Fettuccine Meatball Lasagne

Ingredients for Fettuccine Meatball Lasagne

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, crumbled

• 2 (800g) cans whole tomatoes in juice, drained, reserving juice, and finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 350ml coarse fresh bread crumbs (from an Italian or French loaf)

• 80ml whole milk

• 450g meatloaf mix (150g each of pork mince, ground chuck, and ground veal)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 30g finely grated Pecorino Romano (120ml )

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

• 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

• 240ml vegetable oil

• 450g ricotta (preferably fresh)

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• 30g finely grated Pecorino Romano (1/2 cup)

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

• 1/4 teaspoons salt

• 350g dried egg fettuccine

• 230g chilled fresh mozzarella, coarsely grated

How to make Fettuccine Meatball Lasagne

Heat oil in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté onion, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and oregano and sauté, stirring, 1 minute. Add tomatoes with reserved juice, tomato paste, bay leaf, and salt and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 30 to 35 minutes. Discard bay leaf.

Stir together bread crumbs and milk in a large bowl and let stand 10 minutes. Add meat, garlic, cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper and blend with your hands until just combined well (do not overmix). Form level 1/2-teaspoon portions into meatballs (you should have about 135).

Heat oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then fry meatballs in 5 batches (do not crowd), turning occasionally, until browned well and cooked through, about 2 minutes per batch. Transfer as browned to paper towels using a slotted spoon.

Stir together all filling ingredients until combined well.

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 218°C.

Cook pasta in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water, uncovered, until al dente. Drain in a colander, then rinse under cold water and drain again.

Spread 475ml sauce in a 13- by 9-inch or other 3-quart glass or ceramic baking dish and arrange one third of fettuccine over sauce, then top with all of meatballs. Make another layer each of 475ml sauce and one third of fettuccine, then spread with all of filling. Top with remaining fettuccine, then remaining sauce. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella.

Bake, loosely covered with foil, 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake until sauce is bubbling and cheese is golden, about 20 minutes more. Transfer to a rack and cool, about 20 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.