Sicilian Baked Rice Timbale
Indulge in the delightful textures and flavors of Sicily with this Baked Rice Timbale, a luscious dish inspired by traditional arancini. This recipe offers a layered symphony of savory meats, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked rice, all enveloped in a warm and inviting crust. Easy to assemble and baked in the oven, this meal not only reduces the fat content compared to its fried counterpart but also allows you to enjoy endless variations—whether you're craving a classic version stuffed with ham and peas, or a more adventurous take with vegetables like spinach or eggplant. Perfect as a main course for dinner parties or a comforting family meal, this elegant dish makes for a stunning presentation when unmolded. To simplify the process, you can prepare the filling ingredients a day ahead, making it a convenient option for busy cooks. Transform your kitchen into a Sicilian trattoria with this heartwarming, kid-friendly feast!
N/A
Servings
437.5
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry breadcrumbs
4 tablespoons (for coating the dish)
lean ground beef
1/2 lb (raw)
soft breadcrumbs
1 1/3 cups (for meatball mixture)
parmesan cheese
2 1/2 tablespoons (grated)
parsley
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
eggs
3 (well beaten)
olive oil
4 tablespoons (divided)
spaghetti sauce
1 3/4 cups (divided (marinara or with meat))
bacon
1-2 ounces (chopped)
shelled peas
2 cups (fresh or thawed frozen)
Italian sausage
1/2 lb (skinned and crumbled)
chicken livers
2 (chopped)
dry white wine
2 1/2 tablespoons (or dry white vermouth)
beef stock
6 cups (for cooking rice)
short-grain rice
2 1/2 cups (such as Arborio)
parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
mozzarella cheese
1/2 lb (sliced or grated)
ham or prosciutto
1/4 lb (thinly sliced)
dried porcini mushrooms
1 ounce (soaked in warm water, washed, drained, and chopped)
salt and pepper
to taste
butter
2 teaspoons (slivered)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Start by oiling a 5-pint casserole dish (such as a Corningware soufflé dish) measuring 8-10 inches in diameter. Coat the inside with dry breadcrumbs to prevent sticking and set aside.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, soft breadcrumbs, 2 1/2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese, finely chopped parsley, one egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, adjusting with a second egg if the mixture feels too dry.
4
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, the size of large cherries. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and fry the meatballs until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, for a healthier version, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
5
In a separate pot, bring 1 1/4 cups of spaghetti sauce to a gentle simmer. Carefully add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and let simmer for another 15 minutes while you prepare the pea filling.
6
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan. Add the chopped bacon, shelled peas, a pinch of salt, and 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the peas are tender.
7
Stir in the crumbled Italian sausage and cooking for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sausage is fully cooked. Then add the chopped chicken livers and dry white wine, simmer for another 5 minutes before tasting for seasoning, and set aside.
8
In a large ovenproof casserole, bring 6 cups of beef stock and 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce to a boil. Stir in 2 1/2 cups of short-grain rice, cover, and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
9
After 10 minutes, remove the rice from the oven. It will be slightly undercooked and very moist. Stir in 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, 2 well-beaten eggs, and freshly-ground black pepper.
10
Press 3/4 of the rice mixture firmly into the prepared casserole dish, creating a hollow in the center.
11
Layer the bottom of the hollow with half of the mozzarella, followed by half of the ham or prosciutto. Add the pea filling, then the meatballs with their sauce, followed by the soaked and chopped porcini mushrooms (or sautéed fresh mushrooms). Finally, top with the remaining mozzarella and ham, abundant on flavors.
12
Cover everything with the remaining rice and sprinkle the top with dry breadcrumbs. Dot with slivered butter for extra richness.
13
Carefully transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let the timbale rest for 10 minutes before unmolding onto a serving platter. Cut into wedges and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
43.75g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sicilian Baked Rice Timbale?
Sicilian Baked Rice Timbale is a layered dish inspired by traditional arancini, featuring savory meats, creamy cheeses, and rice baked in a warm crust.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include short-grain rice, lean ground beef, Italian sausage, bacon, chicken livers, peas, mozzarella, parmesan, and spaghetti sauce.
What type of rice is best for this dish?
Short-grain rice, such as Arborio, is recommended for the best texture and consistency.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the dish?
Oil a 5-pint casserole dish and coat the inside with dry breadcrumbs before adding the rice mixture.
What is the baking temperature for the timbale?
The timbale should be baked in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the timbale need to bake?
The dish should bake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ingredients a day ahead to simplify the assembly process.
Is this recipe healthier than traditional arancini?
Yes, because it is baked in the oven rather than deep-fried, it contains less fat than traditional arancini.
What goes into the meatball mixture?
The meatballs are made from lean ground beef, soft breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, salt, and pepper.
How large should the meatballs be?
The meatballs should be shaped into small rounds the size of large cherries.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, for a healthier version, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
What is included in the pea filling?
The pea filling consists of chopped bacon, shelled peas, Italian sausage, and chicken livers simmered in white wine.
When should I add the chicken livers to the filling?
Add the chopped chicken livers and dry white wine after the sausage is fully cooked, then simmer for another 5 minutes.
What can I substitute for dry white wine?
You can use dry white vermouth as a substitute for the dry white wine.
How is the rice initially cooked?
The rice is baked in the oven for 10 minutes with 6 cups of beef stock and 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce.
What should the rice texture be after the first 10 minutes of baking?
The rice will be slightly undercooked and very moist after the initial 10-minute bake.
What ingredients are added to the rice after its first bake?
Stir in 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, 2 well-beaten eggs, and freshly-ground black pepper.
How do I layer the timbale?
Press 3/4 of the rice into the dish, then layer mozzarella, ham, pea filling, meatballs with sauce, and mushrooms before topping with the remaining rice.
What types of meat are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses ground beef, bacon, Italian sausage, chicken livers, and ham or prosciutto.
What cheeses are required for the Sicilian Timbale?
The recipe calls for parmesan cheese (both in the meatballs and the rice) and mozzarella cheese.
How do I prepare the dried porcini mushrooms?
Soak them in warm water, wash, drain, and chop them before adding them to the layers.
What should I put on top of the rice before the final bake?
Sprinkle the top with dry breadcrumbs and dot with slivered butter for extra richness.
How long should the timbale rest before serving?
Let the timbale rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set before unmolding.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 437.5 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 22.5 grams of protein per serving.
Are there other variations of this recipe?
Yes, you can customize it with vegetables like spinach or eggplant, or stick to the classic ham and pea filling.
Is this dish suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as a heartwarming, kid-friendly feast.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 5-pint casserole dish measuring 8-10 inches in diameter is recommended.
How do I serve the Sicilian Baked Rice Timbale?
Unmold it onto a serving platter, cut it into wedges, and serve it hot.
What type of stock should be used for the rice?
The recipe specifies using 6 cups of beef stock to cook the rice.