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.

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

• 100g grated 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)

Tip: Stellini pasta gives this dish its signature texture, but macaroni or ditalini are great substitutes.

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.

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

1. Layer Evenly: Distribute pasta, sauce, and béchamel evenly for balanced bites.

2. Brown the Meat Well: This step adds deep flavor to the dish.

3. Cheesy Upgrade: Mix half of the mozzarella into the layers for extra creaminess.

4. Crunchy Top: Add breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese for a crispy finish.

5. 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

Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers every single time. For even more inspiration, check out Allrecipes for other comforting baked pasta ideas.

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