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Baked Beef Cannelloni: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Dinner


  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

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

  1. 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.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  3. 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).
  4. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Arrange the filled cannelloni in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
  11. Pour the remaining crushed tomatoes over the filled cannelloni, ensuring they are well covered.
  12. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  13. Optionally, sprinkle a little more dried oregano and basil on top for extra flavor.
  14. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese on top.
  15. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
  16. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  17. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
  18. Use a spatula to carefully lift out the cannelloni and place them on plates.
  19. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor.
  20. 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