Stellini Pasta Bake with Béchamel and Meat Sauce

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Cook the Pasta

Cook the Stellini pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Béchamel Sauce

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

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux.

Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure no lumps form.

Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 4–5 minutes.

Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

Turn the heat to medium-high and add the ground meat.

Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned.

Enjoy!