Here’s a delicious recipe for Cannelloni with Minced Meat and Tomato Sauce — a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Cannelloni with Minced Meat and Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Cannelloni:
- 12-14 cannelloni tubes (dry)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for filling and topping)
- 1 egg (optional, helps bind the filling)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
- Cook the Cannelloni:
- Cook the cannelloni tubes according to package instructions, usually by boiling them in salted water for about 7-8 minutes (you don’t need to cook them fully, just soften them a bit). Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove the pan from heat, and if you’d like, stir in the ricotta cheese for added creaminess, along with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the egg (if using). Stir until everything is well combined. Set aside.
- Make the Tomato Sauce:
- In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes (or passata), tomato paste, oregano, basil, and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Stuff the Cannelloni:
- Carefully spoon the meat mixture into the cannelloni tubes using a small spoon or piping bag. Be gentle so the tubes don’t break.
- Place the stuffed cannelloni in the prepared baking dish, arranging them neatly in a single layer.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the stuffed cannelloni.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top, covering the cannelloni.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Serve:
- Let the cannelloni rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed cannelloni in advance, refrigerate, and bake later.
- Variations: You can also add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the meat filling for added flavor and texture.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the minced meat with a combination of ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs for a vegetarian version.
This Cannelloni with Minced Meat and Tomato Sauce is a comforting, filling dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!