This Stuffed Cannelloni with Minced Meat and Tomato Sauce is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. The cannelloni are filled with a savory meat mixture, topped with a rich tomato sauce, and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. With aromatic herbs and spices, this dish is easy to prepare yet tastes like a gourmet meal.
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including baking)
- Active Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- Minced Meat: 600 g (1.3 lbs)
- Eggs: 2
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Vegetable Oil: for frying
- Butter: 1 tbsp
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Dill: 1 tbsp, chopped
- Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: to taste
Tomato Sauce
- Tomato: 1, diced
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Vegetable Oil: for frying
- Butter: 1 tbsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Tomatoes: 3, diced
- Cumin: 1 tsp
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Italian Herbs: 1 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: to taste
- Parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped
- Coriander: 1 tbsp, chopped
For Assembling
- Cannelloni: 150-200 g (about 12-15 tubes)
- Cheese: 200 g (1.5 cups), shredded (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling
- Sauté the Onion
- In a skillet, heat a bit of vegetable oil and add 1 chopped onion. Sauté until translucent.
- Add Meat and Seasonings
- Add the minced meat, eggs, minced garlic, dill, salt, and black pepper. Sauté until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- Set Aside
- Once cooked, set the meat filling aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- Sauté Onion and Garlic
- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tbsp butter. Add 1 chopped onion and minced garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant and golden.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
- Add the diced fresh tomatoes and 1 diced tomato. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Add cumin, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add Fresh Herbs
- Stir in chopped parsley and coriander for added freshness and flavor. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, then set aside.
Step 3: Stuff and Assemble the Cannelloni
- Stuff the Cannelloni
- Carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the meat mixture, using a spoon or piping bag for ease.
- Assemble in Baking Dish
- Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil, then arrange the stuffed cannelloni in a single layer.
- Top with Tomato Sauce and Cheese
- Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the cannelloni, ensuring each tube is covered.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, removing the foil in the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and bubble.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve
- Garnish with extra parsley or coriander and serve hot. Enjoy this flavorful, hearty dish!
Dish Overview
This dish combines tender cannelloni pasta filled with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, onions, and seasonings. The stuffed pasta is nestled in a homemade tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese, creating a bubbly, golden crust when baked. It’s a meal in itself but pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
Ingredients and Preparation
The main ingredients for this recipe are cannelloni pasta, minced meat, a rich tomato sauce, and cheese. Here’s a breakdown of each:
Core Ingredients
- Cannelloni Pasta: Hollow pasta tubes that can be filled with the meat mixture. You can substitute with large pasta shells if desired.
- Minced Meat: Ground beef, pork, or a combination, cooked and seasoned for the filling.
- Tomato Sauce: A simple, flavorful sauce that coats the cannelloni and keeps it moist as it bakes.
- Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan are great for a melty, golden topping, with an optional sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
Filling Seasonings and Optional Additions
- Onion and Garlic: For depth and aromatic flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of basil, oregano, and thyme, giving the dish an authentic Italian flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the flavors in the filling.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a hint of heat in the sauce.
- Ricotta Cheese (optional): Adds creaminess to the filling if you prefer a softer texture.
Cooking Steps
- Prepare the Meat Filling: Sauté onions and garlic in a skillet with a bit of olive oil until translucent. Add the minced meat, cooking until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, add crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce) and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the flavors meld. Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity if desired.
- Fill the Cannelloni: Spoon or pipe the minced meat mixture into each cannelloni tube. Be gentle to avoid breaking the pasta.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange the filled cannelloni on top, then pour the remaining sauce over them to ensure they’re well-coated. Sprinkle generously with grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed Cannelloni with Minced Meat and Tomato Sauce is a complete meal on its own but can be paired with:
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the extra tomato sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Adds color and nutrients to the meal.
Nutritional Benefits
- Minced Meat: Provides protein and iron, essential for energy and muscle health.
- Tomato Sauce: Offers lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
- Pasta: A good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for a balanced meal.
Tips for Success
- Avoid Overfilling: Overstuffing the cannelloni can cause it to tear, so aim for a moderate amount of filling.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a richer flavor.
- Cover While Baking: Keeping the dish covered initially helps the pasta cook evenly in the sauce.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
This Stuffed Cannelloni with Minced Meat and Tomato Sauce is a cozy, family-friendly dish that brings comforting Italian flavors to your table, complete with a cheesy, bubbling finish!
Stuffed Cannelloni with Minced Meat and Tomato Sauce
- Total Time: 1hr 5mins
Description
This Stuffed Cannelloni with Minced Meat and Tomato Sauce is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. The cannelloni are filled with a savory meat mixture, topped with a rich tomato sauce, and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. With aromatic herbs and spices, this dish is easy to prepare yet tastes like a gourmet meal.
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- Minced Meat: 600 g (1.3 lbs)
- Eggs: 2
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Vegetable Oil: for frying
- Butter: 1 tbsp
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Dill: 1 tbsp, chopped
- Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: to taste
Tomato Sauce
- Tomato: 1, diced
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Vegetable Oil: for frying
- Butter: 1 tbsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Tomatoes: 3, diced
- Cumin: 1 tsp
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Italian Herbs: 1 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: to taste
- Parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped
- Coriander: 1 tbsp, chopped
For Assembling
- Cannelloni: 150-200 g (about 12-15 tubes)
- Cheese: 200 g (1.5 cups), shredded (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar)
Instructions
tep 1: Prepare the Meat Filling
- Sauté the Onion
- In a skillet, heat a bit of vegetable oil and add 1 chopped onion. Sauté until translucent.
- Add Meat and Seasonings
- Add the minced meat, eggs, minced garlic, dill, salt, and black pepper. Sauté until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- Set Aside
- Once cooked, set the meat filling aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- Sauté Onion and Garlic
- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tbsp butter. Add 1 chopped onion and minced garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant and golden.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
- Add the diced fresh tomatoes and 1 diced tomato. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Add cumin, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add Fresh Herbs
- Stir in chopped parsley and coriander for added freshness and flavor. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, then set aside.
Step 3: Stuff and Assemble the Cannelloni
- Stuff the Cannelloni
- Carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the meat mixture, using a spoon or piping bag for ease.
- Assemble in Baking Dish
- Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil, then arrange the stuffed cannelloni in a single layer.
- Top with Tomato Sauce and Cheese
- Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the cannelloni, ensuring each tube is covered.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, removing the foil in the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and bubble.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve
- Garnish with extra parsley or coriander and serve hot. Enjoy this flavorful, hearty dish!
- Prep Time: 20mins
- Cook Time: 45mins
- Garnish with extra parsley or coriander and serve hot. Enjoy this flavorful, hearty dish!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with garlic bread or crusty bread.
- Top with extra grated Parmesan or fresh basil.
- Enjoy with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Add a side of steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
Cooking Tips
- Use a piping bag to fill the cannelloni easily and avoid mess.
- Cook the sauce longer if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- Substitute minced meat with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Choose a cheese that melts well, like mozzarella, for the best texture.
- Cover the dish with foil while baking to prevent the cannelloni from drying out.
Nutritional Benefits
- Minced Meat: High in protein and iron.
- Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and A.
- Garlic: Boosts immune health and adds flavor.
- Herbs: Parsley and coriander provide antioxidants and fresh flavor.
Dietary Information
- High Protein: With meat, eggs, and cheese, this dish is rich in protein.
- Nut-Free: Safe for those with nut allergies.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cannelloni if available.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Satisfying: A warm, cheesy pasta bake with a rich meat filling.
- Flavorful and Aromatic: Packed with herbs and spices for a Mediterranean taste.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps with a delicious outcome.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for family dinners or gatherings.
- Customizable: Use your favorite herbs, cheese, or meat alternatives.
Conclusion
This Stuffed Cannelloni with Minced Meat and Tomato Sauce is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory flavors with a hint of Mediterranean spices. Perfect for family meals, it’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Serve it with your favorite side dishes and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute work well. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the meat with a mix of diced mushrooms, spinach, and cheese. - What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella is ideal for melting, but cheddar or gouda also work well. - Can I prepare the cannelloni ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the stuffed cannelloni up to a day in advance. Bake when ready. - Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze before baking. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time if needed.