Introduction: Meet Your New Favorite Bolognese 🍷💕
When I say this Bolognese pasta with burrata is next-level comfort food, I mean it! Think tender pasta coated in a rich, meaty sauce with crispy bacon, creamy Parmesan, and a burst of flavor from fresh basil. Now top all that with creamy burrata that melts right into the sauce? Game. Over.
This recipe is my go-to on cold nights when I want something hearty, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying. And trust me, once you try it, it might just become your go-to too.
Let’s break it down, step-by-step, so you can recreate this soul-warming dish at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒✨
Here’s what makes this Bolognese so dreamy:
Pasta & Base:
- ¾ lb pasta (I used rigatoni, but any short pasta works!)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Meats:
- 5 slices bacon, diced
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground sausage
Vegetables & Aromatics:
- 2 tbsp butter
- Drizzle of olive oil
- 2 small carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- ½ onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Goodies:
- 4 oz tomato paste
- ⅓ cup red wine
- 24 oz tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Handful of fresh basil, chopped
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley (to taste)
Optional but Highly Recommended:
- Burrata cheese, for topping (don’t skip this magic!)
Step-by-Step Instructions 🥄
1. Cook Your Pasta Just Right 🍝
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until it’s al dente—that little bite in the center makes all the difference. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining. It’s liquid gold for your sauce later!
2. Crisp Up That Bacon 🥓
In a large pan over medium heat, cook your diced bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Then, set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. You’ll want that salty, smoky goodness folded back in later.
3. Brown the Beef and Sausage 🍖
Next, in the same pan, add your ground beef and sausage. Season with salt and pepper and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Remove and set it aside too—we’re building layers of flavor here.
4. Sauté Your Veggies 🥕
Drain off a bit of the excess grease (but keep just enough for flavor), then add the butter and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss in your diced carrots, celery, and onion. Season with salt and pepper and cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. This veggie base is what gives the sauce its Bolognese charm.
5. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste 🍅
Once the veggies are soft, stir in your minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant. Then, add the tomato paste and stir to coat everything. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes until it deepens in color—this caramelization adds depth and sweetness!
6. Deglaze with Red Wine 🍷
Pour in the red wine and stir it up, scraping the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol. This step adds richness and complexity to the sauce.
7. Stir in Tomato Sauce & Season 🧂
Now, add your tomato sauce and give everything a good mix. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley. Let it simmer on medium-low for 5–10 minutes so the flavors can marry.
8. Return the Meats & Add the Creamy Touch 🐖🧄
Time to bring back your browned beef, sausage, and bacon. Stir them into the sauce and let everything simmer together for 15–20 minutes. Now for the dreamy part: stir in your heavy cream, Parmesan, and fresh basil. It transforms the sauce into something velvety, savory, and wildly comforting.
9. Mix in Pasta & Finish with Burrata ❤️
Toss your cooked pasta right into the sauce. Add that reserved pasta water to help loosen and coat the noodles beautifully. Let it all cook together for 5 more minutes so the pasta really soaks up the sauce.
Finally, plate it up, add extra basil and Parmesan, and crown it with a generous scoop of creamy burrata. When you break into that soft cheese and it melts into the hot pasta? Pure magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 😍
- Extra Cheesy: Burrata + Parmesan = cheesy heaven.
- Hearty & Satisfying: With three types of meat, this is a full meal in a bowl.
- Flavor-Packed: From garlic and wine to herbs and tomato paste, every bite bursts with depth.
- Comfort Food Vibes: Perfect for chilly nights, lazy Sundays, or impressing dinner guests.
Pro Tips & Customizations 👩🍳
- Don’t skip the tomato paste step – Letting it cook down brings out a caramelized flavor that adds so much umami!
- Use pancetta instead of bacon if you want a more traditional Italian twist.
- Swap the meats for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to lighten it up.
- No wine? A splash of beef broth and a touch of balsamic vinegar can mimic the flavor profile.
Pair It With…
- Garlic Bread: Because carbs on carbs is always a good idea.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh, tangy contrast to the richness.
- Red Wine: Something bold like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly.
Final Thoughts: A Hug in a Bowl 🤗
This cheesy Bolognese pasta with burrata isn’t just dinner—it’s a warm hug, a cozy blanket, and a restaurant-worthy dish all rolled into one. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just yourself (yes, you deserve it), this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
So go ahead, break open that burrata, twirl that pasta, and enjoy every dreamy, cheesy bite. Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear what you think! 💌
Ready for more cozy, comforting pasta magic?
Check out my other pasta recipes [here] for more weeknight favorites and cheesy indulgence!