Here’s a delicious recipe for Cannelloni with Minced Meat and Tomato Sauce—a hearty and satisfying Italian dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal!
Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for texture)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the tomato sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh if you have it)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the assembly:
- 12-14 cannelloni tubes (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Make the tomato sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
2. Prepare the meat filling:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Once the meat is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and breadcrumbs (if using). Mix until well combined.
3. Stuff the cannelloni:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, stuff the uncooked cannelloni tubes with the meat mixture. Be careful not to overfill.
- Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed cannelloni tubes in the dish, packing them closely together.
4. Assemble and bake:
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed cannelloni, making sure the tubes are well-covered.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Serve:
- Let the cannelloni cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Enjoy this Cannelloni with Minced Meat and Tomato Sauce as a comforting and delicious meal that will impress your family and friends!