There’s more than just tastes associated with her family’s culinary traditions. They also encapsulate past experiences, household practices and satisfactions. For instance, I have fond memories of my grandma’s very easy and very tasty pasta bake. It is a dish that takes me back to my childhood in an instant, with the welcoming scent of a family hearty dinner filling the residence.
This particular dish has been her family’s trump card during busy weeknights for as long as I can remember. You can create something so satisfying and delicious without much prep time and using only a few basic ingredients. The best part is the widespread food adaptability – any ground meat can simply be used and it goes well crunchy melt mozzarella and creamy sauce a la béchamel. The lasagna however composed of layers with pasta and seasoned meat is the best comfort food one can have the trouble of cooking a very challenging recipe.
Whether you’re making this for your family or just treating yourself to a cozy meal, this pasta bake will leave everyone feeling full and happy. It’s that perfect combination of flavors and textures that hits all the right notes: savory, creamy, and cheesy!
Ingredients
- 500g Stellini pasta (or any small pasta)
- 50g butter
- 15g flour
- 500ml milk
- 100g shredded mozzarella (hard cheese for extra melt)
- 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, to taste)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) in preparation of baking after assembling all the ingredients.
2. Boil water in a pot and add salt. Then, cook the Stellini pasta till it is done but still firm. Drain the water and let it come to rest.
3. In a separate container, put butter in a saucepan and heat the butter over medium heat until it melts. Add the flour thickening and then equally mixed to form a paste. Then mix in the milk gradually while stirring and beat until the sauce becomes smooth, thickening the sauce as desired. A little bit of salt can be added and nutmeg if desired. Reserve.
4. Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Stir-fry the onion and garlic until soft and aromatic. Add meat and fry until it is no longer pink. Add salt, and if desired, some meat spice blend. Stir until fragrant, then add the tomato sauce and simmer for a minute or two.
5. In a big baking dish, spread half the pasta that’s been cooked already on the bottom. Then, layer half the meat mixture on top of the noodles. Next, pour half of the béchamel sauce on top of the meat. Continue layering the remaining ingredients in the same way. Finish everything off with a layer of grated mozzarella cheese.
6. Insert It into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and there is a crust brown on the surface formed with bubbling cheese.
7. Allow the pasta bake to sit and cool for a few moments before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes cutting easier. Happy hearty dish!
What You Should Know About This Recipe
This one is not only easy and fast to throw together but also boasts a crowd-pleasing flavor profile that will make you think otherwise. The rich and thick, creamy béchamel sauce enhances the dish’s overall consistency and texture, whereas the spiced and pan-seared minced meat adds another layer of umami to the pasta that we cannot imagine without. And there’s a mouthwaterettaching layer of melting mozzarella cheese on top! Honestly, can you think of anything more delightful than a luscious, oozing, and crispy at the edges melted cheese topping?
It is a great dish for family gatherings or just to stay at home and eat when days get a little bit dull and the meal needs to be filling. In addition, given its nature, you can easily modify it to suit your needs: you can remove the meat and replace it with loads of vegetables or use a different set of cheese to enhance the taste.
Whatever the mode of preparation, one thing is certain—this 10-Minute Dinner Delight will find its way into your weekly meal plans more often than not. Enjoy the warmth of the stove!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! You can substitute Stellini with any small pasta, like elbow macaroni, penne, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just cover it well, and increase the baking time slightly when cooking from the fridge.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover pasta bake in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or bake until heated through.