Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe
If you are craving a soul-satisfying, rich, and comforting meal, then you simply must try Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe. This dish captures the heart of traditional Italian cooking with its hearty, slow-simmered meat sauce that envelops perfectly cooked pasta, topped with luscious, creamy burrata cheese that melts into every bite. It’s a beautiful combination of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug from grandma herself. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become one you reach for time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each element plays a vital role, from the aromatic herbs that deepen the flavor to the creamy burrata that adds a delightful richness and fresh basil that brightens every forkful.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Provides a smooth base for sautéing and brings a subtle fruity flavor.
- Finely chopped yellow onion (1 medium): Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
- Minced garlic (4 cloves): Infuses the sauce with its signature aromatic warmth.
- Ground beef (1 pound): A hearty protein that creates the sauce’s rich, meaty foundation.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): The main body of the sauce, adding acidity and sweetness.
- Beef broth (½ cup): Adds moisture and enhances the savory profile.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings a classic Italian herbal note.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Complements the oregano with a slightly sweet aroma.
- Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle earthiness.
- Bay leaf (1): Infuses the sauce slowly with complex flavor as it simmers.
- Granulated sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances the tomato acidity for a harmonious sauce.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick to the sauce.
- Cooked pasta such as rigatoni or spaghetti (1 pound): The vessel that carries the delicious sauce.
- Fresh burrata cheese (2 balls): The creamy topping that brings indulgence and freshness.
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish: A final touch of color and vibrancy.
How to Make Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook gently for around five minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds to awaken its fragrance without burning. This base sets the stage for the deep flavors ahead.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with your spoon to ensure even cooking. Let it brown completely, stirring occasionally until no pink remains. This step caramelizes the meat, creating a rich umami depth that makes this dish so comforting.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Mix in the tomato paste and cook for about one minute to intensify its flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, and then add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly—you’re layering flavors that will marry beautifully as the sauce simmers.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer thickens the sauce and lets all the herbs and spices infuse every bite. Feel free to simmer up to an hour if you want an even richer experience.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta and Burrata
Once the sauce has thickened and the bay leaf is removed, add your cooked pasta directly into the pot. Toss everything gently to coat the noodles evenly. Serve the pasta in bowls and top each portion with torn pieces of fresh, creamy burrata. Finally, sprinkle chopped basil over the top to bring freshness and vibrant color.
How to Serve Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the perfect garnish here, lending a bright herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy burrata and savory meat sauce. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the finished dish for a lovely sheen and a hint of fruitiness that elevates each bite.
Side Dishes
This heartwarming pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. A crusty artisan bread is also ideal for mopping up every last drop of the glorious meat sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive touch, serve the pasta directly in rustic bowls topped generously with burrata and basil, accompanied by small plates with additional fresh burrata or shaved Parmesan. You might also add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or red chili flakes for texture and excitement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover meat sauce pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to three days. When storing, try to keep the burrata separate and add fresh when you’re ready to serve to maintain its creamy texture.
Freezing
The meat sauce itself freezes well for up to three months. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Avoid freezing the cooked pasta with the burrata, as the texture can suffer. Instead, freeze the sauce and freshly cook pasta when ready.
Reheating
Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick. Warm the pasta separately if stored alone. Add fresh burrata just before serving for that signature melty, creamy finish.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat for Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, mixing half Italian sausage or ground pork creates a more complex flavor. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Is it necessary to use burrata, or can I substitute another cheese?
Burrata adds a unique creamy richness, but fresh mozzarella or ricotta can work in a pinch. Just note the texture and flavor will be a bit different.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and the dish remains just as delicious.
How long does the meat sauce need to simmer for best flavor?
Simmering for at least 30 minutes ensures the flavors meld nicely, but extending the cook time to an hour brings even richer depth and a thicker sauce.
What pasta shapes work best with this sauce?
Sturdy shapes like rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti are excellent as they hold the sauce well. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand!
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe that comforts and delights every time. From the first simmer to the last bite oozing with creamy burrata, it’s a dish that brings warmth to your table and joy to your heart. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon—you just might find yourself making it your new family favorite too!
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Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce layered with aromatic herbs and spices. Served over perfectly cooked pasta and topped with creamy, fresh burrata cheese, this hearty meal delivers deep, satisfying flavors that bring family and friends together at the table.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 pound cooked pasta, such as rigatoni or spaghetti
- 2 balls fresh burrata cheese
- Chopped fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent, releasing its sweetness.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn, to bring out its aroma.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned evenly and no longer pink inside.
- Incorporate tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor and help thicken the sauce later.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Then add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, bay leaf, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens and flavors intensify.
- Finish the sauce: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt or pepper.
- Toss pasta and serve: Add the cooked pasta directly into the pot and toss to coat thoroughly with the meat sauce.
- Plate and garnish: Transfer pasta to serving bowls. Tear the fresh burrata cheese into pieces and place on top of each portion. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For a richer, more developed flavor, you can simmer the sauce for up to 1 hour.
- Consider substituting half the ground beef with Italian sausage for another layer of taste.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the pasta with a certified gluten-free variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
