Baked Beef Cannelloni - Greenku Recipes

This Baked Beef Cannelloni is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich and hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The cannelloni pasta is stuffed with a savory beef filling, topped with a creamy mozzarella sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful beef, and creamy cheese sauce creates a dish that’s sure to satisfy every palate. Easy to prepare and perfect for a crowd, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Preparation Time

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

1.2 kg minced beef (about 4-5 cups)

2 chicken eggs
Salt to taste
Ground black pepper to taste

Dried ground sweet paprika to taste
1 onion, finely chopped

For the Sauce and Pasta:

300 g cannelloni pasta (about 2 cups uncooked)
2 chicken eggs
80 g mayonnaise (about 1/3 cup)

300 ml cream (about 1 1/4 cups)
300 ml water (about 1 1/4 cups)
150 g hard mozzarella cheese, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)

Directions

Prepare the Beef Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced beef, eggs, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

In a separate pan, sauté the finely chopped onion in a little oil until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the sautéed onion to the beef mixture and stir until everything is well combined.

Prepare the Cannelloni: 3. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). 4. Stuff the uncooked cannelloni pasta with the beef mixture. You can use a piping bag to make the filling process easier and more precise. 5. Arrange the stuffed cannelloni in a greased baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly.

Prepare the Sauce: 6. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, mayonnaise, cream, and water until smooth and well-combined. 7. Pour the sauce evenly over the stuffed cannelloni in the baking dish. 8. Grate the mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the pasta.

Bake the Cannelloni: 9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. 10. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Serve: 11. Remove the cannelloni from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Serving Suggestions

With Garlic Bread: Serve the baked cannelloni with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
With a Green Salad: Pair the rich and creamy dish with a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant make an excellent side dish to complement the flavors of the cannelloni.

With Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the dish just before serving to add freshness and color.
With Red Wine: This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine, such as a rich Merlot or Chianti.

Cooking Tips

Substitute Cannelloni: If you can’t find cannelloni pasta, manicotti tubes work well as a substitute.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the beef filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easier assembly when you’re ready to bake.
Spice it Up: For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or hot sauce to the beef mixture to give it an extra kick.

Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overstuff the cannelloni pasta, as this can cause the filling to spill out during baking. Ensure a snug fit but avoid packing it too tightly.

Nutritional Benefits

Beef: A good source of high-quality protein, iron, and essential amino acids, beef helps support muscle growth and repair.

Mozzarella Cheese: High in calcium and protein, mozzarella helps support bone health and provides a creamy texture to the sauce.
Mayonnaise and Cream: These ingredients contribute to the richness of the sauce, providing a satisfying texture and flavor to the dish.
Onion and Paprika: Both ingredients add flavor and offer antioxidants, promoting overall health and well-being.

Dietary Information

Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free pasta or use a mixture of vegetables as a filling.

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese alternatives and substitute the cream with a non-dairy milk.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 450 kcal

Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g

Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Baked Beef Cannelloni because it’s the perfect combination of rich flavors and comforting textures. The tender pasta filled with savory beef and topped with a creamy cheese sauce is a classic favorite that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe is easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and is perfect for feeding a crowd. The creamy sauce and gooey melted cheese make it the ultimate comfort food, while the beef filling provides a hearty and satisfying base.

Conclusion

This Baked Beef Cannelloni is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With a rich beef filling, creamy mozzarella sauce, and golden-brown baked pasta, it’s a classic meal that everyone will love. Serve it with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to create a complete and well-rounded meal. This dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cannelloni and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a lighter alternative to beef.

Can I freeze the cannelloni?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled cannelloni before baking. Just cover it tightly and bake it directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
Can I use a different cheese for the sauce?
Yes, you can use other cheeses like cheddar or a mix of cheeses, but mozzarella provides the perfect creamy texture.
What if I don’t have cannelloni pasta?
You can substitute with manicotti tubes or even roll up the beef filling in lasagna noodles.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, adding spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the beef filling is a great way to sneak in extra vegetables.
How do I know when the cannelloni is fully baked?
The cannelloni is fully baked when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the filling is heated through.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the beef with a combination of ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs for a delicious vegetarian filling.

How can I make the sauce lighter?
You can use low-fat cream or a dairy-free alternative, such as almond milk, to make the sauce lighter.
Can I add spices to the beef filling?
Absolutely! You can add spices like garlic powder, oregano, or even a pinch of chili flakes for a spicier flavor.