If you are craving a truly comforting and rich Italian dinner, look no further than Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe. This dish brings together a luscious, slow-simmered meat sauce that’s bursting with deep flavors paired with the creamy, dreamy texture of fresh burrata cheese. Every bite feels like a warm hug from your nonna’s kitchen, with tender pasta coated perfectly in the savory sauce and topped with fresh basil and Parmesan. It’s the kind of meal that reconnects you to the joy of homemade cooking and simple ingredients elevated with love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe lies in its use of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an essential role in building flavor, texture, and color. From aromatic sautéed onions and garlic to the rich ground beef and creamy burrata, everything comes together effortlessly to create this classic dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This is the flavorful base for sautéing onions and garlic, adding a subtle fruitiness.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and depth to the sauce as it softens.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth that infuses the entire sauce.
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean): The hearty protein that makes this sauce satisfyingly rich.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory flavors without overpowering them.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild heat and balances the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a classic herbal note essential to Italian sauces.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of spiciness for those who like a little kick.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and deepens the sauce’s color.
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce, providing freshness and acidity.
- ½ cup beef broth or water: Helps loosen the sauce and adds savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional): Balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
- 12 ounces pasta (rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti): The perfect vehicle to carry the meaty sauce.
- 8 ounces burrata cheese (2–3 balls): The crowning glory—creamy and luscious right on top of the pasta.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Adds brightness and a fresh herbal finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving: Enhances the umami and adds a salty, nutty touch.
How to Make Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Meat
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook it gently until it becomes soft and translucent—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for another minute, letting its irresistible aroma fill your kitchen. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes. This process builds the foundational flavor and texture that make this meat sauce so delicious.
Step 2: Season and Enrich the Sauce
Once the meat is browned, season it generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and, if you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes. Stir those vibrant spices through the meat, then mix in the tomato paste, cooking it for about 2 minutes to allow it to caramelize slightly. This step intensifies the tomato’s richness and makes for a thicker sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce to Perfection
Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the beef broth (or water). If your tomatoes are a touch too tangy, add the optional teaspoon of sugar to mellow out the acidity. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the flavors marry beautifully while the sauce thickens to a luxurious consistency that will cling to your pasta.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is working its magic, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your choice of rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti according to package directions until al dente—perfectly tender but with a bit of bite to hold up against the hearty meat sauce. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot or a large serving bowl, ready for saucing.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Now it’s time for the best part. Spoon the rich meat sauce generously over the pasta and toss gently to coat every strand or tube evenly. To finish, tear the fresh burrata over the top, letting its creamy texture soften into the warm pasta. Add fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a final burst of flavor and color.
How to Serve Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the perfect garnish, adding a bright, herbal contrast to the rich meat sauce. Torn burrata not only enhances the creaminess but also creates a beautiful presentation. Finish with a generous sprinkling of sharp Parmesan cheese—it brings a salty, nutty punch that ties the whole dish together.
Side Dishes
To complement this hearty pasta, serve with a simple green salad dressed lightly with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. Crunchy garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is a must-have to soak up every last bit of that irresistible meat sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive touch, serve the pasta family-style in a large rustic bowl with whole burrata balls in the center for guests to portion themselves. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and scatter a few whole basil leaves around to create a vibrant, inviting centerpiece perfect for any casual dinner or special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the burrata separate and add fresh before serving again to preserve its creamy texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
The meat sauce freezes beautifully on its own. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop. Avoid freezing the burrata as it will affect its delicate texture.
Reheating
Rewarm the meat sauce gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. Reheat pasta separately or toss it briefly in the warmed sauce until heated through. Add fresh burrata on top after reheating, so it stays luscious and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes the dish a bit lighter. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and add some extra seasoning to enhance the flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
Why does the recipe call for tomato paste and crushed tomatoes?
Tomato paste provides concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the sauce, while crushed tomatoes add freshness and a slightly chunky texture. Both together create depth and complexity.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Definitely. The sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just keep the burrata separate until serving.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
Pasta with ridges or hollow shapes like rigatoni or penne catch the meat sauce well, but classic spaghetti is always a beloved choice too. Choose whatever you prefer or have on hand.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comforting flavors and simple ingredients that come together like a culinary hug. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish offers warmth, satisfaction, and a touch of Italian magic in every bite. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a plate full of love and deliciousness that everyone will adore!
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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 dish featuring a rich, homemade meat sauce simmered with ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, served over perfectly cooked pasta and topped with creamy burrata cheese and fresh basil. This hearty main course combines deep flavors with a touch of freshness, making it a perfect dinner for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces pasta (rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti)
- 8 ounces burrata cheese (2–3 balls)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes, beef broth (or water), and sugar if using to balance acidity. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens nicely.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to pot or a serving bowl.
- Combine and Serve: Spoon the rich meat sauce over the pasta and gently toss to combine. Top each serving with torn burrata cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, savory flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for different flavor profiles.
- Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
- Burrata is best added just before serving to maintain its creamy, delicate texture.
