This hearty Stellini Pasta Gratin combines tender pasta with a rich, flavorful meat sauce and a creamy cheese topping, perfect for a satisfying family dinner. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 500g Stellini pasta (or any small pasta like macaroni or shells)
- 50g butter
- 15g flour
- 500ml milk
- 100g hard mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 700g minced meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
- 200g tomato sauce
- Vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
- Dried ground nutmeg, to taste
- Meat seasoning, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to preheat while you prepare the ingredients.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Stellini pasta and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent.
- Add the minced meat, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned. Season with salt, meat seasoning, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir for about a minute to cook the flour without letting it brown.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens.
- Add half of the grated mozzarella cheese into the béchamel sauce and stir until the cheese melts. Season with salt and nutmeg.
- Combine and Layer:
- In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the cooked pasta. Pour the meat sauce over the pasta and then cover with the béchamel sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the gratin from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This permits the layers to solidify slightly, facilitating the serving process. Add fresh herbs such as parsley if preferred, and serve while hot.
Conclusion:
This Stellini Pasta Gratin is a delicious way to end any day, combining the comforting textures of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory meat under a golden cheesy topping. It’s a dish that offers both the nostalgia of a family classic and the hearty satisfaction of a well-made gratin. Enjoy sharing this meal with your family or friends!