This Baked Beef Cannelloni is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Stuffed with savory minced beef and topped with a rich creamy mozzarella sauce, this dish offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. The tender pasta, flavorful beef, and creamy sauce make it a true comfort food, easy to prepare, and sure to please everyone at the table.
Preparation 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, pepper, and paprika. Mix well to combine.
- In a separate pan, sauté the finely chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add it to the beef mixture and mix again.
- Prepare the Cannelloni:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Stuff the cannelloni pasta with the beef mixture. If you have a piping bag, use it for an easier filling process.
- Arrange the stuffed cannelloni in a greased baking dish.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, mayonnaise, cream, and water until smooth and well-combined. Pour the sauce over the stuffed pasta in the baking dish.
- Grate the mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the pasta.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
- Add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Serve with a glass of red wine for a perfect pairing.
Cooking Tips
- If you don’t have cannelloni pasta, you can use manicotti tubes as a substitute.
- Make the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easier assembly.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the beef mixture.
- Be careful not to overcook the cheese topping, as it can become too hard.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and texture.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in protein from the beef and eggs.
- Rich in calcium from the mozzarella cheese.
- Provides a good amount of healthy fats from the cream and mayonnaise.
- Packed with essential vitamins and minerals from the beef and vegetables.
Dietary Information
- Gluten: Contains gluten (from pasta)
- Dairy: Contains dairy (cheese, cream, mayonnaise)
- Eggs: Contains eggs
- Suitable for: Meat lovers, high-protein diets
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 500-600 kcal
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 35-40g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until fully warmed through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This dish is a comforting, hearty, and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
- The combination of seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.
- A filling and delicious dinner that both kids and adults will love.
Conclusion This Baked Beef Cannelloni with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce is the ultimate comfort food that brings together savory beef, creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s filling, flavorful, and easy to make ahead of time. Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe? Yes, you can use manicotti tubes or any other pasta that can be stuffed.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cannelloni and sauce in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I substitute the beef with chicken or turkey? Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.
- What if I don’t have mozzarella cheese? You can substitute mozzarella with another cheese that melts well, like provolone or gouda.
- Can I use store-bought pasta sauce instead of the mayonnaise and cream sauce? Yes, you can use your favorite store-bought pasta sauce in place of the creamy sauce.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture to add some heat.
- Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze the stuffed cannelloni before baking. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Yes, you can substitute the beef with a vegetarian filling, such as ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes? Yes, fresh diced tomatoes can be used, though the texture may be a bit different.
- How do I know when the dish is done? The dish is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pasta is tender. You can also check by inserting a fork into the middle to ensure it’s heated through.