There’s something undeniably special about family recipes handed down through generations. They capture not just the flavors of the dishes but also the memories of the people who prepared them, the kitchens where they came to life, and the moments shared around the table. My grandmother’s quick and delicious pasta bake is one of those cherished recipes. It brings back the cozy warmth of childhood, where a homemade meal could brighten even the busiest of days.
This dish has been a family favorite for years, especially on hectic evenings when you need something hearty and satisfying but don’t have hours to spare in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, it combines the creamy richness of béchamel sauce, the savory flavor of seasoned ground meat, and the perfect texture of al dente pasta, all topped with a golden, bubbly layer of mozzarella. Best of all, it takes just 10 minutes of prep—then the oven does the rest of the work.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this pasta bake strikes the perfect balance between comfort and nourishment. The combination of pasta, meat, and cheese makes it filling, while the tomato sauce and seasonings provide a burst of flavor. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can use any type of ground meat, from beef to turkey, making it easy to adapt 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)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the 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 until smooth. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Prepare the Meat:
- Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
- Season with salt and spices, then stir in the tomato sauce. Let it simmer briefly.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a baking dish, layer half the pasta, half the meat mixture, and half the béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers.
- Bake: Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve: Let the bake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy its rich, comforting flavors.
Tips:
- Ensure even layering for a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Adjust seasonings to suit your preferences.
- Pair with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
This recipe is a nostalgic blend of simple ingredients that come together for a delicious, comforting dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family moments, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again.