Baked Stellini Pasta with Minced Meat, Béchamel, and Mozzarella
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of baked pasta: bubbling cheese, creamy sauce, and hearty layers of flavor that make every bite feel like a warm hug. This Baked Stellini Pasta is a dish that combines rich, savory minced meat, tender little stellini pasta, velvety béchamel, and gooey melted mozzarella. It’s a satisfying, family-style meal that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, but it’s also elegant enough to serve when guests are coming over.
If you’ve never cooked with stellini pasta before, it’s a tiny star-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and holds sauces wonderfully. While it’s often used in soups, in this recipe it takes on a whole new role—layered with creamy and cheesy richness to create something truly indulgent.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Base
- 1 pound (450 g) stellini pasta (or another small pasta like ditalini or elbow if stellini isn’t available)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for the pasta water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to prevent sticking after cooking)
For the Meat Layer
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and lamb/pork for more flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle kick)
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth or water (to loosen the sauce if needed)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (1 liter) whole milk, warmed
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but traditional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper (or black if preferred)
For the Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and provolone)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra depth and a crispy top)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt.
- Cook the stellini pasta until just al dente, about 7–8 minutes (check package instructions).
- Drain well and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to keep it from sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown until no pink remains.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes, allowing it to thicken. If it seems too dry, add up to ½ cup beef broth or water.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
- Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 6–8 minutes).
- Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and white pepper. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a large baking dish (9×13-inch works well).
- Spread half of the cooked stellini pasta evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Add all of the meat sauce on top, spreading it evenly.
- Pour about half of the béchamel sauce over the meat layer.
- Add the remaining pasta, followed by the rest of the béchamel.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then add Parmesan for extra crispness.
Step 5: Bake
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes it easier to cut.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve hot, alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Since it will bake further, slightly undercook it during the boiling stage.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the entire dish a day before, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve (add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time).
- Cheese variation: Mozzarella is classic, but you can mix in provolone, cheddar, or even Gruyère for more flavor.
- Béchamel shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can substitute with a store-bought white sauce or even heavy cream mixed with Parmesan.
Serving Ideas
This baked stellini pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are some pairing suggestions:
- Side salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Bread: Garlic bread or crusty baguette makes a perfect companion.
- Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti pairs beautifully with the savory meat and creamy sauce.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped chili peppers to the meat sauce for extra heat.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, roasted red peppers, or crumbled feta into the layers.
- Kids’ Favorite: Stir a handful of small pepperoni slices into the meat sauce for a pizza-pasta flavor.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap portions tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for quick portions.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Stellini Pasta with Minced Meat, Béchamel, and Mozzarella is comfort food at its finest. Every bite combines tender pasta, savory meat, creamy sauce, and melty cheese into a satisfying, soul-warming meal. It’s a versatile dish that can be made ahead, customized with different flavors, and enjoyed by all ages. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or serving guests for a special gathering, this pasta casserole will quickly become a favorite at your table.
