There’s something truly magical about family recipes passed down through generations. They carry not just the flavors of the dishes themselves, but the memories of those who made them, the kitchens they were cooked in, and the people who shared them at the table. My grandmother’s recipe for this quick and delicious pasta bake is one of those treasures. It’s a dish that brings back the warmth and comfort of childhood, where a home-cooked meal could turn any day into something special.
This recipe has always been a go-to in our family, especially on those busy evenings when you want to prepare something hearty and satisfying, but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients, it manages to combine the rich, creamy goodness of béchamel sauce, the savory bite of seasoned ground meat, and the satisfying chew of perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with golden, melted mozzarella. And the best part? You can have it ready in just 10 minutes of prep time, with the oven doing the rest of the work.
Whether you’re feeding a family or just cooking for yourself, this dish is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. The combination of pasta, meat, and cheese makes it filling and nourishing, while the tomato sauce and seasonings bring a burst of flavor that’s irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile—you can use any type of ground meat you prefer, from beef to turkey, making it easy to adjust based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients:
500g Stellini pasta
50g butter
15g flour
500ml milk
100g shredded hard mozzarella
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
700g ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)
200g tomato sauce
Vegetable oil for cooking
Salt to taste
Meat seasoning and powdered nutmeg (optional, to taste)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Set to 180°C (350°F).
Cook the pasta: Boil Stellini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the béchamel sauce: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Stir in flour, mixing well. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened. Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg.
Cook the meat: Heat a little oil in a pan. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add ground meat and cook on high heat until browned. Season with salt and any additional spices, then stir in tomato sauce. Simmer briefly.
Assemble the dish: In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, then half the meat mixture, followed by half of the béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers.
Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Serve: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this simple yet hearty meal!
Tips:
Ensure even layering for balanced flavors in every bite.
Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
This recipe is a nostalgic blend of carbs, protein, and calcium, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Enjoy the comfort of this family tradition, whether for a busy weekday meal or a special occasion!