Timpana Maltija a la Sartén (Baked Macaroni in Spiced Tomato Ragù with Ricotta Crust) – Authentic Malta Recipe
Rich Maltese baked pasta casserole uniting savory cinnamon-kissed ragù with a golden cheese topping.
- Country of Origin
- 🇲🇹 Malta (Southern Europe, Europe)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Rigatoni or penne pasta, Savory minced beef/pork tomato ragù, Creamy ricotta and Parmesan bake, Cinnamon pinch, Garlic
Ingredients for Timpana Maltija a la Sartén (Baked Macaroni in Spiced Tomato Ragù with Ricotta Crust) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) rigatoni or penne pasta, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups savory minced beef/pork tomato ragù, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup creamy ricotta and Parmesan bake
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with cinnamon pinch
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Malta seasoning (garlic, bay leaf, parsley)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C) and lightly oil an ovenproof skillet or baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, cinnamon pinch, and garlic, bay leaf, parsley for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine rigatoni or penne pasta and savory minced beef/pork tomato ragù with the sautéed aromatics and layer evenly into the baking dish.
- Top with creamy ricotta and Parmesan bake and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm at the table.