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Cannelloni with Minced Meat: A Hearty Family Classic

Cannelloni with minced meat is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender pasta tubes stuffed with a savory beef filling, topped with a rich tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese. This classic Italian dish is perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or special occasions. The hearty filling and creamy cheese make it a satisfying and flavorful meal that will surely impress everyone at your table.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 –8 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.2 kg minced beef about 4-5 cups
  • 2 chicken eggs
  • Salt to taste
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • Dried ground sweet paprika to taste
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 12-14 cannelloni tubes uncooked
  • 4 cups tomato sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Beef Filling: In a large pan over medium heat, cook the finely chopped onion until softened. Add the minced beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika to taste. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Let it cool for a few minutes before mixing in the beaten eggs. This will help bind the mixture together for filling the pasta tubes.
  2. Stuff the Cannelloni: Using a spoon, carefully stuff each cannelloni tube with the prepared beef filling. Be generous with the filling to ensure each tube is packed tightly. Place the stuffed cannelloni in a greased baking dish.
  3. Assemble the Dish: Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the stuffed cannelloni. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, ensuring it covers the entire dish. If desired, add a bit of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
  4. Bake the Cannelloni: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cannelloni from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with a side salad or some crusty bread, and enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade Italian cuisine.

Notes

  • Make-Ahead: You can assemble the cannelloni in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you freeze the assembled dish, it will keep for up to 3 months. Just be sure to bake it from frozen and add extra cooking time.
  • Cheese: Feel free to mix up the cheese toppings. Ricotta, Parmesan, or a blend of Italian cheeses will all work wonderfully in this dish.
  • Sauce: If you prefer a more robust sauce, you can add garlic, herbs, or even a splash of red wine to your tomato sauce for added depth of flavor.