Comforting Baked Pasta with Meat, Cheese, and Béchamel Sauce

Ingredients:

• 15 g flour
• 500 ml milk
• 100 g grated hard mozzarella cheese
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 700 g ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)
• 200 g tomato sauce
• Vegetable oil for cooking
• Salt to taste
• A pinch of meat seasoning (optional)
• A pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the Pasta:
   In a large pot of salted water, cook the Stellini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside for later.
3. Make the Béchamel Sauce:
   In a saucepan, melt butter (or oil) over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to form a roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, continuing until the sauce is smooth and thickened to your liking. Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
4. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
   Heat a little vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened. Turn the heat to high, then add the ground meat. Cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Season with salt and meat seasoning (if using). Once the meat is cooked, stir in the tomato sauce and simmer for a few minutes until well combined.
5. Assemble the Dish:
   In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the meat mixture, and half of the béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat, and béchamel.
6. Top with Mozzarella:
   Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
7. Bake:
   Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown.
8. Serve:
   Once baked, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this hearty baked pasta!

Helpful Tips:

• Even Layering: Make sure to evenly spread each layer of pasta, meat, and béchamel so that every bite is full of flavor.
• Seasoning to Taste: Adjust the salt and meat seasoning to your preference for a personalized flavor profile.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

This recipe combines the comforting elements of pasta, savory ground meat, and creamy béchamel sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a perfect dish for both busy weeknights and special occasions, bringing warmth and satisfaction to the table.

Whether you’re reminiscing about family recipes or just in need of a quick, hearty meal, this baked pasta with meat and cheese will surely hit the spot. Enjoy the simple, delicious flavors and the memories that come with each bite!