get about 25 meatballs from this mixture.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the meatballs for 18-22 minutes or until they are fully cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare your spaghetti.
Step 4: Prepare the Spaghetti
Cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside.
Step 5: Serve with Marinara Sauce
Warm up your favorite jarred marinara sauce on the stove. Once the meatballs are done, serve them over a bed of spaghetti and pour marinara sauce generously on top. Garnish with freshly grated Romano cheese and parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and herbs. It makes a huge difference in the final dish.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently mix the meatball ingredients to prevent the meatballs from becoming tough.
- Freezing Tip: You can freeze any leftover cooked meatballs for up to three months. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
