A rich, layered Italian-style baked pasta featuring tiny star-shaped stellini pasta, savory meat sauce, and a silky béchamel topping. Comfort food at its best!

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🧂 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) stellini pasta

• Salt for boiling water

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or half beef, half Italian sausage)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz / 680g) jar marinara sauce or 3 cups homemade tomato sauce

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Creamy Béchamel:

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 3 cups warm milk

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Pinch nutmeg (optional but recommended)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• Fresh parsley or basil (optional)

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🔥 Step-by-Step Directions

🔹 Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add stellini pasta and cook 2 minutes less than package instructions (al dente).

3. Drain and set aside.

👉 Slightly undercooking prevents mushy pasta after baking.

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🔹 Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds.

4. Add ground beef and cook until browned (6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease.

5. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute.

6. Add marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

7. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes until thickened slightly.

8. Remove from heat.

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🔹 Step 3: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes (do not brown).

3. Slowly pour in warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

4. Continue whisking until thick and smooth (about 5–7 minutes).

5. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese.

6. Stir until creamy and thick.

👉 It should coat the back of a spoon.

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🔹 Step 4: Combine Pasta & Sauce

1. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with meat sauce.

2. Spread evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

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🔹 Step 5: Add the Béchamel Layer

1. Pour béchamel sauce evenly over the pasta mixture.

2. Spread gently with a spatula.

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🔹 Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

1. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.

2. Finish with grated Parmesan.

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🔹 Step 7: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

3. Broil for 2–3 minutes if you want extra browning.

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🔹 Step 8: Rest & Serve

1. Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving (helps it set).

2. Garnish with parsley or basil.

3. Serve warm.

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💡 Tips for Extra Flavor

• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the meat sauce.

• Stir ½ cup ricotta into the pasta mixture for extra creaminess.

• Use whole milk for richer béchamel.

• Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.

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🧊 Storage

• Refrigerate up to 4 days.

• Freeze up to 2 months (wrap tightly).

• Reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.