The Most Delicious Dinner in 10 Minutes: My Grandmother’s Recipe

Cooking is an art that brings families together, and this Stellini Pasta with Butter and Mozzarella Cheese Recipe offers a blend of rich flavors, creamy textures, and delightful aromas. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process to create this delicious dish, ensuring every bite bursts with taste and nostalgia.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

To prepare this flavorful dish, gather the following ingredients:

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 (for cooking)	As needed
Salt and pepper	To taste
Dry powdered nutmeg	A pinch
Meat seasoning	A pinch

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures the dish cooks evenly and the cheese melts to perfection.

Step 2: Prepare the Stellini Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the Stellini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Gradually whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux.
3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Heat the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Add a pinch of salt and a dash of nutmeg for a subtle depth of flavor.

Set the béchamel sauce aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Meat Mixture

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
3. Increase the heat to high and add the minced meat. Cook until browned.
4. Season with meat seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Stir in the tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

1. Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Begin by layering half of the cooked Stellini pasta at the bottom.
3. Add half of the meat mixture evenly on top of the pasta.
4. Pour half of the béchamel sauce over the meat layer.
5. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, meat, and béchamel sauce.
6. Finish by sprinkling the grated mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair this creamy pasta bake with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.