Baked Stellini Pasta with Meat
In a large frying pan, heat a splash of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. Increase the heat to high and add 700 grams of minced meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey—your choice). Stir the meat until it is fully browned and cooked through, breaking up any clumps as it cooks.
Once browned, season the meat with salt and optional meat seasoning, adjusting to taste. Stir in 200 grams of tomato sauce, ensuring the meat mixture is fully coated. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Assemble the Dish
Now that all the elements are prepared, it’s time to layer them in a baking dish. Start by greasing the dish with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Spread half of the cooked Stellini pasta across the bottom of the dish, making sure to distribute it evenly.
- On top of the pasta, spoon half of the meat mixture, spreading it into a uniform layer.
- Pour half of the béchamel sauce over the meat, ensuring full coverage.
Repeat the layers once more with the remaining pasta, meat, and béchamel sauce.
6. Add Mozzarella Topping
Sprinkle 100 grams of grated hard mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer of béchamel. This will create a beautifully golden and bubbly crust as it bakes.
