Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata
Few dishes feel as indulgent, comforting, and downright irresistible as Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata. Picture perfectly cooked pasta wrapped in a slow-simmered, deeply flavorful meat sauce, finished with creamy burrata that melts gently into every bite. This is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary dinner into something memorable—rustic yet elegant, simple yet rich.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner, hosting friends, or just craving a restaurant-style pasta at home, Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata delivers every single time. It’s bold, hearty, and layered with flavor, yet easy enough to master in your own kitchen with everyday ingredients and a bit of patience.
What Is Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata?
Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata is a classic Italian-inspired dish built around three elements:
- A slow-simmered meat sauce (often similar to a ragù or bolognese)
- Perfectly cooked pasta, chosen to hold onto the sauce
- Fresh burrata, added just before serving for a creamy finish
The magic of this dish lies in contrast. The sauce is rich, savory, and robust, while burrata brings a cool, silky softness that balances everything beautifully. Unlike mozzarella, burrata has a creamy center that gently melts when placed over warm pasta, creating a luxurious texture without overpowering the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata
This dish has everything home cooks and pasta lovers crave:
- Deep, slow-cooked flavor from the meat sauce
- Creamy contrast from fresh burrata
- Comfort-food appeal with a refined finish
- Flexible and customizable with different meats and pasta shapes
- Perfect for make-ahead meals or entertaining
If you love pasta that feels both rustic and elevated, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.
Ingredients for Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata
To make this rich and comforting Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata, you’ll need simple, well-balanced ingredients that work together to build deep flavor and a creamy finish.
For the Meat Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¾ cup crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- ½ cup red wine or broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
For the Pasta & Finish
- 14 oz (400 g) pasta (rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 balls of fresh burrata, brought to room temperature
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for finishing
Optional Add-Ins
- Ground pork or Italian sausage (to mix with beef)
- Mushrooms, finely chopped, for extra depth
- A small splash of pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce
Ingredient Breakdown & Smart Substitutions
The Meat
The foundation of the sauce is the meat. Traditional recipes often use:
- Ground beef for rich flavor
- Beef and pork blends for extra depth
- Italian sausage for added seasoning and complexity
You can easily tailor the sauce by adjusting the meat combination to your taste.
Tomatoes
Quality tomatoes are essential. Choose:
- Crushed tomatoes for a rustic texture
- Passata for a smoother sauce
- Tomato paste to deepen flavor
Tomatoes form the backbone of the sauce, so opt for brands you trust.
Burrata
Burrata is the star finishing touch. If you’re curious about what makes it special, this cheese lover’s guide to burrata breaks.
Look for fresh burrata with a short shelf life and store it cold, but always bring it to room temperature before serving.
Pasta
The best pasta shapes for Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata include:
- Rigatoni
- Penne
- Paccheri
- Mafaldine
- Spaghetti (classic but less sauce-catching)
Short, ridged pasta holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring flavor in every bite.
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Meat Sauce
1. Build the Flavor Base
Heat olive oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook gently until soft and fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat
Add the ground meat and cook until deeply browned. Take your time here—this step creates layers of flavor.
3. Add Tomato Paste & Deglaze
Stir in tomato paste and cook until it darkens slightly. Deglaze with red wine or broth, scraping up all the flavorful bits from the bottom.
4. Add Tomatoes & Simmer
Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and reduce the heat. Let the sauce simmer slowly, partially covered, for at least 45 minutes—longer if time allows.
5. Adjust & Finish
Taste and adjust seasoning. The sauce should be thick, rich, and aromatic.
Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a sauce that feels deeply comforting and complex.
How to Serve Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata
To serve:
- Spoon pasta into warm bowls
- Tear burrata gently and place it on top
- Finish with black pepper, olive oil, and fresh herbs
As the burrata softens, it blends into the sauce, creating a creamy, luxurious finish without overpowering the dish.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips
One of the best things about Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata is how well it fits into busy schedules.
- The meat sauce can be made days ahead
- Flavors deepen overnight
- Sauce freezes beautifully in portions
- Burrata should always be added fresh
Reheat sauce gently, cook fresh pasta, and finish with burrata just before serving.
Variations You’ll Love
This recipe adapts beautifully:
- Spicy meat sauce with burrata – add chili flakes or spicy sausage
- Herb-forward version – extra basil, thyme, or oregano
- Baked pasta version – toss pasta and sauce, bake briefly, then top with burrata
- Rustic vegetable-enhanced sauce – add mushrooms or zucchini
Each variation keeps the soul of the dish intact while offering something new.
What to Serve with Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata
Round out your meal with:
- Crisp green salad
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- Roasted vegetables
Simple sides let the pasta shine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta before it meets the sauce
- Skipping proper meat browning
- Adding burrata straight from the fridge
- Making the sauce too thin or too thick
Attention to small details makes a big difference.
FAQs About Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata
What makes burrata different from mozzarella?
Burrata has a firm outer shell with a creamy interior that melts beautifully over warm pasta.
Can I make the sauce without wine?
Yes. Broth works perfectly as a substitute.
Can I mix burrata into the sauce?
You can, but adding it on top preserves its signature creamy contrast.
What pasta shape is best?
Rigatoni and penne are ideal, but spaghetti works too.
Can the sauce be made ahead?
Absolutely—this dish is even better the next day.
Final Thoughts
Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata is the ultimate expression of comfort and elegance in one bowl. Rich, hearty sauce meets creamy burrata for a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction every single time.
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Irresistible Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata Recipe
- Total Time: PT45M
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Meat Sauce Pasta with Burrata is the ultimate comfort dish—slow-simmered, richly seasoned meat sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with luxurious, creamy burrata cheese.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¾ cup crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- ½ cup red wine or broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
For the Pasta & Finish
- 14 oz (400 g) pasta (rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 balls of fresh burrata, brought to room temperature
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for finishing
Instructions
1. Make the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up well.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen flavor.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth (or wine).
- Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar if using.
- Simmer uncovered on low heat 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
3. Combine
- Add pasta directly to the meat sauce.
- Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water if needed for silkiness.
- Remove from heat.
4. Finish with Burrata
- Spoon pasta into serving bowls or a large platter.
- Tear burrata into pieces and place over hot pasta.
- Garnish with basil, Parmesan, olive oil, and cracked pepper.
Notes
- Burrata should be added just before serving for best texture.
- For deeper flavor, let sauce simmer up to 1 hour.
- Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage if preferred.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT35M
- Category: pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with burrata
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg