Stellini Pasta Bake with Béchamel and Meat Sauce
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Stellini Pasta Bake with Béchamel and Meat Sauce
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Table of Contents
Stellini Pasta Bake with Béchamel and Meat Sauce – A Comfort Food Classic
Introduction
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients–Stellini Pasta Bake with Béchamel and Meat Sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce
Step 4: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Helpful Tips
Variations
Storage and Reheating
FAQs–Stellini Pasta Bake with Béchamel and Meat Sauce
Serving Suggestions
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Final Thoughts–Stellini Pasta Bake with Béchamel and Meat Sauce
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Stellini Pasta Bake with Béchamel and Meat Sauce – A Comfort Food Classic
Introduction
If you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, hearty, and packed with layers of flavor, this Stellini Pasta Bake with Béchamel and Meat Sauce is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together rich layers of tender Stellini pasta, savory meat sauce, and velvety béchamel, topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese.
Much like classic Italian baked pasta dishes, this recipe is a comforting meal perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. Whether you serve it with a crisp salad or some Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs on the side, this pasta bake will win over everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comfort Food Perfection: Creamy béchamel and cheesy layers make it irresistible.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready.
Customizable: Add veggies, change the meat, or experiment with different cheeses.
Family Favorite: Great for feeding a crowd and impressing dinner guests.
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Ingredients–Stellini Pasta Bake with Béchamel and Meat Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious pasta bake:
500g Stellini pasta
50g butter
15g flour
500ml milk
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100g grated mozzarella cheese
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
700g minced meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)
200g tomato sauce
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Vegetable oil, for cooking
Salt, to taste
Meat seasoning, to taste
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Tip: Stellini pasta gives this dish its signature texture, but macaroni or ditalini are great substitutes.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s ready to go once your dish is assembled.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the Stellini pasta and cook until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Cook until the sauce thickens.
Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg, then set aside.
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Step 4: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
Add minced meat and cook on high heat until browned.
Stir in tomato sauce and meat seasoning.
Let it simmer for a few minutes to develop flavor.
Adjust seasoning with extra salt if needed.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Grease a baking dish.
Add half of the cooked Stellini pasta to the bottom.
Spread half of the meat sauce over the pasta.
Pour half of the béchamel sauce evenly over the top.
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese evenly across the top.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Pair with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Helpful Tips
Layer Evenly: Distribute pasta, sauce, and béchamel evenly for balanced bites.
Brown the Meat Well: This step adds deep flavor to the dish.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix half of the mozzarella into the layers for extra creaminess.
Crunchy Top: Add breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese for a crispy finish.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and flour for the béchamel.
Variations
Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers between layers.
Different Meats: Try ground chicken, turkey, or even lamb for a unique twist.
Cheese Swap: Use gouda, cheddar, or provolone for different flavors.
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or spicy sausage for heat lovers.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Assemble but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Bake directly from the freezer at 180°C (350°F) for 50-60 minutes.
FAQs–Stellini Pasta Bake with Béchamel and Meat Sauce
Q1: Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, macaroni, orzo, or ditalini are excellent alternatives to Stellini pasta.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q3: How do I keep the béchamel smooth?
Whisk continuously while adding the milk and avoid overheating to prevent lumps.
Q4: Can I add veggies?
Yes! Sauté spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms and layer them with the meat sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
Fresh green salad with vinaigrette.
Garlic bread for dipping into the creamy layers.
A light soup like Basic Vegetable Soup.
A sweet treat like Pineapple Juice Cake for dessert.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 480
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 670mg
Final Thoughts–Stellini Pasta Bake with Béchamel and Meat Sauce
This Stellini Pasta Bake with Béchamel and Meat Sauce is a nostalgic comfort dish that’s rich, hearty, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. The creamy béchamel combined with savory meat sauce creates a mouthwatering balance of flavors.
Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers every single time.