Baked Stellini Pasta with Meat

⭐ Baked Stellini Pasta with Meat & Béchamel
Ingredients
For the pasta & meat filling:
12 oz (340 g) stellini pasta (or small pasta like ditalini if unavailable)
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the béchamel sauce:
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk (warm)
Pinch of nutmeg
Salt & white pepper, to taste

For assembly:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)


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Instructions
1. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook stellini pasta until just al dente (a minute less than package instructions).
Drain and set aside.


2. Prepare the meat filling:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
Stir in ground beef, cooking until browned.
Add tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Simmer 8–10 minutes until thickened. Set aside.


3. Make the béchamel sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook 1–2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat.


4. Assemble the casserole:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a large baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of béchamel on the bottom.
Add half the pasta, followed by the meat mixture, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and some béchamel.
Repeat layers, finishing with béchamel on top.
Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan.


5. Bake:
Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling.


6. Serve:
Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting into portions.
Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy warm.




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✨ This dish is creamy, cheesy, and hearty, perfect with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.