Best Easy Timballo di Anelletti Recipe

A showstopping Sicilian baked pasta dome layered with ragù and cheese, ideal for feeding the whole family. This mediterranean classic makes a hearty centerpiece for Sunday gatherings.

Cook 120 min Difficulty HARD 540 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • anelletti pasta 1 lb
  • ground beef 12 oz
  • Italian sausage (casings removed) 6 oz
  • frozen peas 1 cup
  • diced carrot 1 cup
  • diced celery 1 cup
  • diced onion 1 cup
  • crushed tomatoes 3 cups
  • grated aged provolone 1 cup
  • shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups
  • freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano 1 cup
  • hard-boiled eggs (quartered) 2 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 3 tbsp
  • garlic cloves (minced) 2 cloves
  • kosher salt 2 tsp
  • black pepper 1 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • fresh basil leaves (chopped) 0.5 cup
  • unsalted butter 2 tbsp
  • plain breadcrumbs 0.5 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 68 g 50%
Protein 21 g 16%
Fat 20 g 34%
Serving size 340g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 375°F. Generously butter a 10-inch domed baking bowl or deep cake tin and coat fully with breadcrumbs for easy unmolding.

  2. 2

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 6 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.

  3. 3

    Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef and Italian sausage, and cook, breaking up lumps, until browned. Season with 1 tsp kosher salt and black pepper.

  4. 4

    Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, and peas. Lower heat; simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes until the sauce thickens. Fold in half the basil during the last 5 minutes.

  5. 5

    Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook anelletti until barely al dente (about 2–3 minutes less than package), then drain and toss immediately in a large bowl with half of your ragù sauce.

  6. 6

    Layering: Pack half the pasta mixture tightly into the prepared bowl. Sprinkle evenly with half the cheeses (provolone, mozzarella, Parmigiano) and arrange hard-boiled egg quarters on top.

  7. 7

    Spoon over most of the remaining ragù, then top with remaining pasta and gently compress. Cover the surface with the rest of the cheeses and dot with butter.

  8. 8

    Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the dome is golden brown and bubbling at the edges. Let rest 15 minutes in the pan after removing from the oven (this helps set the shape).

  9. 9

    Carefully invert onto a serving platter, loosening edges if needed. Sprinkle with extra basil and serve warm in slices.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What ingredients give Timballo di Anelletti its signature flavor and texture?
Timballo di Anelletti is defined by its anelletti pasta—small, ring-shaped pasta that forms the layered structure. The combination of rich beef and sausage ragù, three varieties of cheese (aged provolone, mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano), as well as basil and hard-boiled eggs, bring complex flavor and contrasting textures to the dish.
Q. How do I avoid overcooking or undercooking the pasta in Timballo?
Cook the anelletti until they're just shy of al dente—2 to 3 minutes less than package instructions—since they continue cooking in the oven. This technique prevents overcooking and ensures the pasta holds its shape during baking and unmolding.
Q. What cooking techniques help the dome hold its shape after baking?
Fully buttering and breadcrumb-coating the baking bowl ensures easy release. After baking, let the timballo rest in the pan for at least 15 minutes—this resting step helps it set and makes unmolding clean and reliable.
Q. How many calories and what is the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 540 kcal, with 21g protein (16%), 68g carbohydrates (50%), and 20g fat (34%). The protein-to-carb ratio provides a hearty portion suitable for a family meal.
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