Introduction

Few dishes capture the heart of comfort food quite like a baked pasta gratin. Golden, bubbly cheese, tender pasta, and a creamy sauce come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your table with smiles.

This Baked Stellini Pasta with Meat is layered with seasoned ground meat, rich tomato sauce, a velvety béchamel, and plenty of mozzarella. Every forkful balances savory, creamy, and cheesy notes, making it both hearty and satisfying. It’s an easy dinner recipe that feels elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough for a cozy weeknight meal.

Whether you serve it as the centerpiece for a family gathering, prepare it for a Sunday dinner, or enjoy the leftovers for lunch, this dish is guaranteed to impress. It’s a family-friendly comfort food recipe that appeals to kids and adults alike, with familiar flavors wrapped in a little indulgence.

 

What You’ll Need

• Stellini pasta – 500 g
• Butter – 50 g
• Flour – 15 g
• Milk – 500 ml
• Mozzarella cheese (hard, grated) – 100 g
• Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Minced meat – 700 g (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)
• Tomato sauce – 200 g
• Vegetable oil – As needed
• Salt – To taste
• Meat seasoning – Optional, to taste
• Nutmeg – A pinch, ground

 

How to Make Baked Stellini Pasta with Meat

1. Preheat the Oven – Heat to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the Pasta – Boil Stellini until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make Béchamel Sauce – Melt butter, whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened. Season with salt and nutmeg.
4. Cook the Meat Mixture – Sauté onion and garlic in oil. Add minced meat, cook until browned, season with salt and spices, then stir in tomato sauce. Simmer briefly.
5. Assemble Layers – Grease baking dish. Layer pasta, meat, and béchamel. Repeat layers.
6. Top with Cheese – Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top.
7. Bake – 20 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
8. Rest & Serve – Cool slightly before slicing and serving.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate comfort food – Creamy, cheesy, and savory all in one.
• Customizable protein – Works with beef, chicken, turkey, or pork.
• Crowd-pleasing meal – Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
• Make-ahead friendly – Assemble in advance and bake later.

 

Tips for Success

• Cook pasta slightly under al dente so it finishes perfectly in the oven.
• Whisk béchamel constantly to avoid lumps.
• Rest the dish 5–10 minutes before slicing for neater layers.
• Use freshly grated cheese—it melts more evenly than pre-shredded.

 

Variations

• Vegetarian version – Swap meat for roasted eggplant, zucchini, or spinach.
• Cheese lovers’ edition – Add layers of provolone or ricotta.
• Spicy kick – Stir chili flakes into the meat sauce.
• Whole-grain option – Substitute whole-wheat pasta for extra fiber.

 

 

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rigatoni, or ziti also work well.

2. Do I have to use mozzarella?
No—Parmesan, provolone, or cheddar can be used.

3. Can I make it ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

4. Can I freeze it?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

5. How do I reheat leftovers?
Cover with foil and bake at 160°C (325°F) until heated through.

6. Can I use ground chicken or turkey?
Absolutely, both are lighter alternatives.

7. How do I thicken a runny béchamel?
Simmer longer, or whisk in a little more roux.

8. Can I skip the béchamel?
It’s key to the creamy texture, but you can substitute a cheese sauce.

9. What side dishes go best?
A green salad and garlic bread are classic pairings.

10. Is nutmeg necessary?
It’s optional but adds warmth and depth to the béchamel.

 

 

Health Benefits

This dish offers protein from meat, calcium from cheese and milk, and satisfying carbs from pasta. Using lean meat or whole-grain pasta makes it a more balanced, nutrient-rich option without sacrificing flavor.

How to Serve

• With garlic bread and a crisp side salad.
• As a main dish for family-style dinners.
• In small portions as part of a holiday buffet spread.

 

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make Ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Bake at 160°C (325°F) covered with foil, or microwave single servings.

 

Conclusion

This Baked Stellini Pasta with Meat brings together everything we crave in comfort food—savory meat, rich béchamel, golden cheese, and tender pasta. It’s a recipe that feels timeless, delivering both homestyle coziness and dinner-party appeal. Whether enjoyed on a quiet weeknight or served at a festive gathering, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.