A delicious and hearty dish, this Cannelloni with minced meat and homemade tomato sauce is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special gathering. The tender, flavorful meat filling combined with a rich, spiced tomato sauce makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. This recipe can be made with a variety of meats such as beef, chicken, or lamb, and is perfect for filling cannelloni tubes or even using it as a filling for baked pasta shells.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
- 600 g (1.3 lbs) minced meat (beef, chicken, lamb, or a combination)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Prepare the Meat Filling:
- Heat the pan: In a large frying pan, heat a little vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Cook onions and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the meat: Add the minced meat to the pan. Cook the meat over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through.
- Season and add eggs: Season with salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh dill (if using). Stir in the eggs and mix everything until well combined. The eggs will help bind the filling and add richness. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Make the Tomato Sauce:
- Cook onions and garlic: In a separate pan, heat butter and vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Add the diced fresh tomatoes and the tomato you set aside to the pan. Stir and let the tomatoes cook down for about 10 minutes until they break apart and release their juices. Season with cumin, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until it thickens and becomes flavorful. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Cannelloni:
- Stuff the cannelloni: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). If you’re using uncooked cannelloni tubes, fill each tube with the cooled meat mixture. Place them in a baking dish.
- Cover with sauce: Pour the tomato sauce over the stuffed cannelloni, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. For the last 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the top to brown and the sauce to reduce.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and coriander before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables, like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Serve with a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- For a lighter version, serve with a side of steamed broccoli or spinach.
Cooking Tips
- To make the dish even richer, add a layer of grated cheese over the cannelloni before baking.
- If you’re making this in advance, prepare the sauce and filling a day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Make sure to cook the filling until the meat is browned to ensure a deep, savory flavor.
- You can substitute the minced meat with plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
- If you don’t have cannelloni tubes, you can use manicotti pasta shells or even lasagna sheets rolled up with the filling.
Nutritional Benefits
- Minced meat provides protein, iron, and B-vitamins for energy and muscle repair.
- Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, which support skin health and immune function.
- Garlic offers antioxidants and may help boost heart health.
- Herbs and spices such as cumin and paprika are not only flavorful but have anti-inflammatory properties.
- This dish is rich in protein and fiber, making it filling and supportive of muscle health.
Dietary Information
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta shells or substituting with zucchini noodles.
- If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, simply skip the cheese garnish or use a non-dairy cheese alternative.
- This recipe is naturally rich in protein and perfect for those following a high-protein diet.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Storage
- Store any leftover cannelloni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Simply bake as directed, then cool and freeze. Reheat in the oven until hot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cannelloni with minced meat and tomato sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners. The combination of seasoned meat, aromatic garlic, and spices wrapped in tender pasta makes for a rich and satisfying meal. It’s easy to prepare, but feels indulgent enough to serve at special occasions. The homemade tomato sauce adds a fresh and vibrant touch, elevating the dish to another level of deliciousness.
Conclusion
This Cannelloni with Minced Meat and Tomato Sauce is a perfect blend of savory flavors and satisfying textures. It’s an ideal dish for meal prep or a family dinner, and can easily be customized with your favorite herbs and spices. The hearty meat filling combined with the aromatic tomato sauce ensures each bite is filled with comfort and flavor. Whether you’re preparing this for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, it’s sure to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken, lamb, or even a vegetarian meat alternative. - Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The filling can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to use. - Can I freeze the Cannelloni?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled cannelloni (before baking). Just cover with foil and store for up to 2 months. - What pasta can I use if I don’t have cannelloni tubes?
You can use manicotti tubes or even lasagna sheets, rolled up with the filling. - Can I use store-bought tomato sauce instead of homemade?
Yes, store-bought tomato sauce can be used for convenience, though the homemade sauce adds a fresh touch. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. - Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe is mildly seasoned with cumin and paprika. You can adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more chili or using milder spices. - How do I make the sauce thicker?
You can simmer the sauce for longer to reduce it, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken it faster. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the minced meat with plant-based protein like lentils or soy-based ground meat. - How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.