This filling, layered pasta bake brings together small Stellini pasta, a rich meat-based sauce, and a smooth homemade béchamel to create a fast and comforting meal perfect for busy days.
10-Minute Comfort Food Pasta
Ingredients:
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Stellini pasta | 500 g |
| Ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey) | 700 g |
| Milk | 500 ml |
| Tomato sauce | 200 g |
| Shredded hard mozzarella | 100 g |
| Butter | 50 g |
| Flour | 15 g |
| Small onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Vegetable oil | For cooking |
| Salt, meat seasoning, and nutmeg | To taste |
How to Make 10-Minute Comfort Food Pasta:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 500 g of Stellini pasta and cook until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the 50 g of butter. Add the 15 g of flour and stir continuously for about 1 minute to form a smooth base. Gradually pour in the 500 ml of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, then season with salt and a light pinch of nutmeg.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a large pan. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and soft. Add the 700 g of ground meat and cook over high heat until fully browned. Stir in the 200 g of tomato sauce along with your chosen meat seasonings, then let it simmer briefly.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Grease an oven-safe baking dish. Spread half of the cooked pasta evenly across the bottom. Spoon over half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the béchamel. Repeat the process with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Evenly scatter the 100 g of shredded mozzarella over the top. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle, making it easier to slice and serve neatly.
