Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This cannelloni pasta recipe with meat filling is the perfect solution for a delicious weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Forget those complicated, time-consuming recipes – this one is quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. It's a perfect example of healthy meals that don't sacrifice taste. Let's dive into this fantastic recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Cannelloni:
- 1 package (12-15) jumbo cannelloni pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Assemble the Cannelloni:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Fill each cannelloni shell with a spoonful of the meat filling and a spoonful of the ricotta filling.
- Arrange the filled cannelloni in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the cannelloni.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the cannelloni is heated through.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cannelloni:
- For extra flavor, sauté some mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions and garlic in the meat filling.
- If using dried cannelloni, cook according to package directions before filling. This step is generally not needed for fresh cannelloni.
- Don't overfill the cannelloni shells; otherwise, they might burst during baking.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade marinara sauce.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the cannelloni for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Cannelloni: Replace the meat filling with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant, combined with ricotta cheese and herbs.
- Chicken Cannelloni: Substitute ground chicken for the ground beef.
- Spicy Cannelloni: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat filling for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This delicious and easy cannelloni recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. It's a perfect blend of homemade cooking and satisfying flavors, making it a winner for any occasion. Enjoy!