Are you craving a comforting, flavourful, and impressive meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these delicious cannelloni recipes with meat! This classic Italian dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a delightful blend of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy béchamel. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade masterpiece!
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 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 red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavour)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients:
- 24 cannelloni tubes (jumbo size recommended)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Making the Meat Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red wine (if using). Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a richer flavour. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
Making the Béchamel Sauce:
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Stir in the salt, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese. Remove from heat.
Assembling and Baking the Cannelloni:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill each cannelloni tube with the meat sauce. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for easier filling.
- Arrange the filled cannelloni in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the cannelloni.
- Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Cannelloni:
- For extra flavour, sauté some garlic with the vegetables.
- If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Don’t overfill the cannelloni tubes, as they may burst during baking.
- For a richer béchamel, use whole milk instead of skim milk.
- If your béchamel sauce becomes too thick, add a little more milk to adjust the consistency.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Cannelloni: Substitute the ground meat with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant.
- Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni: Replace the meat sauce with a filling of spinach and ricotta cheese.
- Chicken Cannelloni: Use ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a serving of cannelloni with meat generally contains around 400-500 calories, with varying amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. For a more precise nutritional analysis, use an online nutritional calculator.
This recipe is perfect for a satisfying and delicious homemade meal. Enjoy your culinary creation!