If you’re craving a hearty, soul-satisfying meal that brings together rich flavors and a creamy finish, look no further than Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe. This dish is a comforting embrace on a plate, where a robust, slow-simmered meat sauce melds perfectly with tender pasta and the luxurious creaminess of fresh burrata cheese. Each bite bursts with nostalgia and warmth, making it an ideal dish to share with loved ones or to treat yourself after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role to build the deep flavors and delightful textures of this dish. From the aromatic garlic and onion setting the foundation to the creamy burrata that adds a dreamy finish, every element shines in harmony.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the savory, hearty base for the meat sauce.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant punch you won’t want to miss.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for sautéing and adding richness to the sauce.
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Brings vibrant color and tangy tomato flavor.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce with concentrated tomato goodness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Introduces classic Italian herb aroma for balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, peppery hint enhancing the sauce complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat that awakens the palate without overwhelming.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season perfectly and bring all flavors together.
- 12 ounces pasta (rigatoni or spaghetti): The perfect vehicle for soaking up that hearty meat sauce.
- 8 ounces burrata cheese: The star creamy topping that melts exquisitely into the warm pasta.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Adds freshness and an herbaceous pop.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving: Complements with its nutty savory touch.
How to Make Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about five minutes. This gentle cooking unlocks the onion’s natural sweetness and sets the stage for your sauce.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Brown the Beef
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon as it browns evenly. This browning creates those bold, caramelized moments in your sauce that make all the difference. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the sauce from being greasy.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Mix in the tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes to concentrate its flavor. Next, add the crushed tomatoes along with your dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to low. Let your sauce simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, letting the flavors develop and thicken wonderfully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, prepare your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once perfectly cooked, drain the pasta but reserve a little pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Toss the pasta thoroughly in the meat sauce, ensuring every piece gets that savory coating. Plate your pasta in serving bowls, then crown each portion with a generous piece of burrata cheese. The burrata, served at room temperature, melts slightly upon contact with the warm pasta, adding that heavenly creamy touch. Finish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for that authentic Italian experience.
How to Serve Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese are a must to garnish Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe. The basil brings a fresh, green brightness, while the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish that complements the richness of the burrata and meat sauce brilliantly.
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty pasta alongside simple, refreshing sides like a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread for mopping up every last bit of sauce. These uncomplicated sides highlight the star of the meal without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try plating the pasta in shallow bowls with the burrata gently torn into chunks on top rather than a whole piece. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes over the burrata for an elegant touch. A few whole basil leaves scattered aesthetically can turn a simple dish into a feast for the eyes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the burrata separate if possible, since it’s best fresh and creamy.
Freezing
The meat sauce freezes wonderfully! Store the sauce (without pasta or burrata) in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the sauce gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to bring it back to life. Reheat cooked pasta by briefly dropping it in boiling water or microwaving with a splash of water. Add fresh burrata on top just before serving to enjoy its creamy magic anew.
FAQs
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
Absolutely! While burrata offers that luscious cream-filled center, fresh mozzarella can be a tasty and more accessible alternative that still melts beautifully over the pasta.
How long can I simmer the meat sauce?
You can simmer the sauce anywhere from 20 minutes up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the richer and more concentrated the flavors become, so feel free to adjust based on your schedule and taste preference.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Rigatoni and spaghetti are both excellent choices. Rigatoni’s ridges hold onto the sauce wonderfully, while spaghetti wraps it beautifully around each strand for a classic experience.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes are optional and used sparingly to add a hint of warmth without overpowering the dish. You can easily omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a meat-free version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms. The rich tomato sauce and creamy burrata still deliver plenty of comforting flavor.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe is truly a celebration of comfort food done right. Its combination of hearty, flavorful meat sauce and creamy burrata creates a dish that feels both nostalgic and special. Once you try it, this recipe will surely become a beloved staple in your kitchen, perfect for any occasion that calls for a delicious, feel-good meal shared with those who matter most.
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Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring a rich, savory meat sauce simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and a hint of spice, served over perfectly cooked pasta and topped with creamy burrata cheese for a luxurious finish.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta & Toppings
- 12 ounces pasta (rigatoni or spaghetti)
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
- Add Tomato Elements and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Then, add the crushed tomatoes along with dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop richness and allow flavors to meld. For an even richer taste, you can extend simmering up to one hour.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly once cooked.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained pasta with the meat sauce ensuring every piece is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta among serving bowls. Place a generous piece of burrata cheese on top of each serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese immediately before serving.
Notes
- For a richer, more developed flavor, simmer the meat sauce for up to an hour instead of 20–30 minutes.
- Burrata cheese is best served at room temperature; remove it from the refrigerator while the sauce simmers to allow it to soften.
- If burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella is a suitable substitute though the texture and creaminess differ.
