Description
Enjoy a comforting dish of homemade baked beef cannelloni, featuring tender pasta tubes filled with a savory blend of ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family gatherings, this hearty meal is sure to delight everyone at the table!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 cannelloni tubes
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly. Once cooled, mix in the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- While the oven is heating, prepare a baking dish by spreading a thin layer of the remaining crushed tomatoes on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Using a small spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the beef and cheese mixture, packing it well but avoiding overfilling.
- Arrange the filled cannelloni in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour the remaining crushed tomatoes over the filled cannelloni, ensuring they are well covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Optionally, sprinkle a little more dried oregano and basil on top for extra flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese on top.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Use a spatula to carefully lift out the cannelloni and place them on plates.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Pair your baked beef cannelloni with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes