10-Minute Comfort Food Pasta(Creamy, Hearty & Heavily Flavorful)

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 500g Stellini pasta
• Salt, to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce

• 50g butter
• 15g flour
• 500ml milk
• Salt, to taste
• A pinch of powdered nutmeg (optional)

For the Meat & Sauce

• 700g ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 200g tomato sauce
• Vegetable oil for cooking
• Salt and optional spices for seasoning (e.g., meat seasoning)

For Topping

• 100g shredded hard mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the pasta
   Boil Stellini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the béchamel sauce
   Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Stir in the flour, mixing well.
   Slowly add milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.
   Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg for added warmth.
4. Cook the meat
   Heat a little oil in a pan. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
   Add ground meat and cook over high heat until browned.
   Season with salt and optional spices, then stir in tomato sauce. Let simmer briefly.
5. Assemble the dish
   In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half the meat mixture, and half of the béchamel sauce.
   Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining béchamel sauce.
6. Bake
   Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
7. Serve
   Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the comforting flavors!

Additional Notes
Texture Tip: Let the pasta absorb the sauces during baking for a creamier, thicker consistency.
Add a Twist: Feel free to sprinkle some dried oregano or basil between the layers for extra flavor.
Cheese Lovers: Add more mozzarella or try other cheeses like Parmesan for a sharper taste.