The Most Delicious Dinner in 10 Minutes: My Grandmother’s Recipe
Cooking is a wonderful way to bring people together, and this Stellini pasta dish with butter and mozzarella combines comforting flavors, creamy texture, and irresistible aroma. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a meal that feels both satisfying and nostalgic.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To make this dish, prepare the following:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Stellini pasta | 500 grams |
| Butter | 50 grams |
| All-purpose flour | 15 grams |
| Milk | 500 milliliters |
| Grated mozzarella cheese | 100 grams |
| Finely chopped onion | 1 |
| Minced garlic cloves | 3 |
| Minced meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey) | 700 grams |
| Tomato sauce | 200 grams |
| Vegetable oil | As needed |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Ground nutmeg | A pinch |
| Meat seasoning | A pinch |
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) so it’s ready for even cooking and perfectly melted cheese.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Stellini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour gradually to create a smooth paste.
Slowly add the milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
Cook until the sauce thickens. Season with a pinch of salt and nutmeg, then set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Meat Mixture
Heat a bit of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Turn the heat up and add the minced meat, cooking until browned.
Season with salt, pepper, and meat seasoning.
Add the tomato sauce and let everything simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Grease a baking dish lightly.
Layer half of the pasta on the bottom.
Spread half of the meat mixture over it.
Pour over half of the béchamel sauce.
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Top everything with grated mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 7: Serve
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. It pairs nicely with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
