Looking for a hearty, comforting dinner that the whole family will love? This creamy baked Stellini pasta with seasoned minced meat, tomato sauce, and a rich homemade béchamel is an incredibly satisfying meal.
It combines tender pasta, savory meat, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella into one delicious casserole. It may take a little longer than 10 minutes from start to finish, but the preparation is wonderfully simple and the result tastes like a cozy homemade dinner straight from Grandma’s kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Meat
- 500 grams Stellini pasta
- 700 grams minced meat — beef, pork, chicken, or turkey
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 200 grams tomato sauce
- Vegetable oil, as needed
- Salt, to taste
- Meat seasoning, optional
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 50 grams butter
- 15 grams all-purpose flour
- 500 milliliters milk
- 100 grams grated hard mozzarella cheese
- Salt, to taste
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a medium-sized baking dish lightly with butter or vegetable oil and set it aside.
2. Cook the Stellini Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Stellini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Avoid overcooking the pasta because it will continue cooking in the oven. Once ready, drain well and set aside.
3. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
Melt the 50 grams of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the 15 grams of flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute. The flour should blend smoothly with the butter without becoming dark.
Gradually pour in the 500 milliliters of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy and lightly coats the back of a spoon.
Season with salt and add a small pinch of ground nutmeg.
Remove from the heat and stir in a portion of the grated mozzarella, allowing it to melt into the warm sauce.
4. Cook the Minced Meat
Heat a little vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the 700 grams of minced meat. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked.
Season with salt and, if desired, your favorite meat seasoning.
Stir in the 200 grams of tomato sauce and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
5. Combine the Pasta and Meat
Add the cooked Stellini pasta to the meat mixture and gently stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful tomato and meat sauce.
6. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the pasta and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Spread it out evenly with a spoon.
Pour the creamy béchamel sauce over the top and spread it into an even layer.
Finish with the remaining grated mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the top is golden and bubbling.
For an extra golden top, you can switch on the broiler/grill for the final 1–2 minutes, watching carefully so the cheese does not burn.
8. Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
This short resting time allows the creamy sauce to settle and makes the casserole easier to portion.
Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, cheesy homemade dinner.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta holds its texture much better during baking.
- Whisk the béchamel continuously while adding the milk for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Use freshly grated mozzarella when possible because it melts beautifully.
- Customize the meat. Beef gives the dish a rich flavor, while chicken or turkey creates a lighter version.
- Add vegetables if desired. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, peas, or grated carrots can be added to the meat mixture.
- Let it rest before cutting. This helps keep the layers together when serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy baked pasta with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or warm crusty bread.
For extra freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh basil over the top just before serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the casserole in the oven until hot throughout. If the pasta seems dry after refrigeration, add a small splash of milk before reheating.
Final Result
Creamy, cheesy, savory, and wonderfully comforting, this baked Stellini pasta is the kind of meal that feels like a family recipe passed down through generations. The combination of tomato-seasoned minced meat, tender pasta, rich béchamel, and melted mozzarella makes every bite satisfying.