Stellini Pasta Bake with Béchamel and Meat Sauce

For lovers of comforting pasta dishes, baked Stellini pasta with meat, mozzarella, and a creamy béchamel sauce is the ultimate indulgence. This recipe is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that bring together savory meat, rich cheese, and smooth béchamel, all layered between perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re looking to whip up a weeknight dinner or prepare a meal for a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit at your table.

Ingredients:

1 lb Stellini pasta (or other small pasta like orzo or ditalini)

3 tbsp butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (firm, low-moisture style)

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1½ lbs ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)

¾ cup tomato sauce

1–2 tbsp vegetable oil (for sautéing)

Salt, to taste

1 tsp meat seasoning blend (Italian seasoning or your favorite blend)

Pinch of ground nutmeg, optional but recommended

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Cook the Pasta

Cook the Stellini pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Béchamel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux.

Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure no lumps form.

Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 4–5 minutes.

Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

Turn the heat to medium-high and add the ground meat.

Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned.

Enjoy!