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. 🙂
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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!
Lauren says
This recipe looks so warm and comforting! Perfect for pasta month. 🙂
Amanda Tynis says
I love a good meat sauce! And pasta! Sounds like my kind of dinner!
Karissa K. says
I love orecchiette. They're like mini pasta bowls, hehe.
Brenda@SugarFreeMom says
Love the sauce! My family loves meaty sauces and this one looks perfect!
Sarah Caron says
This sauce looks amazing. And with the orecchiette -- yum. I can't imagine a better pasta to act as vehicle for getting it from plate to mouth!
Ginny McMeans says
I am so happy it is national pasta month. Great comfort food up there in your post!
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic says
Orecchiette is always a big hit with me. LOVE how meaty your meat sauce is!
Martha@A Family Feast says
I'm really wishing I had a bowl of this for dinner! Looks delicious!
Paula Jones says
I love orecchiette. Such a fantastic pasta shape. Perfect for holding all that marvelous meat sauce.
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
Love the "little ears" and the sauce looks delish!
The Food Hunter says
My kind of meal!
Back for Seconds says
This looks delicious!
Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez says
Yay, Happy National Pasta month - this looks amazing! I love lamb in a meat sauce.
Amy @Very Culinary says
orecchiette is so underutilized - awesome dish!
foody schmoody says
Orecchiette is my absolute favorite pasta! Their shape is just a perfect vessel for catching things! I actually have an orecchiette recipe coming out this week - I can't get enough of it lately!
Rebecca {foodie with family} says
I'm not always a huge pasta fan, but I always love orecchiette. I'm not sure why it appeals to me so, but it does. This sounds great.