Beef Cannelloni Recipe

Published June 28, 2024 | By topchefs

Beef Cannelloni: A Classic Italian Dish

Beef Cannelloni is a quintessential Italian dish that embodies the heart of traditional Italian cuisine. This delightful dish features tender pasta tubes filled with a savory beef mixture, enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a favorite for many, offering a hearty and satisfying meal.

This beloved recipe is perfect for comforting family dinners and impressive gatherings alike. The comforting aroma of baking beef cannelloni can fill a home with warmth, making it an ideal choice for cozy family meals. At the same time, its elegant presentation and robust flavors make it an impressive dish for entertaining guests at dinner parties and celebrations.

In this guide, we’ll explore the rich history of Beef Cannelloni, delve into its essential ingredients, and provide detailed step-by-step instructions to help you master this culinary delight. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, learning to make this classic dish will enhance your repertoire and offer a delicious taste of Italy right at home.

What is Beef Cannelloni?

Beef Cannelloni is a classic Italian dish that showcases the culinary artistry of stuffed pasta. It features cylindrical pasta tubes filled with a savory beef filling, then baked in a rich tomato sauce, and topped with melted cheese. The dish’s combination of tender pasta, flavorful meat, and creamy cheese creates a hearty and comforting meal that delights the palate.

This robust dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, making it an excellent choice for both casual family dinners and special occasions. The beauty of Beef Cannelloni lies in its versatility; it can be prepared ahead of time, allowing home cooks to focus on other tasks or enjoy the company of their guests while dinner bakes in the oven.

The concept of stuffed pasta has deep historical roots, dating back to the 1770s, with references to maccheroni ripieni (stuffed macaroni). Traditionally, cannelloni was made by wrapping pasta sheets around a flavorful filling, a technique that requires skill and precision. However, modern recipes often use pre-formed tubes for convenience, ensuring consistent results with less effort.

In addition to its popularity in Italy, Beef Cannelloni has found a special place in Catalan cuisine, where it is known as canelons. This variation is traditionally served on Saint Stephen’s Day, showcasing the dish’s cultural significance and its ability to bring people together during festive occasions.

Whether prepared in its traditional form or its more contemporary adaptations, Beef Cannelloni remains a beloved dish that continues to be celebrated across different cultures for its rich flavors and comforting qualities.

Table of Contents

Recipe Ingredients

Step by Step Instructions

Beef Cannelloni A Delectable Italian Feast

History and Cultural Significance of Cannelloni

Cannelloni, meaning “large reeds” in Italian, has its roots in early 20th-century Italy, where it evolved into a beloved dish known for its hearty flavors and adaptability. The origins of stuffed pasta, however, can be traced back to the 1770s, with early references to maccheroni ripieni, indicating the long-standing tradition of filling pasta with savory ingredients.

Traditionally, cannelloni was crafted by wrapping delicate pasta sheets around a flavorful filling, a method that showcased the culinary skill and precision of Italian cooks. This approach allowed for creativity in the kitchen, as cooks could experiment with various fillings, from meats and cheeses to vegetables and herbs. The labor-intensive process of making cannelloni by hand was often reserved for special occasions, highlighting the dish’s significance in Italian culinary culture.

In modern times, pre-formed pasta tubes have become popular for their convenience, making cannelloni more accessible to home cooks worldwide. These pre-made tubes ensure consistency and simplify the preparation process, allowing more people to enjoy this classic Italian dish without the need for extensive culinary expertise.

Beyond Italy, cannelloni has gained popularity in Catalan cuisine, where it is known as canelons. In Catalonia, canelons are traditionally served on Saint Stephen’s Day, a holiday celebrated on December 26th. This regional adaptation typically includes a filling of leftover meats from Christmas, showcasing the resourcefulness and creativity of Catalan cooks. The dish has become a staple of Catalan holiday traditions, symbolizing warmth, family gatherings, and the spirit of the festive season.

Consequently, cannelloni has become a beloved dish in various regions around the world, celebrated for its rich flavors and versatility. Whether enjoyed as part of a festive holiday meal or a comforting family dinner, cannelloni continues to delight diners with its hearty filling, tender pasta, and savory sauces, remaining a testament to the enduring appeal of stuffed pasta dishes across cultures.

 

Rows of uncooked cannelloni pasta tubes for beef cannelloni.

Beef Cannelloni Ingredients

Now the Beef Filling

  • 500g (1 lb) lean ground beef: Provides the main protein component.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing.
  • 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth.
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced: Enhances the flavor.
  • 250g (8 oz) frozen spinach, thawed and drained: Adds a nutritious element.
  • 1 beef bouillon cube, crumbled: Intensifies the beef flavor.
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper: For seasoning.

On the Tomato Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing.
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds flavor.
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness.
  • 800g (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce.
  • 2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock: Adds depth.
  • 1/2 tsp each thyme, oregano, salt, pepper: For seasoning.
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional): Adds heat.
A plate of beef cannelloni topped with tomato sauce.

For Assembly

  • 21-24 cannelloni tubes (220g/7 oz): The pasta component.
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly grated: For topping.
  • Chopped parsley (optional): For garnish.

Step by Step Instructions for the Beef Cannelloni

Preparing the Beef Filling

  1. First, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Next, add the onion and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
  3. Then, add the ground beef and cook until it is thoroughly browned.
  4. After that, stir in the spinach, beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
  5. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes. Finally, set the mixture aside to cool before proceeding with the recipe.

Making the Tomato Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add garlic and onion, cook until softened.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
  4. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assembling the Beef Cannelloni

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  3. Fill each cannelloni tube with the beef mixture using a piping bag or spoon.
  4. Arrange the filled tubes in the baking dish.
  5. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cannelloni.
  6. Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top.

Baking

  1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  4. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Beef Cannelloni

Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to 8 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Freezing: Freeze the assembled, unbaked cannelloni. When you are ready to cook, first bake from frozen at 160°C (320°F) for 1 hour. Then, subsequently, increase the temperature to 200°C (400°F) and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes.

Alternative Cooking Methods: Additionally, this dish can also be prepared in a slow cooker. First, layer the ingredients as directed. Then, cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Ingredients

Meat and Dairy

  • 500g (1 lb) lean ground beef: This provides the savory base for the filling.
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly grated: Additionally, this adds a creamy and melty texture to the dish.

Vegetables

  • 1 onion, finely chopped: First, it enhances the flavor with a sweet and savory base.
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced: Next, it adds a pungent and aromatic depth.
  • 250g (8 oz) frozen spinach, thawed and drained: Furthermore, this incorporates a nutritious and earthy element.

Pantry Staples

  • 1 tbsp olive oil: Initially, this is used for sautéing.
  • 1 beef bouillon cube, crumbled: Moreover, it intensifies the beef flavor.
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Subsequently, it adds a tangy and umami-rich note.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper: Additionally, it provides a mild heat.
  • 800g (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: Furthermore, this forms the rich tomato sauce.
  • 2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock: Consequently, it enriches the sauce’s flavor and consistency.
  • 1/2 tsp each thyme, oregano, salt, pepper: Moreover, these herbs and seasonings elevate the dish’s overall taste.
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional): Additionally, it offers a spicy kick if desired.
  • 21-24 cannelloni tubes (220g/7 oz): Finally, these serve as the vessel for the delicious filling.

This Beef Cannelloni recipe combines authentic flavors with simple preparation steps, making it perfect for both a cozy family meal and a special occasion. Its rich and savory taste is sure to impress guests and delight your taste buds, while the straightforward process ensures you can enjoy it with minimal effort.

The balance of tender pasta, savory beef filling, and rich tomato sauce makes this dish a standout in any meal. Whether you’re looking to impress guests with an Italian classic or simply treat yourself to a satisfying dinner, this Beef Cannelloni is an excellent choice.

With its ease of preparation and delightful flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Try it today and savor the authentic taste of Italy right in your own home!

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