Orecchiette with Meat Sauce is a deliciously quick and hearty meal that will be on the dinner table in no time.
*Disclaimer - This recipe was originally published in 2014. I'm working hard to update all my older recipes with recipe cards, new photos, and additional recipe information. But, getting to all of them will take time. Please bear with me. In the meantime let me assure you that this recipe is still a winner and one I'm sure you'll be well pleased with when you make it at home.
I'll bet you thought October was all about the pumpkin, right? Well, did you know that October is actually National Pasta Month? Yep. True story.
So, to honor one of my favorite ingredients of all time (i.e. pasta), I'm excited to share this Orecchiette with Meat Sauce with you. This recipe is super simple to make, and the flavors are just incredible. The night I made this pasta for my family it was met with some enthusiastic two thumbs from everyone there, including me. 🙂
ORECCHIETTE WITH MEAT SAUCE {PRINT THIS RECIPE}
Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes
1 box or bag dried orecchiette pasta
1 pound ground pork
1 pound ground lamb
1 green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
2 cups beef stock or broth (I used low sodium)
1 - 2 cups pasta cooking water (reserved from the cooked pasta)
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese plus additional for garnish
-In a large stockpot, prepare the orecchiette according to the package directions, Reserve 2 cups of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and keep it warm.
-In a large skillet over medium/high heat brown the ground pork and lamb, stirring occasionally.
-Stir in the bell pepper, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook an additional 3-4 minutes.
-Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the tomato paste, beef stock, and 1 cup of pasta water.
-Stir to combine. If you'd like a thinner sauce, add some additional reserved pasta water.
-Add the butter and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
-Add the meat sauce into the pan with the pasta and stir well to combine.
-Serve hot with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Thank you for visiting me here today in my Kudos Kitchen. I sincerely hope you've enjoyed this recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
Angela {Mind Over Batter} says
Well. I heard rumors it was pasta month. The rumors are true. Thank you for confirming with this delicious pasta!!
Nutmeg Nanny says
Orecchiette are one of my most favorite pasta shapes. They are so cute 🙂 This meat sauce looks so hearty and delicious. Perfect for fall!