Baked Beef Cannelloni with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Hearty: A savory beef filling with a creamy, cheesy sauce.

• Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps for an easy-to-make meal.

• Perfect for Special Occasions: Ideal for family gatherings, special dinners, or casual meals.

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

• 1.2 kg (about 4-5 cups) minced beef

• 2 chicken eggs

• Salt to taste

• Ground black pepper to taste

• Dried ground sweet paprika to taste

• 1 onion, finely chopped

For the Cannelloni:

• 20–25 cannelloni tubes

• Olive oil for greasing

For the Mozzarella Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups (480 ml) milk

• Salt to taste

• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

For Topping:

• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Beef Filling: Sauté the onion in olive oil until softened. Add the minced beef, season, and cook until browned. Let it cool slightly before mixing in the eggs to bind the filling.

2. Prepare the Mozzarella Sauce: Melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring to prevent lumps. Stir in mozzarella cheese, salt, and optional nutmeg until smooth.

3. Assemble the Cannelloni: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a baking dish, stuff each cannelloni tube with the beef mixture, and arrange them in the dish.

4. Add the Sauce: Pour the creamy mozzarella sauce over the stuffed cannelloni and top with grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes

• Cooking Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Substitute beef with turkey, chicken for a different flavor.

• Make it vegetarian by using sautéed spinach, ricotta, and mushrooms for the filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use other meats for the filling? Yes, turkey, chicken are good alternatives.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, substitute beef with spinach, ricotta, and mushrooms.

3. Can I use lasagna sheets instead of cannelloni tubes? Yes, roll the filling in lasagna sheets and place them seam-side down.

4. How do I know when it’s done? The top should be golden and bubbly, and the cannelloni should be tender.

5. Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate it overnight before baking.

Conclusion

This Baked Beef Cannelloni with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce is a rich, comforting dish with a flavorful beef filling and creamy mozzarella sauce. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone satisfied!

Baked Beef Cannelloni with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Baked Beef Cannelloni with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Stuffed with flavorful minced beef and topped with a rich mozzarella sauce, this dish will leave everyone satisfied.

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Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

1.2 kg (about 4–5 cups) minced beef

2 chicken eggs

Salt to taste

Ground black pepper to taste

Dried ground sweet paprika to taste

1 onion, finely chopped

Olive oil for cooking

For the Cannelloni:

20–25 cannelloni tubes

Olive oil for greasing

For the Mozzarella Sauce:

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups (480 ml) milk

Salt to taste

1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

For Topping:

½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Beef Filling:

Sauté the finely chopped onion in olive oil until softened.

Add minced beef, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned.

Let the beef mixture cool slightly, then mix in eggs to bind the filling.

Prepare the Mozzarella Sauce:

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Gradually add milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.

Stir in shredded mozzarella, salt, and optional nutmeg until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Cannelloni:

Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).

Grease a baking dish with olive oil.

Stuff each cannelloni tube with the beef mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.

Add the Sauce:

Pour the creamy mozzarella sauce over the stuffed cannelloni.

Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake:

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve:

Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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Notes

Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with a mixture of sautéed spinach, ricotta cheese, and mushrooms.

Lasagna Sheets: If cannelloni tubes are unavailable, you can roll the filling in lasagna sheets and place them seam-side down.