Cheesy Burrata Beef Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz pasta
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1–2 balls of burrata
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or basil
• Olive oil
• Salt + pepper
• Optional: a splash of milk or cream for extra creaminess

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta:
   Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef:
   In a skillet, heat a bit of olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
   Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Combine the Filling:
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef mixture, cottage cheese, and mozzarella.
   (Optional: Add a splash of milk or cream if you want it a little looser.)
4. Assemble the Bake:
   Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
   Tear burrata open and dollop it across the top evenly (don’t stir it in).
   You can also reserve some mozzarella to sprinkle on top for a golden crust.
5. Bake:
   Bake uncovered at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Serve:
   Let cool slightly. Garnish with cracked pepper, fresh basil, or chili flakes if desired.