Step 2: Build the Hearty Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor, then add the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta (or cream cheese), heavy cream or milk, and grated Parmesan. If using an egg, beat it lightly and mix it in. This creamy layer is what gives the pasta bake its soft, rich texture—just like Grandma used to make.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked stellini pasta directly into the meat sauce and stir until every tiny star is well coated. This step ensures even flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Assemble the Pasta Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Spread half of the pasta and meat mixture into the dish.
- Spoon half of the creamy cheese mixture over the top and gently spread it out.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cream mixture, and finish with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
For an extra-crispy top, you can broil it for 1–2 minutes—just keep a close eye on it.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the pasta bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to scoop. Serve warm, perhaps with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
Grandma’s Final Touch
What makes this dish truly special isn’t just the ingredients—it’s the care taken at every step. From gently simmering the sauce to layering the cheese just right, this baked stellini pasta is all about comfort, tradition, and love. It’s a recipe meant to be shared, passed down, and remembered.
One bite of Grandma’s Ultimate Baked Stellini Pasta Bake, and you’ll understand why it remains a family favorite—creamy, cheesy, hearty, and filled with the kind of warmth only a homemade meal can bring.
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