Grandmother’s Stellini Pasta Bake with Béchamel and Meat Sauce

This nostalgic Stellini Pasta Bake blends the comfort of creamy béchamel with rich meat sauce and gooey mozzarella, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 500g Stellini pasta
• 50g butter
• 15g flour
• 500ml milk
• 100g grated hard mozzarella cheese
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 700g minced meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)
• 200g tomato sauce
• Vegetable oil, for cooking
• Salt, to taste
• Meat seasoning, to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg, optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Cook the Stellini Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the Stellini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking continuously to form a smooth roux.
• Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, then season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg. Set aside.

4. Cook the Meat Sauce:

• In a large frying pan, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and aromatic.
• Increase the heat to high and add the minced meat. Cook, stirring often, until the meat is browned.
• Stir in the tomato sauce and meat seasoning, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.

5. Layer the Dish:

• In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked Stellini pasta. Spread half of the meat mixture on top, followed by half of the béchamel sauce.
• Repeat with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel to create another layer.

6. Add Cheese and Bake:

• Evenly sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the layered dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

7. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Enjoy with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Helpful Hints:

• Layer Evenly: For balanced flavors in every bite, make sure to spread the layers evenly.
• Seasoning: Adjust salt and meat seasoning according to your taste.
• Side Options: Serve with a crisp salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

FAQs and Tips for Stellini Pasta Bake with Béchamel and Meat Sauce

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

• Yes, while Stellini pasta adds a unique texture, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like macaroni, orzo, or ditalini. Adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Absolutely! You can assemble the dish, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake it as per the instructions, adding 5-10 minutes to the bake time if the dish is cold.

3. Can I freeze Stellini Pasta Bake?

• Yes! To freeze, assemble the bake but do not bake it yet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake straight from the freezer at 180°C (350°F) for 50-60 minutes or until heated through.

4. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

• Certainly! You can sauté vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach and layer them with the meat sauce. This adds extra nutrients and color to the dish.

5. What can I substitute for the mozzarella cheese?

• If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, gouda, or provolone. Each will give the dish a slightly different flavor profile.

Tips:

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta:

• Make sure to cook the Stellini pasta until it’s al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Overcooked pasta may become mushy when baked.

2. Béchamel Consistency:

• When preparing the béchamel sauce, make sure it’s smooth and slightly thick but pourable. If it becomes too thick, you can thin it with a little extra milk.

3. Brown the Meat Well:

• Browning the minced meat properly enhances the flavor of the dish. Make sure to cook it on high heat until it’s deeply browned, which adds depth to the sauce.

4. Cheese Tip:

• For an extra cheesy experience, you can mix half of the mozzarella cheese into the layers instead of only sprinkling it on top. This gives the bake a more gooey and creamy texture throughout.

5. Rest Before Serving:

• Let the baked dish rest for about 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve neat portions.

6. Add a Crunchy Topping:

• For a twist, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking. This will add a crunchy texture to the cheesy topping.

7. Gluten-Free Option:

• To make this dish gluten-free, you can substitute the Stellini pasta with a gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour in the béchamel sauce.

By following these tips and keeping the FAQs in mind, you’ll be able to make this Stellini Pasta Bake even more enjoyable and adaptable to different preferences and needs. Happy cooking!

This comforting Stellini Pasta Bake is a perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. It not only satisfies the taste buds but also evokes cherished family memories. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a hearty dish that offers both nutrition and comfort. Enjoy every bite, and share the love of family cooking!