When you need a delicious meal in a hurry, nothing beats a tried-and-true recipe passed down through generations. This simple and comforting pasta dish, prepared in just 10 minutes, combines wholesome ingredients for a hearty dinner that’s sure to satisfy. Best of all, it’s based on a recipe from my grandmother, who knew a thing or two about creating magical meals with minimal fuss.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams of Stellini pasta (or your favorite small pasta)
- 50 grams of butter
- 15 grams of flour
- 500 milliliters of milk
- 100 grams of grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 700 grams of ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)
- 200 grams of tomato sauce
- Vegetable oil for cooking
- Salt to taste
- Meat seasoning and a pinch of nutmeg
Preparation:
- Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling the Stellini pasta according to the package instructions. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the béchamel sauce: In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter and gradually whisk in the flour to form a roux. Slowly add the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, then season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Cook the meat: Heat a little vegetable oil in a pan. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and soft. Next, add the ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes. Season to taste with salt and meat seasoning.
- Layer the dish: In a baking dish, layer half the cooked pasta, followed by half the meat mixture, then half the béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers one more time.
- Bake: Top the dish with grated mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve and enjoy: Once baked, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a light salad or some steamed veggies on the side.
This dish is not just about quick preparation—it’s also about wholesome flavors that take you back to the warmth of family meals. The creamy béchamel sauce pairs perfectly with the seasoned meat, while the mozzarella adds a savory richness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
A Few Tips for the Perfect 10-Minute Dinner:
- Balance the flavors: Make sure to taste the meat mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also experiment with different herbs or spices depending on what you have on hand.
- Customize the dish: If you don’t have Stellini pasta, you can use any small pasta, such as macaroni, farfalle, or fusilli. Likewise, if you prefer a vegetarian version, simply skip the meat and use sautéed mushrooms or other veggies for the filling.
- Serving suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables, making it a balanced meal. The carb-rich pasta and protein from the meat make it satisfying, while the cheese adds a delicious, gooey finish.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Weeknights
One of the greatest things about this recipe is how adaptable it is for busy weeknights. In less than half an hour, you’ll have a satisfying dish on the table that tastes like it took much longer to prepare. My grandmother loved making this because it allowed her to feed a hungry family without spending all evening in the kitchen.
But there’s more to it than just speed. The combination of béchamel sauce with seasoned meat and mozzarella creates a dish that’s rich, comforting, and incredibly flavorful. The layers ensure that each bite has a bit of everything, making it an enjoyable meal for all ages.
A Little Background on the Ingredients
While this may seem like a simple dish, each ingredient adds its own unique touch. The béchamel sauce, for instance, is one of the five “mother sauces” of French cuisine, and it provides a rich creaminess to the dish without overpowering the other flavors. The use of mozzarella cheese adds a nice melty finish that pairs well with both the pasta and the meat mixture. And, of course, the pasta itself serves as the perfect base to soak up all these delicious components.
Ground meat is a versatile protein choice in this dish, and you can easily swap it out depending on what you have on hand. Beef gives the meal a heartier, more traditional flavor, while turkey or chicken will lighten things up if you’re looking for a leaner option.
Tomato sauce, with its bright acidity, balances the richness of the béchamel and adds a familiar, homey taste that complements the meat beautifully.
Conclusion: Comfort in Every Bite
Bringing back this recipe from my grandmother’s kitchen is more than just about eating—it’s about celebrating tradition. Food has a powerful way of connecting us with our roots, and this dish does just that. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weekday meal or as part of a family gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household, just as it was in mine. The simple ingredients and straightforward process make it perfect for beginners, while the flavor guarantees a dish that will leave everyone satisfied.
In just 10 minutes, you can create a dish that is both nourishing and delicious, making it ideal for busy families or those nights when you simply don’t have the time for a complicated recipe. So, next time you’re in a rush, give my grandmother’s 10-minute dinner recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!