Directions

Follow the directions for making the ragu and set aside if assembling the dish that day, or refrigerate the ragu for up to 5 days for later assembly.

To make the cream sauce:  Melt the butter in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.  Stir in the flour and cook until the mixture is smooth but not browned.  Slowly pour in the milk and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.  Remove from the heat and stir in the salt and nutmeg.  Cover the pot and set aside or refrigerate the sauce if you are planning to make the casserole a few days later.

Have ready 2 baking sheets lined with paper towels.

Place the onion rings in a large paper bag with the flour.  Close the bag and shake it to lightly coat the rings.

Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a heavy-duty pot or sauté pan.  When the oil begins to shimmer, add the onions in batches and brown on both sides.  As they brown, remove them to the paper-lined baking sheets.  Add more oil as needed to cook all the onions.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Spread 1/2 cup of cream sauce in the bottom of a 13 × 8 1/2 × 2-inch casserole or similar dish.

Spread 2 cups of ragu over the cream sauce.  Spread one-third of the onions over the ragu, one-third of the mozzarella over the onions, 1/2 cup of cream sauce over the mozzarella, and 2 tablespoons of Parmigiano-Reggiano over the mozzarella.  Continue, making 2 more layers in the same manner.  Pour the remaining cream sauce over the casserole.

Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it is bubbly and hot.  Serve immediately.

This recipe is featured on show 1206 - Parmigiano di Cipolla.

This recipe is from Ciao Italia in Umbria by Mary Ann Esposito, published by St. Martin's Press in 2002.

This recipe is featured on Season 12 - Episode 1206.