Grandmother’s 10-Minute Comfort Dinner

Grandmother’s 10-Minute Comfort Dinner

There’s something truly special about recipes passed down through generations. They carry the warmth of family, the essence of tradition, and the comfort of home-cooked meals that connect us to the past. My grandmother’s kitchen was always filled with the aromas of her favorite dishes, and among them, this quick and delicious dinner stands out as one of her most cherished creations. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of simplicity, taste, and the joy of cooking for those you love.

This recipe brings together basic ingredients to create a dish that’s rich in flavor but takes only minutes to prepare. My grandmother understood the demands of a busy household, and this meal was her go-to solution when time was short but a nourishing, hearty dinner was still on the menu. In just 10 minutes, you’ll be able to transform pasta, meat, and a few pantry staples into a family favorite that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its speed, but in the balance of textures and flavors. The soft, tender pasta pairs beautifully with the savory, seasoned meat, while the creamy béchamel sauce adds a layer of indulgence. Topped with melted mozzarella, this dish offers the perfect combination of comfort and decadence. It’s a meal that pleases both children and adults alike, and it’s adaptable too—you can switch up the type of meat or even add some vegetables to make it your own.

Ingredients:

500g Stellini pasta.

50g butter.

15g flour.

500ml milk.

100g grated mozzarella cheese (hard).

1 finely chopped onion.

3 minced garlic cloves.

700g minced meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey).

200g tomato sauce.

Vegetable oil.

Salt, to taste.

Meat seasoning, to taste.

Pinch of ground nutmeg.

Instructions:

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

Boil the Stellini in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.

Step 4

Stir in flour until smooth.

Step 5

Gradually add milk while whisking until the sauce thickens.

Step 6

Season with salt and nutmeg.

Step 7

Heat oil in a pan, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.

Step 8

Add minced meat and cook until browned.

Step 9

Stir in tomato sauce, season with salt and meat seasoning.

Step 10

Layer half of the pasta in a baking dish.

Step 11

Top with half of the meat mixture and half of the béchamel sauce.

Step 12

Repeat the layers and finish with grated mozzarella on top.

Step 13

Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 14

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 15

Enjoy with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal!

Tips:

Adjust seasoning to taste.

For extra flavor, evenly spread each layer during assembly.

This dish pairs well with a light salad for a complete and healthy meal.