Timballo Di Maccarun (Molded Macaroni Casserole)

Submitted by TishT

"This recipe is from NELLA CUCINA. In this recipe the familiar elbow shape is used to make an impressive molded casserole called a timballo."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 15mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 8-10

ingredients

• 3⁄4 lb round beef sirloin
• 1⁄2 lb ground veal
• 2 slices stale bread
• 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
• salt and pepper
• 2⁄3 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
• 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni (2 cups dry)
• 1 1⁄2 cups diced mozzarella cheese
• 1⁄2 cup diced provolone cheese
• 2 1⁄2 cups tomato sauce, plus extra as needed
• olive oil, for greasing pan
• 7 slices lean prosciutto or 1/4 lb pancetta

directions

1. In a bowl, gently combine the ground meats.
2. In a separate bowl of water, dip the bread slices just until softened, then squeeze out the water, crumble the bread, and add to the meats along with the eggs, herbs, salt, pepper, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
3. Mix just to combine the ingredients.
4. Set aside.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the remaining cheeses and 1 cup of tomato sauce.
6. Set aside.
7. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with olive oil.
8. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan.
9. Place the slices of prosciutto or pancetta in the bottom of the pan in a spoke-like or circle fashion.
10. Cover the slices and sides of the pan with about two thirds of the meat mixture.
11. Make sure there are no gaps.
12. Gently fill the center of the pan with the macaroni mixture, patting it down firmly.
13. With a rolling pin, roll the remaining meat mixture between 2 sheets of waxed paper to fit the top of the pan.
14. Remove 1 sheet of the waxed paper and invert the meat over the top of the pan.
15. Carefully pull back the remaining sheet of waxed paper.
16. Neatly press the edges of the meat all the way around the pan, making sure that there are no gaps.
17. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
18. Cover the top of the pan tightly with a piece of aluminum foil.
19. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, covered.
20. Remove the foil and bake 15 minutes longer, or until the meat is browned on top.
21. Remove the pan from the oven.
22. Run a knife around the edges of the pan.
23. Place a serving platter over the pan and invert onto the platter.
24. With a potholder, carefully release the spring and lift off the sides of the pan.
25. Remove the bottom of the pan and the parchment paper.
26. Let the timballo cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
27. Serve the timballo cut into wedges and pass extra tomato sauce on the side.

Reviews

[Plifert]

My family thought this was a keeper. I didn't have veal so I used only ground beef. I also didn't have prosciutto (which my boys aren't fond of anyway) so I left it plain and spread some sauce on top after I turned it out. A little more plain than your recipe but we all thought it tasted great. Thanks!