Ingredients
To prepare this delightful baked pasta dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500g Stellini pasta
• 50g butter
• 15g flour (about 1 tablespoon)
• 500 ml milk
• 100g hard mozzarella cheese (grated)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 700g minced meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
• 200g tomato sauce
• Some vegetable oil (for cooking the meat)
• Salt (to taste)
• Dried ground nutmeg (to taste, about ¼ teaspoon)
• Meat seasoning (to taste, could include pepper, paprika, thyme, etc.)

Making It Step by Step

1. Cook the Stellini Pasta
   Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Stellini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 6-8 minutes. You want the pasta to be slightly undercooked (al dente) since it will continue to cook in the oven. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Bechamel Sauce
   In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in the flour, creating a roux. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, but be careful not to let it brown.
   Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Continue stirring the mixture until it thickens and starts to simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
   Add a pinch of salt and ground nutmeg for seasoning. Then, stir in the grated mozzarella cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Minced Meat Sauce
   Heat some vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
   Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   Now, add the minced meat to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
   Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Season with salt, meat seasoning, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. Assemble the Dish
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
   In a greased baking dish, spread half of the cooked Stellini pasta evenly on the bottom. Pour half of the bechamel sauce over the pasta, spreading it out with a spatula.
   Next, add a layer of the minced meat sauce.
   Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, bechamel sauce, and meat sauce.
   Top the dish with an extra sprinkling of grated mozzarella cheese if you like a crispy, cheesy topping.
5. Bake the Dish
   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Tips

• Pasta Cooking Time: Be sure not to overcook the Stellini. Slightly undercooked pasta is better for baked dishes, as it absorbs the flavors of the sauce while baking.
• Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is great for its melting properties, you can add Parmesan or cheddar for extra flavor.
• Seasoning the Meat: Feel free to add herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the meat sauce for a more robust flavor.
• Browning the Meat: For the best texture, cook the minced meat over medium-high heat so that it browns rather than steams. Browning adds a depth of flavor to the dish.

Storage

• In the Refrigerator: You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
• In the Freezer: This dish also freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven until warm.

Nutritional Facts (Per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: Approximately 600 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Calcium: 25% of the recommended daily intake
• Iron: 20% of the recommended daily intake

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes! While Stellini is unique and fun, you can use other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, ditalini, or even penne.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Absolutely. You can prepare the dish up to the baking stage and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready, just bake it as directed.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, you can substitute the minced meat with a plant-based meat alternative or use a mix of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?
   Make sure to whisk the roux (butter and flour mixture) continuously while gradually adding the milk. This will help create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Conclusion
Mozzarella Baked Stellini with Minced Meat Sauce is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home. It’s a wonderful blend of creamy cheese sauce, savory minced meat, and the delicate texture of Stellini pasta. This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to experiment with different cheeses or seasonings to suit your taste. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Serve it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete, balanced meal!