Timballo di Anelletti with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) anelletti pasta 500g (1.1 lb) anelletti pasta
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 120ml (1/2 cup) red wine 120ml (1/2 cup) red wine
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated
• 100g (3.5 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated 100g (3.5 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 50g (1.8 oz) butter 50g (1.8 oz) butter
• 50g (1.8 oz) all-purpose flour 50g (1.8 oz) all-purpose flour
• 500ml (2 cups) milk 500ml (2 cups) milk
• Pinch of nutmeg Pinch of nutmeg

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 20g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (8g sugars)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cook the anelletti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Break up any large chunks with a wooden spoon.
5. 5.
   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, dried oregano, dried basil, and ground cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute, until the mixture turns golden.
7. 7.
   Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the béchamel sauce until thickened, stirring constantly. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
8. 8.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked anelletti pasta with the meat sauce. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
9. 9.
   Grease a round baking dish with butter. Layer half of the pasta mixture into the dish, followed by a layer of grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and cheese.
10. 10.
    Pour the béchamel sauce over the top layer of cheese, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
11. 11.
    Bake the timballo in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into portions and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Anelletti pasta — Cook the pasta until al dente to ensure it retains its shape and texture in the final dish.
• Ground beef — Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, or substitute with ground pork or a combination of both for added flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese — Opt for fresh mozzarella if available, as it melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the timballo.
• Parmesan cheese — Grate the Parmesan cheese just before using to preserve its flavor and texture.
• Nutmeg — Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best aroma and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a combination of sautéed mushrooms and diced eggplant.
• Add a layer of sliced hard-boiled eggs between the pasta and meat sauce for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as fontina or pecorino, to customize the flavor of the timballo.
• Serve the timballo with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a delicious and convenient meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Timballo di Anelletti hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To create an impressive presentation, use a round baking dish and carefully slice the timballo into portions before serving. The layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese will be beautifully displayed, enticing your guests with its visual appeal.