Craving a comforting, flavorful, and impressive dinner that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Beef Cannelloni Pasta recipe is the perfect solution for a delicious homemade meal that will impress your family and friends. Forget complicated restaurant meals – this recipe is your ticket to restaurant-quality food in the comfort of your own kitchen. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet satisfying recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Cannelloni:
- 25 jumbo cannelloni pasta tubes (oven-ready)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in ½ cup of Parmesan cheese.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
Step 3: Assemble the Cannelloni
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the beef filling in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Fill each cannelloni tube with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or a piping bag for a neater look. Arrange the filled cannelloni in the baking dish over the beef filling.
Step 4: Make the Béchamel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened. Reduce heat and stir in salt, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Cannelloni
Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the cannelloni. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef filling for a little heat.
- Use different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the filling.
- If you don’t have oven-ready cannelloni, you can boil them according to package directions before filling.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This Beef Cannelloni Pasta recipe is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the satisfaction of creating a truly heartwarming meal from scratch. It's a guaranteed winner for easy recipes, healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, and delicious dishes. Happy cooking!