Homemade Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Canneloni: A Classic Italian Dish

Ingredients

  • 12 Cannelloni tubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 500 grams ground beef
  • 1 can (400 grams) chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
  2. In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened.
  3. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  4. Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and parmesan cheese.
  6. Fill each cannelloni tube with the ricotta mixture and place in a baking dish.
  7. Pour the beef and tomato sauce over the filled cannelloni tubes. Spread the marinara sauce over the top.
  8. Sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
  10. Let the cannelloni rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Baking dish - A dish used for baking the cannelloni in the oven.
  • Frying pan - A pan used for sautéing the onions, garlic, and browning the ground beef.
  • Large spoon - Used for stirring the sauce and filling the cannelloni tubes.
  • Mixing bowl - A bowl used for combining the ricotta cheese, egg, and parmesan cheese.
  • Oven - Used to bake the cannelloni until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
  • Spatula - Used for serving and transferring the cannelloni from the baking dish.
  • Chef's knife - A knife used for chopping the onion and garlic.
  • Cutting board - A board used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Used for measuring the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta cheese.
  • Seafood Variation: Substitute the ground beef with a combination of cooked shrimp, crabmeat, and scallops.
  • Chicken Cannelloni: Use cooked and shredded chicken instead of ground beef.
  • Spinach and Ricotta Filling: Replace the beef filling with a mixture of cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, and a touch of nutmeg.
  • Three Cheese Cannelloni: Use a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for the filling.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cannelloni tubes or replace them with gluten-free lasagna sheets, cutting them into squares to roll the filling.
  • Spicy Twist: Add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos to the beef sauce for a kick of heat.
  • Pesto Cannelloni: Mix pesto sauce with the ricotta cheese for a flavorful twist in the filling.
  • Extra Vegetable Variation: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to the beef sauce for extra vegetables.

Recipe overview

This Cannelloni recipe is a classic Italian dish that will impress your guests with its rich flavors and appealing presentation. Intricately filled pasta tubes loaded with a creamy ricotta cheese blend are nestled in a savory ground beef and tomato sauce, then topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella. The dish is baked until golden and bubbling, for a mouth-watering result that is sure to become a family favorite. This recipe requires a bit of preparation, but your efforts will be well rewarded. The filling and sauce can be prepared in advance, and the dish can be assembled just before baking, making it a great choice for dinner parties or family meals. With its hearty ingredients and aromatic herbs, this Cannelloni recipe is a testament to the comforting power of Italian cooking. Prepare yourself for a delightful culinary experience, as you embark on creating this delicious dish. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of cannelloni tubes? While cannelloni tubes are traditional for this recipe, you can substitute with other pasta shapes such as manicotti or jumbo shells.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use ground pork, chicken, or turkey instead of ground beef if preferred.
  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! You can replace the ground meat with cooked lentils or a meat substitute of your choice.
  4. Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can assemble the cannelloni ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
  5. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftover cannelloni. Wrap them tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking dish - A dish that is oven-safe and large enough to fit the filled cannelloni tubes.
  • Frying pan - A large pan used for cooking the ground beef and sauce.
  • Mixing bowl - A bowl for combining the ricotta cheese, egg, and parmesan cheese.
  • Spatula - A utensil for stirring and flipping the ground beef while cooking.
  • Spoon - A utensil for filling the cannelloni tubes with the ricotta mixture and spreading the sauce.
  • Grater - A tool for grating the parmesan cheese.
  • Oven mitts - Insulated gloves or mitts to protect your hands when handling hot dishes.
  • Cheese grater - A tool used for grating the mozzarella cheese.

Origin stories

Cannelloni, which literally translates from Italian as "large reeds," is a delightful culinary invention that hails from Italy. This dish is typically associated with the regions of Campania and Liguria. The concept of stuffing pasta can be traced back to Ancient Rome, where it was documented in "Apicius De Re Coquinaria," one of the oldest known cookbooks. However, it gained popularity during the Renaissance era. The art of stuffing cylindrical pasta then travelled across the globe, making cannelloni a beloved dish worldwide. Interestingly, in Italy, "Cannelloni" refers to the baked, filled pasta dish, while the pasta tubes themselves are called "manicotti," meaning "little sleeves". It's a delightful example of how food and language can playfully intertwine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.