1. Preheat Oven
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Set oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the Pasta
- Boil salted water
- Cook Stellini until al dente
- Drain and set aside
3. Make the Béchamel Sauce
- Melt butter in a pan
- Add flour → whisk to form a roux
- Slowly add milk while whisking
- Cook until smooth and creamy
- Season with salt + nutmeg
4. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat oil in a pan
- Sauté onion until soft
- Add garlic
- Add minced meat and cook until browned
- Add tomato sauce
- Season with salt + meat seasoning
- Simmer a few minutes
5. Combine Pasta
- Mix cooked pasta with béchamel sauce
- Stir gently until evenly coated
6. Assemble the Bake
In a baking dish:
- Add pasta + béchamel mixture
- Add meat sauce layer
- Mix or layer as desired
- Top with grated mozzarella
7. Bake
Bake for 20–30 minutes until:
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- cheese is melted
- top is golden and slightly crispy
8. Serve
Let it rest 5 minutes, then serve warm.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- 🥗 Fresh green salad
- 🥖 Garlic bread
- 🥒 Pickled vegetables
- 🍅 Simple tomato salad
🔥 Tips for Best Results
- Whisk béchamel constantly to avoid lumps
- Don’t overcook pasta before baking
- Add extra cheese for a richer crust
- Let it rest before serving for cleaner slices
- Use a mix of cheeses for deeper flavor
🔄 Variations
- 🧀 Add parmesan for stronger flavor
- 🌶️ Add chili flakes for heat
- 🥬 Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition
- 🍗 Use chicken for a lighter version
- 🥓 Add crispy bacon for smoky taste
💡 Why This Recipe Works
- Creamy béchamel = smooth texture
- Meat sauce = rich, savory depth
- Baked cheese = golden crust
- Pasta = filling and comforting base
It’s a full one-dish comfort meal that works for both weeknights and family gatherings.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Stellini pasta bake with meat and béchamel is the definition of comfort food. It’s creamy, hearty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying—perfect when you want something warm and homemade without complicated steps.
Once you try it, it easily becomes one of those “make it again” family recipes.
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