If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious meal that provides comfort and satisfaction, this baked Stellini pasta with cheesy ground pork is the perfect choice.

This dish combines tender pasta, flavorful beef , and a rich cheese sauce, creating the ultimate balance of taste and texture. Ideal for family dinners or group gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe will impress everyone at the table.

Preparation Time

• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Cooking time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• Salt, to taste
• Vegetable grease, for greasing
• 500 g Stellini pasta
• 50 g butter
• 20 g flour
• 500 ml milk
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 200 g grated Maasdam cheese
• 200 g grated hard cheese (such as cheddar or Parmesan)
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 700 g ground beef
• Provencal herbs, to taste
• 300 g tomato sauce
• Additional cheese for topping

Instructions

Preheat the oven:
Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure even cooking.

Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add Stellini pasta and cook until al dente as per package instructions.

Drain and set aside.

Prepare the cheese sauce:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir continuously to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
2. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
3. Season with salt and ground black pepper.
4. Stir in the grated Maasdam cheese and hard cheese until completely melted and combined. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the beef filling:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable grease.
2. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and translucent.
3. Add ground beeef breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
4. Season with salt, ground black pepper, and Provencal herbs to taste.
5. Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until well combined.

Assemble the dish:

1. Grease a large baking dish with vegetable grease.
2. Spread half of the cooked Stellini pasta on the bottom of the dish.
3. Evenly distribute the pork mixture over the pasta layer.
4. Top with the remaining pasta.
5. Pour the cheese sauce over the top layer, ensuring even coverage.
6. Sprinkle additional grated cheese on top for a crispy, cheesy crust.

Bake:
Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Serve:
Allow the baked pasta to cool slightly before serving.

 

 

 

Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Stellini Pasta

• Even Cooking: Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft during baking.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite flavor blend.
• Seasoning: Adjust herbs and spices to your taste. Try adding chili flakes for a bit of heat or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
• Layering: Evenly layering the ingredients ensures that each bite has a perfect mix of pasta, pork, and cheese.

Nutritional Benefits

This baked pasta dish is both satisfying and nutritious:

Nutrient	Benefit
Protein	Ground pork is an excellent source of protein.
Calcium	Cheese and milk contribute to strong bones.
Fiber	Adding a side salad or vegetables increases fiber intake.

Dietary Adaptations

This recipe can be modified to suit different dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and flour.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap ground pork for a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked Stellini pasta with cheesy ground pork is a comforting and hearty meal that is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

 

 

 

The combination of tender pasta, flavorful pork filling, and creamy cheese sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.