Classic Beef Cannelloni Bake

If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious dinner option, Classic Beef Cannelloni Bake is perfect for you! This dish features tender cannelloni tubes filled with a savory ground beef and ricotta filling, all topped off with a rich marinara sauce and bubbling cheeses. It’s a meal that will impress families and guests alike, delivering flavor and warmth in every bite.

Why You Will Love It

This Classic Beef Cannelloni Bake is not only easy to prepare but is also a satisfying and hearty dish that brings together the rich flavors of beef, cheese, and tomato sauce. The combination of textures is delightful, and it can be served on special occasions or enjoyed as an everyday meal. The best part? It can be made ahead of time and stored for later, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

12 cannelloni tubes
1 pound ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for cooking

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the cannelloni tubes according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, drizzle a bit of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the ricotta cheese until well combined.
Using a spoon, stuff the cooked cannelloni tubes with the beef and ricotta mixture, placing each tube carefully in a baking dish as you go.
Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed cannelloni.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously on top. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once finished, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

Pre-cook your meat: For an even deeper flavor, you can season the ground beef with Italian herbs like oregano or basil while cooking.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion enhance the flavor significantly, but you can use powdered versions in a pinch.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the ground beef for a little heat.
Cheese options: You can substitute any of the cheeses with your favorites, like using fontina instead of mozzarella.

Serving Ideas

Serve your Classic Beef Cannelloni Bake with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. It pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Storage Guidance

Leftovers can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the cannelloni before baking. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reduce the baking time as needed if cooking from frozen.

Conclusion

Classic Beef Cannelloni Bake is a delightful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy filling, savory meat, and melted cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Enjoy this recipe for dinner and watch everyone come back for seconds!

Classic Beef Cannelloni Bake

A comforting dish featuring tender cannelloni tubes filled with savory ground beef, ricotta, and topped with marinara sauce and bubbling cheeses.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Serving Size 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta & Sauce

12 tubes cannelloni tubes
2 cups marinara sauce

Meat & Filling

1 pound ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese

Vegetables

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced

Cheeses

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning & Oil

Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for cooking

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the cannelloni tubes according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, drizzle a bit of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Cooking

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the ricotta cheese until well combined.
Using a spoon, stuff the cooked cannelloni tubes with the beef and ricotta mixture, placing each tube carefully in a baking dish.
Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed cannelloni.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously on top. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once finished, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, season ground beef with Italian herbs. Use fresh garlic and onion for better taste; alternatively, powdered versions can be used. To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes. Cheese can be substituted with favorites like fontina instead of mozzarella. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.