Grandmother’s Traditional Recipe: Stellini Pasta with Meat and Bechamel Sauce

Traditional cooking often reflects family history and the rich flavors passed down through generations. One dish that embodies this tradition and intergenerational connection is a recipe for stellini pasta with meat, topped with a creamy bechamel sauce and melted mozzarella. This comforting dish, reminiscent of family meals, combines simple but delicious elements to create a savory result that will delight all palates. By preparing this dish, you’ll not only savor an authentic taste but also dive into warm memories of childhood.

Necessary Ingredients

To make this family recipe, you’ll need some basic ingredients that come together to create a balanced and hearty meal perfect for a family gathering or a get-together with friends.

• 700g minced meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey of your choice)
• 100g grated hard mozzarella cheese: This cheese is essential for adding richness and a melty texture when baked.
• 15g flour: Used to prepare the bechamel sauce, this flour helps thicken the sauce while giving it a smooth texture.
• 500ml milk: Milk is a key component in making the bechamel sauce, providing a creamy richness to the dish.
• 1 finely chopped onion: The onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
• 3 minced garlic cloves: Garlic enhances the flavor of the meat and the bechamel sauce, giving it a fragrant note.
• 200g tomato sauce: This tomato sauce brings a tangy and mild flavor to the minced meat, making it juicier and tastier.
• Vegetable oil for cooking: A little oil is needed to sauté the onion, garlic, and meat.
• Salt to taste: Be sure to season with salt according to your preferences to elevate the flavors.
• Seasoning options: Add a pinch of meat seasoning and a dash of ground nutmeg for extra warmth and depth to the bechamel sauce.

Preparation Steps

Here are the detailed steps for preparing this savory and comforting dish.

Prepare the Stellini Pasta

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by preparing the stellini pasta in a large pot of salted water. Follow the instructions on the box, typically cooking until it reaches al dente. Once ready, drain and set aside.

Prepare the Bechamel Sauce

2. Make the roux: In a pan, melt a little butter (or vegetable oil) over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth mixture. This forms the roux, which is the base of your bechamel sauce.
3. Add the milk: Once the flour is incorporated, gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Season with a pinch of salt and nutmeg for extra flavor. Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Meat

4. Cook the meat: In a large skillet, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become tender and aromatic. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Brown the meat: Turn up the heat to high, add the minced meat, and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and fully cooked. Depending on the type of meat you choose, you may need extra time. For instance, beef or pork will need a bit more time compared to chicken or turkey. Season with meat seasoning and salt to taste as needed.
6. Add the tomato sauce: Once the meat is cooked, pour in the tomato sauce and stir well. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The tomato sauce adds moisture and color to the meat.

Assemble the Dish

7. Layer the ingredients: Take a baking dish and start by layering half of the cooked stellini pasta at the bottom. Then, spread half of the meat mixture on top, followed by half of the bechamel sauce. Repeat the process with the remaining pasta, meat, and sauce. This ensures an even distribution of flavors in every bite.
8. Add the mozzarella cheese: Once all the layers are assembled, generously sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top. The cheese will melt and brown, adding a delicious golden texture to the dish.

Bake in the Oven

9. Bake the dish: Place the dish in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 20 minutes. The cheese on top should be melted and lightly golden, and the sauce should be bubbling.

Serve

10. Let it rest: After removing the dish from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the layers to set and the dish to firm up slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.
11. Enjoy: Serve this delicious stellini pasta with meat and bechamel sauce alongside steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal. The melted cheese, creamy sauce, and flavorful meat will make this dish a family favorite.

Useful Tips for Perfect Preparation

• Even layers: When assembling the layers of pasta, meat, and bechamel, make sure each layer is spread evenly. This guarantees that each bite is balanced in terms of flavors. Equal distribution of the ingredients is key to a satisfying meal.
• Seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, nutmeg, and meat seasoning to suit your preference. If you like a spicier dish, you can add a little black pepper or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the bechamel sauce for a slight kick.
• Choose your meat: Depending on your preferences, you can use different types of minced meat. Beef is classic, but ground turkey or chicken provides a leaner option. Ground pork also offers a rich flavor that pairs well with the sauce.
• Side dish suggestion: To balance the meal, serve this dish with a side of green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables. This will add freshness and extra nutrients to your plate.
• Add Parmesan for extra richness: If you want to enhance the dish even further, you can sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking. The Parmesan will melt and mix beautifully with the mozzarella for an extra layer of flavor.

Healthier Version

If you’re looking to lighten the dish, here are a few modifications you can make. Use skim milk or plant-based alternatives for the bechamel sauce, swap the meat for lean chicken or even plant-based proteins like lentils or crumbled tofu, and opt for whole wheat pasta to increase the fiber content. These small changes will help reduce the calories while maintaining the rich flavor and texture of the dish.

Conclusion

This comforting stellini pasta with meat and bechamel sauce is truly a culinary gem, evoking fond memories of family meals. With its multiple layers of pasta, meat, creamy sauce, and melted mozzarella, this dish is simple yet refined. Whether served for a weekday dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Try this recipe and let the flavors transport you back to the warmth of your family table. Every bite of this dish will not only satisfy your hunger but also create new memories that you can share with future generations. Bon appétit!