Ingredients:

500g Stellini pasta

50g butter

15g flour

500ml milk

100g hard mozzarella cheese, grated

1 onion, finely chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

300g ground beef

1 tsp salt (or to taste)

1 tsp black pepper

100g grated Parmesan cheese

200g tomato sauce

Additional grated cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pasta:

Cook the Stellini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the White Sauce:

In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the flour and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.

Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.

Add the grated mozzarella and stir until it melts into a creamy consistency. Remove from heat.

3. Cook the Beef:

In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant.

Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Season with salt and pepper.

Once the beef is browned, pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta.

Spread a layer of the creamy cheese sauce over the pasta.

Add a layer of the beef and tomato sauce mixture.

Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cheese sauce, and beef mixture.

5. Top with Cheese:

Sprinkle grated Parmesan and additional mozzarella cheese on top.

6. Bake:

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

7. Serve:

Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious, cheesy pasta bake!