Name: Ross Fil-Forn (Maltese Baked Rice)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 cups long grain white rice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 0.5 pound lean ground beef; 1.5 cups canned crushed tomatoes; 1.25 cups chicken stock; 3 bay leaves; salt and black pepper to taste; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves; 3 eggs; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Ross Fil-Forn (Maltese Baked Rice) Recipe

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

2 cups long grain white rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
pound lean ground beef
1 cups canned crushed tomatoes
1 cups chicken stock
3 bay leaves
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
3 large eggs
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients. Prepare your workspace and have everything ready for easy access.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally to break it apart. Continue cooking until the beef is evenly browned.

Step 3: Once the beef is browned, stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, and bay leaves. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the rice. Place the rice into a saucepan and add enough water to cover the rice by about an inch. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes, until the rice is halfway done. Then, drain off the excess water.

Step 5: Preheat your oven to 400F (200C). Remove the bay leaves from the beef mixture and stir in the partially cooked rice.

Step 6: Add the chopped basil, mint, eggs, and mozzarella cheese to the rice and beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 7: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 8: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. The dish should be golden and bubbly when done.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 730
Fat: 28g (36% DV)
Saturated Fat: 12g (58% DV)
Cholesterol: 211mg (70% DV)
Sodium: 798mg (35% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 83g (30% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% DV)
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 35g (70% DV)
Vitamin C: 9mg (10% DV)
Calcium: 448mg (34% DV)
Iron: 7mg (40% DV)
Potassium: 622mg (13% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is based on available data and may not be available for all ingredients. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, consult a healthcare provider before preparing this recipe.

Ross Fil-Forn (Maltese Baked Rice) Recipe

Comments

BeefyMeg

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I thought this was pretty good! The fresh mint does not make it "minty" but it adds a nice depth of flavor. Mine came out with a lovely cheesy crust on top and a beautiful crunchy bottom layer as well. My hub thought it was a bit bland (which is weird because usually I'm the one who finds things bland, but not this time) but my 2 toddlers gobbled it up. I didn't know exactly what to do with the eggs (I beat them before adding them) and the recipe didn't say what to do with the basil and mint (I added them with the cheese and eggs, etc) but it seemed to work out just fine. I made it with ground chicken and would probably double the meat next time. I also made it with a can of diced tomatoes and I might like even more tomatoes next time. I appreciated not having to chop anything and I will definitely make this again!

MonnieMon

07/18/2015 11:16:24 PM

I really like this recipe and have made it twice in two days. Once for a family lunch and another time because there wasn't much left. This recipe is really easy and it's great for the time poor. Each time I made it, I did it differently and yet to taste our second one. On both occasions I omitted the basil and mint but added onion, garlic and fresh grape tomatoes to the sauce and the second time I added 2 teaspoons of tomato paste, 4 large sliced mushrooms, 1 teaspoon of curry and 1 teaspoon of nutmeg. My family devoured the first one and I'm hoping the second one will be even better. I must admit, dishes like this are better the next day when the flavours are a bit more intense. My family and I are Maltese and our Italian and Australian husbands loved it too.

Fry

07/22/2019 02:17:08 AM

Followed the recipe except for a couple minor things. One, I mixed in the parmesan and also sprinkled it on top. Two, I used chopped Italian parsley instead of mint. It was delicious and very filling.

Sandra

06/22/2016 01:08:48 PM

I like it. I did not use mint and basil but I added 2 tsps ground coriander. I love ir

ldecota

08/14/2007 05:37:39 PM

I had to make a few modifications to this recipe because I didn't have everything on hand. I did not have canned tomatoes so I used some fresh ones that came from a friends garden (along with some salt) and I think that helped with flavor. I also added about a teaspoon of marjoram and a teaspoon of crushed italian seasoning to the ground beef while it cooked and I think that it could have used even a bit more of the marjoram. I didn't have chicken broth so used beef and I think that it worked out just fine. The dish wasn't robust with flavor but was a good comfort dish and would be good as a stuffing for peppers or mushrooms.

Kenneth Garcia

05/11/2024 04:52:39 PM

Perfect balance of flavor and simplicity.

LimeCake5097

04/04/2023 11:00:07 AM

I absolutely love this dish. I have made it a few times now and I replace the mint & basil with some Italian herbs and oregano suits also. A simple & tasty meal that keeps giving! There is enough to have the next night or you can freeze portions. Absolutely perfect for gatherings with family and friends that's guaranteed to please.