Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata

Introduction

Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata is one of those dishes that instantly evokes feelings of warmth, love, and family. It’s the kind of recipe that’s been passed down through generations, made with the care and attention of someone who knows that food is more than just a meal—it’s a way to bring people together. The rich, slow-simmered meat sauce has been perfected over time, with layers of deep, savory flavors that only get better with age. When paired with perfectly cooked pasta and topped with creamy burrata, this dish becomes an experience that you won’t soon forget.

The first time I made this pasta, it felt like I was stepping into my grandmother’s kitchen. As the sauce bubbled away on the stove, the smell of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and herbs filled the house, and I could already picture my family gathered around the table, ready to dig in. When the dish finally came together, with the burrata melting into the sauce, it was nothing short of magical. The combination of the hearty sauce and the soft, luxurious burrata took the pasta to another level, making each bite feel like a comforting hug.

What I love most about Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata is how simple yet extraordinary it is. It’s a dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special family gathering. The burrata adds a decadent touch that elevates the dish, but the real star is the meat sauce, which brings so much heart and soul to the meal. No matter when you serve it, this pasta will always remind you of home.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Sunday meals
• Comfort food lovers
• Special gatherings
• Weeknight dinners

Why You’ll Love This Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe

Here’s why Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata will win over your heart:

• Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The meat sauce is slow-cooked with a combination of beef, tomatoes, and herbs, creating deep, savory flavors that make every bite irresistible.
• Creamy Burrata Finish: The addition of burrata on top adds a decadent, creamy texture that beautifully complements the rich sauce and pasta.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Despite using simple ingredients, the long simmering time and the burrata elevate this dish, making it a restaurant-quality experience at home.
• Hearty and Satisfying: This dish is the ultimate comfort food, with tender pasta coated in a rich, meaty sauce, topped with a creamy burrata to make each bite heavenly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this dish is versatile enough to suit any meal or gathering.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 600-700 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 65g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lb pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 balls of burrata cheese
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Beef: The rich, savory flavor of ground beef serves as the perfect base for the sauce. For a deeper flavor, use a mix of beef and pork.
• Burrata Cheese: Burrata is a fresh cheese with a creamy center, perfect for topping the pasta and adding a luxurious texture to the dish.
• Crushed Tomatoes: These provide the foundation for the sauce, giving it a vibrant, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the meat.
• Herbs and Spices: Dried oregano and basil add the authentic Italian seasoning to the sauce, while a touch of sugar helps mellow the acidity of the tomatoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata:

Make the Meat Sauce:

1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth (or water). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop a rich flavor.

Cook the Pasta:

5. Boil the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente.
6. Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

7. Toss the Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the meat sauce and toss it together, adding a little reserved pasta water if necessary to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.

Serve and Garnish:

8. Plate the Pasta: Divide the pasta among serving plates, ensuring each plate is generously covered with the rich meat sauce.
9. Top with Burrata: Gently place one ball of burrata on each plate of pasta. Allow the burrata to sit for a moment to soften, then tear it open, letting the creamy center spill out over the pasta.
10. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

How to Serve Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata

Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata is a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to serve it:

• For Family Dinners: Serve the pasta in large family-style bowls, placing the burrata in the center to share.
• With Fresh Bread: Pair with crusty Italian bread to soak up the extra sauce and melted cheese.
• With a Green Salad: Complement the rich pasta with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon to balance the flavors.
• As a Hearty Lunch: Leftovers of this pasta make for an indulgent lunch that’s even better the next day after the flavors have melded together.
• With Red Wine: A full-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese pairs wonderfully with the meat sauce and the creamy burrata.

Additional Tips for Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata

Here are some tips to perfect your Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata:

• Slow-Cook the Sauce: The key to a rich, flavorful sauce is to let it simmer low and slow. The longer it cooks, the more developed the flavors will be.
• Use Fresh Burrata: Burrata is best when fresh, so try to use it the day you make the dish. It should be soft and creamy inside.
• Make Extra Sauce: This sauce freezes wonderfully, so consider making a double batch to have a quick meal ready for later.
• Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste your sauce throughout the cooking process, adjusting the seasoning with salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
• Add Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy kick.

Recipe Variations for Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata

Here are 10 variations you can try for Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata:

• Turkey Meat Sauce: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
• Vegetarian Meat Sauce: Use lentils or a plant-based meat substitute to create a vegetarian-friendly version of the dish.
• Spicy Meat Sauce: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.
• Herb-Infused Sauce: Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to the sauce for more herbal depth.
• Pasta Variety: Use any type of pasta you prefer, such as rigatoni, penne, or even pappardelle for a different texture.
• Baked Meat Sauce Pasta: After tossing the pasta with sauce, top it with burrata and Parmesan and bake in the oven until bubbly and golden.
• Ragu-style Sauce: For a more refined sauce, use a mix of beef, veal, and pork and let it cook for even longer.
• Pasta with Sausage: Add slices of Italian sausage to the meat sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• Garlic Bread Topping: Top the pasta with homemade garlic bread crumbs for an extra crunch.
• Cheese Mix: Add a combination of burrata and fresh mozzarella for a cheesy, melty topping.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the meat sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop. Serve with freshly cooked pasta and burrata.
• Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The burrata is best enjoyed fresh, so add it just before serving.

Special Equipment for Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata

Here are some special equipment items to help you prepare Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata:

• Dutch Oven or Large Pot: Ideal for slow-cooking the meat sauce and ensuring even heat distribution.
• Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: A big pot with plenty of water ensures your pasta cooks evenly without sticking.
• Garlic Press: A garlic press makes mincing garlic easy and quick, ensuring it infuses the sauce with flavor.
• Ladle: Use a ladle to serve the sauce evenly over the pasta without making a mess.
• Grater for Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a finishing touch that enhances the flavor of the dish.

FAQ Section for Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata

1. Can I use a different cheese instead of burrata?
   Yes, you can substitute burrata with fresh mozzarella or ricotta, though the creamy texture won’t be as rich.
2. Can I use store-bought pasta sauce?
   While homemade sauce is recommended, you can use store-bought sauce in a pinch. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning and simmer it for a while to develop the flavors.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, the meat sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and assemble the pasta before serving.
4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
   Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used. Blanch, peel, and crush them before adding them to the sauce.
5. What type of pasta works best for this dish?
   Spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni work best, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer!

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Conclusion

Grandma’s Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata is a heartwarming, comforting dish that captures the essence of homemade Italian cooking. With its rich, flavorful meat sauce and creamy burrata, it’s a dish that’s perfect for gathering around the table with loved ones. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, this dish is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and satisfying texture. Bring a taste of traditional Italian comfort into your home and treat your family to this unforgettable meal.

I can’t wait to see how your pasta turns out! Be sure to share a photo on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your version. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you loved most about this dish. Happy cooking!