Grandma's Tastiest 10-Minute Dinner Recipe

Baked Stellini pasta casserole topped with golden mozzarella cheese, fresh out of the oven

Grandma's Tastiest 10-Minute Dinner Recipe : Comfort on a Plate

Craving a quick yet comforting dinner that’s ready in just 10 minutes? This recipe, passed down from my grandmother, is the perfect blend of hearty pasta, flavorful meat, and a rich béchamel sauce. With its golden-baked mozzarella topping, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite! Not only is it fast, but it's also packed with flavors that make you feel right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes of active prep time.
Nutritious: A well-balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and calcium.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

500 grams of Stellini pasta
50 grams of butter
15 grams of flour
500 milliliters of milk
100 grams of grated mozzarella cheese (hard)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
700 grams of ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)
200 grams of tomato sauce
Vegetable oil (for cooking)
Salt to taste
Pinch of dried nutmeg powder
Meat seasoning to taste

Sliced portion of comforting beef and cheese pasta casserole, served with a side salad

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to get it ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta

Cook the Stellini pasta in a large pot of salted water, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

Melt 50 grams of butter in a pan over medium-low heat.
Gradually whisk in 15 grams of flour until smooth.
Slowly add 500 milliliters of milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Cook the sauce until it thickens. Season with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cook the Meat

In a large skillet, heat a bit of vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
Increase the heat, add 700 grams of ground meat, and cook until browned.
Season with salt and meat seasoning to taste.
Stir in 200 grams of tomato sauce and simmer for a few minutes.

Step 5: Layer the Dish

In a baking dish, start with a layer of cooked Stellini pasta.
Add a layer of the meat mixture, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce.
Repeat the layers one more time, ensuring an even spread.

Step 6: Bake with Mozzarella

Sprinkle 100 grams of grated mozzarella cheese over the top layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, allow the dish to cool slightly. Serve warm and savor the delicious flavors of this comforting dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Even Layering: Spread the layers evenly so each bite is packed with flavor.
Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the meat seasoning to suit your taste.
Healthy Sides: Pair this dish with a light salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe provides a perfect balance of carbohydrates from the pasta, protein from the meat, and calcium from the cheese, making it both nutritious and filling.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw it overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute Stellini with any small pasta like elbow macaroni or penne for similar results.

2. Is There a Gluten-Free Option?

Absolutely! Swap the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour for the béchamel sauce.

3. Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?

While mozzarella works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile.

4. How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?

To make it lighter, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork and substitute regular milk with almond milk or low-fat milk in the béchamel sauce.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Fast and Flavorful: It’s a quick meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Nostalgic: This is a family recipe passed down through generations, giving you a taste of tradition in every bite.
Versatile: Perfect for any day of the week, but also impressive enough for a special occasion.

Final Thoughts

This recipe, passed down from my grandmother, is a timeless classic that provides both flavor and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easy to make and even easier to eat! Enjoy this quick and delicious 10-minute dinner recipe and create your own family traditions around the dinner table.