This delicious cannelloni dish is filled with a flavorful mixture of ricotta, minced meat, and a tangy tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese for a rich and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for family dinners or any occasion that calls for a comforting and hearty dish.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Cuisine: Italian, Pasta
Ingredients
- 500 g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 250 g ricotta cheese
- 100 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 400 g chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh basil, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh dill, chopped
- 12 cannelloni tubes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 100 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 100 g cheddar cheese, shredded
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Prepare the Meat Filling:
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the minced meat, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. -
Add Tomatoes and Herbs:
Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet, along with the dried basil, lemon juice, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and cook for 15-20 minutes, letting the mixture braise and thicken. Season with salt, black pepper, and fresh dill. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. -
Prepare the Ricotta Filling:
In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the grated Parmesan, egg, and chopped parsley. Stir until well combined. Add the cooled meat and tomato mixture to the ricotta and mix everything together. -
Stuff the Cannelloni:
Cook the cannelloni tubes according to package instructions, but make sure to undercook them slightly as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and let it cool slightly.
Stuff each cannelloni tube with the meat and ricotta filling, using a spoon or piping bag. -
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent the cannelloni from sticking. Arrange the stuffed cannelloni tubes in a single layer in the dish. -
Top with Cheese and Sauce:
Pour the remaining meat sauce over the stuffed cannelloni, making sure all the tubes are covered. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top. -
Bake the Cannelloni:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking. -
Serve:
Once baked, remove the cannelloni from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped basil or parsley if desired.
Nutritional Information
- Serving size: 1 portion (1/6 of the recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Vitamin A: 25%
- Vitamin C: 10%
- Calcium: 20%
- Iron: 20%
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Cannelloni is a traditional Italian dish, typically made by stuffing large pasta tubes with various fillings and then baking them in a rich sauce. The origins of cannelloni date back to Southern Italy, particularly in regions like Naples and Sicily. This recipe combines classic ingredients like ricotta and Parmesan cheese with hearty ground meat, creating a well-loved version of the dish. Over the years, cannelloni has become a popular meal across the globe, especially for special occasions and family gatherings.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of creamy ricotta, savory meat, and melted cheese makes this dish incredibly satisfying.
- Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe is perfect for feeding a group, making it ideal for family dinners or parties.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the filling by adding extra vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, to suit your taste.
- Rich in Flavor: The mix of ricotta, Parmesan, and seasoned ground meat creates a flavorful, creamy filling that’s hard to resist.
Health Benefits
- High in Protein: The combination of ground meat, ricotta, and cheese offers a good amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Packed with Vitamins: The addition of parsley, basil, and tomatoes adds a boost of vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.
- Calcium-Rich: The cheese in this dish provides calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Serve the cannelloni with a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Pair the cannelloni with garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
- As Part of a Feast: Serve this dish as part of a larger spread with other Italian favorites like bruschetta or antipasto.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overstuff: Be sure not to overstuff the cannelloni tubes, as it can cause them to tear during baking.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the meat and tomato sauce to simmer for a while to develop the flavors before stuffing the pasta.
- Use a Spoon or Piping Bag: A spoon or piping bag makes stuffing the cannelloni easier and less messy.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Cannelloni: Swap the ground meat for sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the filling for a bit of heat.
- Ricotta and Spinach: For a classic vegetarian filling, use ricotta and spinach in place of the meat.
Conclusion
This cannelloni with ricotta and minced meat is a delicious, comforting, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy filling, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet family dinner, this recipe is a winner.
10 Comprehensive FAQs
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Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey, depending on your preference. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cannelloni ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. -
Can I freeze the cannelloni?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked cannelloni for up to 3 months. Bake it directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. -
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought marinara or tomato sauce if you’re short on time. However, homemade sauce adds extra flavor. -
Can I make this dish without cheese?
Yes, you can omit the cheese for a lighter quiche or use dairy-free alternatives for a vegan option. -
How do I prevent the cannelloni from drying out?
Make sure to cover the baking dish with foil during the first part of baking, and remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. -
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or tomatoes to the filling. Just make sure to sauté them first to remove any excess moisture. -
How can I make the quiche crustless?
Simply omit the crust and pour the egg mixture directly into a greased pie dish. Bake it the same way for a crustless quiche. -
Can I freeze the quiche?
Yes, you can freeze the baked quiche for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in the oven. -
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover quiche in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.