If you are craving a heartwarming, soul-satisfying meal that feels like a loving hug from the inside out, then look no further than Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe. This dish combines a deeply rich, slow-simmered meat sauce bursting with robust Italian flavors and finishes with the creamy indulgence of fresh burrata cheese. Every bite is a perfect harmony of savory, tangy, and silky textures that make it a timeless family favorite that you will want to share with everyone you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple yet incredibly flavorful ingredients, each carefully chosen to build the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the vibrant red crushed tomatoes to the creamy touch of burrata, every component has an essential role.
- Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, adding a fruity richness to the sauce.
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped to provide a sweet, savory base when softened.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse the sauce with that unmistakable fragrant punch.
- Ground beef: Adds hearty, meaty depth to the sauce.
- Italian sausage: Bringing spice and a burst of herbs for extra complexity.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Crushed tomatoes: The juicy, bright heart of the sauce lending natural acidity and sweetness.
- Dried oregano: Adds a classic earthy herb note synonymous with Italian cooking.
- Dried basil: Enhances the herbal sweetness complementary to the tomato base.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Introduces a hint of heat for those who love a little kick.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors to life.
- Sugar (optional): Helps tame the acidity of the tomatoes if desired.
- Whole milk or heavy cream: Stirred in to enrich the sauce, making it silky and smooth.
- Pasta (rigatoni or spaghetti): Serves as the perfect vehicle to hold the luscious meat sauce.
- Fresh burrata cheese: The indulgent, creamy topping that elevates this pasta to a special occasion dish.
- Fresh basil leaves: For garnish, adding a burst of freshness and color.
- Grated Parmesan: A final sprinkle of savory, nutty flavor to finish the plate.
How to Make Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent; this usually takes about five minutes and is crucial for developing the sauce’s sweet, mellow base. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—to avoid burning it and creating bitterness.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
Next, add the ground beef and Italian sausage straight into the pan. Break them apart with your cooking spoon and cook until all the pink color has vanished and the meat turns beautifully browned. This browning step builds complex flavors through caramelization that are absolutely essential for a rich sauce. If the meat releases excess fat, drain it off carefully.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Foundations
Now, stir in the tomato paste and sauté for a couple of minutes to deepen its flavor, caramelizing it slightly in the pan. Follow by adding the crushed tomatoes along with oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if you want some heat, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the optional sugar. These ingredients come together to create the fragrant, herb-laden tomato base of Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors meld harmoniously into a luscious, thick sauce. In the last 10 minutes, pour in the whole milk or heavy cream and stir well. This addition adds a velvety, creamy texture, toning down acidity and boosting richness.
Step 5: Cook Pasta and Combine
While the sauce simmers, cook your selected pasta according to package instructions until al dente—firm yet tender. Drain the pasta, then toss it gently in the meat sauce so every piece is generously coated. This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor from Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe.
Step 6: Plate and Top
Serve the pasta on warm plates, topping each portion with torn pieces of fresh burrata cheese. The creamy burrata softly melts onto the warm sauce, creating indulgence in every mouthful. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for that classic Italian touch.
How to Serve Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are not only beautiful on the plate but add a ceramic burst of herbal freshness that contrasts the rich meat sauce. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty complexity, while a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil can add a luscious finish. Don’t hesitate to scatter some crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if you like.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to brighten the meal. Garlic bread or toasted Italian bread fits perfectly for soaking up any leftover sauce. Roasted or sautéed seasonal vegetables like green beans or zucchini can also balance the richness of the dish without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta family-style in a large serving bowl, inviting everyone to share and dive in. Alternatively, plate it elegantly with a neat nest of pasta, topped with a whole burrata ball right in the center for a stunning visual treat. For an extra splash of color, scatter edible flowers or microgreens for a fresh, vibrant look that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover meat sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them apart helps maintain the texture; the pasta won’t become overly soggy, and the sauce will stay fresh and flavorful for your next meal.
Freezing
The meat sauce freezes beautifully. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Burrata should always be added fresh when serving for the best texture and flavor, so avoid freezing the cheese or mixing it into the sauce before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent burning or drying out. If thawed from frozen, warm it slowly. Reheat pasta separately by briefly dunking in boiling water or microwaving with a splash of water to revive its tenderness. Add fresh burrata only after reheating for that creamy, gooey perfection.
FAQs
Can I substitute the meat for a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! You can use a plant-based ground meat substitute or lentils to keep the hearty texture. Adjust seasonings as needed to maintain that depth of flavor in Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe.
What pasta shape works best with this sauce?
Rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti are all excellent choices. The tubular shapes like rigatoni hold the chunky meat sauce beautifully, while long pasta like spaghetti gives a classic Italian feel.
How important is the burrata cheese?
Burrata is the crowning glory of this dish, lending a creamy texture and rich flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory meat sauce. If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella can be a substitute, but the creaminess won’t be quite the same.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! The sauce often tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Prepare it ahead, store it in the fridge, and gently reheat when you’re ready to cook the pasta fresh.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s gently mild by default, but the red pepper flakes add a customizable touch of heat. You can adjust the amount or omit it altogether depending on your preferred spice level.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe is more than just a meal. It’s a celebration of comforting, homemade Italian cooking that brings warmth and joy to any table. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic, perfect for sharing with friends and family. So go ahead, turn on some good music, pour a glass of your favorite wine, and enjoy every bite of this unforgettable dish.
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Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata is a hearty, comforting Italian-American dish featuring a rich meat sauce made from ground beef and Italian sausage simmered with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Finished with creamy burrata cheese and fresh basil, this recipe delivers a perfect blend of savory and creamy flavors that’s ideal for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
Pasta and Garnishes
- 1 pound pasta (like rigatoni or spaghetti)
- 8 ounces fresh burrata cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce base: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pan, breaking them up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add tomato paste and simmer: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Then add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and sugar if desired. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the milk or heavy cream during the last 10 minutes of cooking to add richness and soften the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the drained pasta with the meat sauce until fully coated.
- Serve with burrata and garnishes: Plate the pasta and top each serving with torn pieces of fresh burrata cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for added flavor.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, you can simmer the meat sauce for up to an hour.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken to make a lighter version of this dish.
- The sugar in the sauce helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes but is optional depending on your taste preference.
