Best Easy Timballo di Riso Recipe

An elaborate baked rice mold layered with meat, vegetables, and cheese from southern Italy. This high protein mediterranean family showpiece is perfect for Sunday dinners and festive gatherings.

Cook 120 min Difficulty HARD 376 kcal
#Mediterranean #High Protein
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Arborio rice 3 cups
  • Ground beef 12 oz
  • Italian sausage 8 oz
  • Eggs 3 pieces
  • Mozzarella cheese 8 oz
  • Parmesan cheese 1 cup
  • Peas 1 cup
  • Carrot 1 pieces
  • Onion 1 pieces
  • Celery 2 stalks
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Olive oil 4 tbsp
  • Tomato paste 3 tbsp
  • Salt 1.5 tsp
  • Black pepper 1 tsp
  • Nutmeg 0.25 tsp
  • Fresh basil 0.5 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 39 g 42%
Protein 19 g 20%
Fat 15 g 38%
Serving size 250g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare a large oven-safe mold or springform pan by greasing it with 1 tbsp olive oil.

  2. 2

    Cook the Arborio rice in salted boiling water until just al dente (about 15 minutes), then drain and allow to cool. Beat the eggs and mix with the rice, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg.

  3. 3

    Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and sauté onions, carrot, celery until softened, about 8 minutes. Add ground beef and sausage, cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, black pepper, peas, and fresh basil. Let mixture cool slightly.

  4. 4

    Layer half of the rice mixture in the bottom and up the sides of the mold, pressing firmly. Add half the meat mixture, then mozzarella, then the remaining meat and remaining mozzarella. Top with rice mixture, smoothing and sealing edges.

  5. 5

    Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden on top. Rest for 15 minutes before unmolding and serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core of Timballo di Riso is Arborio rice, which forms the structure and texture of the mold. It’s complemented by ground beef, sausage, and cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan, making it both hearty and flavorful.
Q. How does oven heat control impact timballo texture?
Controlled baking is crucial. Covering for 45 minutes ensures proper setting and moisture retention, while uncovering for the last 15 minutes develops a golden crust without drying out the interior, guaranteeing both firmness and creaminess.
Q. How can you prevent Timballo di Riso from being dry or mushy?
Avoid overcooking the rice—al dente is best so it absorbs just enough moisture during baking. Firmly packing the rice edges and letting the timballo rest after baking also help keep it intact and prevent a mushy center.
Q. What is the nutritional breakdown per serving?
Each 250g serving provides approximately 376 kcal, 39g carbohydrates (42%), 19g protein (20%), and 15g fat (38%). The protein content is substantial, making it suitable for high protein and Mediterranean diet preferences.
AI 채팅 아이콘