Sicilian Anelletti Timballo (Baked Pasta Ring with Eggplant)

If you love rich, comforting Italian dishes, this Sicilian Anelletti Timballo is a true masterpiece. Known as a golden baked pasta ring filled with flavorful ragù, eggplant, cheese, ham, and hard-boiled eggs, this traditional Sicilian recipe is both beautiful and delicious.

Often served for Sunday lunch, holidays, or family gatherings, this dish is a true symbol of Sicilian home cooking. Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy inside—every bite is pure comfort food.

Ingredients

For a 26–28 cm (10–11 inch) Timballo:

• 600 g Sicilian-style meat ragù with peas
• 500 g anelletti pasta
• 100 g ham, finely chopped
• 5 oval eggplants
• 50 g grated Grana Padano cheese + extra for topping
• Breadcrumbs, as needed
• 2 hard-boiled eggs
• 150 g caciocavallo cheese or provolone cheese
• Olive oil, as needed for greasing
• Oil for frying eggplant

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

Slice the eggplants into thin rounds or lengthwise slices. Sprinkle them with salt and let them rest for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture and bitterness.

Rinse lightly, pat dry, and fry until golden. Place them on paper towels to drain well. You can prepare the eggplant one day in advance for easier cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Mold

Grease a ring-shaped baking pan (bundt or tube pan) with olive oil and sprinkle generously with breadcrumbs.

Line the entire pan, including the sides, with the fried eggplant slices, slightly overlapping each slice to create a full coating.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil the anelletti pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well.

Season the pasta with plenty of ragù, grated cheese, and chopped ham. Mix gently until fully coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Timballo

Add the first layer of pasta into the eggplant-lined pan.

Top with extra ragù, more grated cheese, pieces of hard-boiled eggs, and cubes of caciocavallo or provolone cheese.

Cover with the remaining pasta and sprinkle with more grated cheese.

Fold the eggplant slices inward to seal the top. Add extra slices if needed to fully close the timballo and prevent the filling from escaping.

Step 5: Bake

Place in a preheated fan oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25 minutes, until golden, crispy, and beautifully melted inside.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carefully unmolding onto a serving plate.

Slice and serve warm for the ultimate cheesy Sicilian comfort meal.

Recipe Benefits

Perfect for Family Gatherings

This baked pasta ring is ideal for Sunday lunches, holidays, and special occasions because it serves beautifully and feeds a crowd.

Rich and Satisfying

With ragù, cheese, eggplant, and pasta all in one dish, it’s a complete and filling meal.

Great Make-Ahead Recipe

You can prepare the eggplant and ragù in advance, making final assembly much easier.

Authentic Sicilian Flavor

This recipe brings the true taste of Sicily to your table with traditional ingredients and homemade comfort.

Best Tips

Salt the Eggplant First

This step helps remove bitterness and improves texture after frying.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Cook the anelletti only until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.

Use Plenty of Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs help prevent sticking and create that delicious golden crust.

Let It Rest Before Unmolding

Allowing the timballo to cool slightly helps it hold its shape when turned out.

Delicious Variations

Vegetarian Version

Skip the ham and use extra cheese, mushrooms, or sautéed zucchini for a delicious meat-free version.

Extra Cheesy Version

Add mozzarella, scamorza, or extra provolone for an even creamier filling.

Spicy Sicilian Style

Add chili flakes or spicy sausage to the ragù for a bolder flavor.

Lighter Version

Instead of frying, grill or bake the eggplant slices for a healthier option with less oil.

Prep Time

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6–8

 

This Sicilian Anelletti Timballo is more than just baked pasta ,it’s tradition, comfort, and celebration in one beautiful golden dish. Perfectly crispy outside, cheesy and rich inside, it’s a recipe everyone remembers!