A quick, nourishing meal that brings warmth and flavor to your table in minutes. This dish combines tender pasta, savory ground meat, and a smooth, creamy béchamel sauce. It’s simple to make, wholesome, and easy to adapt to different dietary needs while keeping every bite rich and satisfying.
Why This Dish Works:
-
Balanced Nutrition: Protein from the meat, calcium from the cheese, and vitamins from the vegetables create a complete and nourishing meal.
-
Supports a Healthy Lifestyle: Made with simple, whole ingredients and flexible options for gluten-free or low-fat diets.
-
Quick and Straightforward: Ideal for busy evenings when you want something homemade and comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
-
500g Stellini pasta (use whole wheat for more fiber)
-
50g butter
-
15g flour (swap with almond or coconut flour if gluten-free)
-
500ml milk (use low-fat or almond milk if preferred)
-
100g grated hard mozzarella cheese
-
1 small onion, finely diced
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
700g ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey, or pork) (lean options reduce saturated fat)
-
200g tomato sauce
-
Vegetable oil for cooking
-
Salt, to taste
-
Pinch of nutmeg
-
Seasoning for meat, to taste
How to Make It:
1. Heat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil the Stellini in salted water until tender. Drain and set aside. Using whole wheat pasta increases fiber and helps maintain steady energy levels.
3. Prepare the Béchamel
-
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
-
Stir in the flour until smooth.
-
Slowly add the milk while whisking.
-
Keep stirring until the sauce thickens.
-
Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook the Meat
-
Heat a little oil in a skillet.
-
Sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
-
Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
-
Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer briefly so the flavors blend.
