Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata

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Introduction

Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata is the ultimate comfort meal that brings together rich, slow-simmered flavors with a creamy, decadent finish. The deep, savory notes of the homemade meat sauce, combined with al dente pasta and luscious burrata, create a dish that’s both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying. This isn’t just any pasta—it’s a labor of love, filled with warmth and tradition in every bite.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart. I remember watching my grandma stir the sauce for hours, filling the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The way the sauce clings to each strand of pasta, perfectly balanced with the velvety burrata, makes this meal feel like a warm embrace. It’s the kind of dish that instantly brings back memories of family gatherings, laughter, and second helpings.

Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata is perfect for a cozy dinner when you’re craving something hearty and deeply comforting. The slow-cooked meat sauce is rich and flavorful on its own, but the addition of creamy burrata takes it to another level. Serve it with a side of crusty bread and a glass of red wine, and you’ve got a meal that feels like home. If you’re looking for a pasta dish that will have everyone gathered around the table, this is the one to make!

Perfect for:

• Cozy family dinners
• Classic comfort food lovers
• Easy homemade Italian-style meals
• Special occasions and gatherings
• Burrata and pasta enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: Slow-simmered meat sauce infused with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs for deep, comforting flavors.
• Easy Yet Impressive: Despite its gourmet presentation, this dish is simple to prepare with everyday ingredients.
• Creamy Burrata Topping: The contrast between the warm pasta and the cool, creamy burrata makes every bite irresistible.
• Customizable: Works with different pasta types and spice levels to suit your taste.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will love, packed with familiar flavors and a cheesy finish.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 600-700 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 55g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, rigatoni, or your choice)
• 2 balls burrata cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty texture and flavor in the meat sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth and rich base for the sauce.
• Burrata Cheese: Adds a creamy and luxurious finish when melted over the hot pasta.
• Olive Oil and Garlic: Enhances the sauce with a deep, aromatic flavor.
• Italian Herbs: Oregano and basil bring a classic Italian touch to the dish.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Simmer the Sauce:

3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, and sugar. Mix well to combine.
4. Simmer to Develop Flavor: Pour in the beef broth, stir, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and let it cook on low heat for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Pasta:

5. Boil the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Assemble and Serve:

6. Combine and Toss: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
7. Top with Burrata: Divide the pasta among serving plates and place a burrata ball on top of each portion. Let the heat from the pasta slightly melt the cheese for a creamy texture.
8. Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

How to Serve

• Family-Style: Serve straight from the pot at the dinner table for a cozy, rustic experience.
• With Garlic Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds color and brightness.
• Topped with Extra Parmesan: For a cheesier twist, add grated Parmesan over the burrata.
• With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.

Additional Tips

• Let the Sauce Simmer Longer: For even deeper flavors, simmer the sauce for up to an hour.
• Use Fresh Burrata: For the best texture and creaminess, use high-quality, fresh burrata cheese.
• Adjust the Spice: Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat, or leave them out for a milder version.
• Make it Ahead: The meat sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

1. Ground Turkey Version: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
2. Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground meat or add mushrooms and lentils for a hearty, meat-free sauce.
3. Spicy Arrabbiata Twist: Increase the red pepper flakes for a fiery version.
4. Extra Cheesy Sauce: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for added richness.
5. Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Use alternative pasta for dietary preferences.
6. Creamy Tomato Sauce: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for an extra velvety texture.
7. Fresh Tomato Version: Use diced fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a lighter, fresher taste.
8. Burrata-Stuffed Pasta: Instead of regular pasta, try it with cheese-stuffed ravioli or tortellini.
9. One-Pot Method: Cook the pasta directly in the sauce with extra broth for a no-drain version.
10. Zucchini Noodles: Swap out pasta for zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: The meat sauce can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment

1. Large Pot – Essential for simmering the sauce evenly and allowing flavors to develop properly. A wide, deep pot helps prevent splattering and ensures even heat distribution.
2. Pasta Pot – A deep pot with plenty of water ensures pasta cooks evenly without sticking together. Adding salt to the water enhances the pasta’s flavor.
3. Wooden Spoon – Perfect for stirring the sauce gently without scratching the pot. It helps distribute flavors while preventing burning at the bottom.
4. Chef’s Knife – A sharp, high-quality knife is crucial for chopping onions, garlic, herbs, and other ingredients with precision and efficiency.
5. Cheese Knife – Specifically designed for slicing soft cheeses like burrata without crushing them, ensuring clean and elegant presentation.
6. Measuring Cups & Spoons – Ensures accurate portions of ingredients like olive oil, spices, and seasoning, maintaining balance in the dish.
7. Ladle – Ideal for serving the sauce generously over pasta, allowing for even distribution and a restaurant-quality presentation.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of burrata?
   Yes, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, or a dollop of mascarpone work well as substitutes.
2. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
   Spaghetti, rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine work beautifully with the meat sauce.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The sauce tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead meal.
4. How do I make the sauce thicker?
   Simmer uncovered for an extra 10-15 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
5. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
   Yes, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers add great texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata is the ultimate comfort dish, blending rich, slow-simmered flavors with the luxurious creaminess of fresh burrata. Every bite offers the perfect harmony of hearty, savory meat sauce and the delicate, velvety cheese, creating a meal that feels both rustic and indulgent.

What makes this dish truly special is its deep, nostalgic warmth—just like Grandma’s cooking, it brings people together around the table. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with its luscious texture and bold flavors, this pasta is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.

So grab a fork, twirl up a generous bite, and savor the love and tradition in every mouthful. I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of this dish! Be sure to share your creations and tag me on social media—I’d love to see how you bring Grandma’s recipe to life. Enjoy every delicious bite!