A Guide to Delectable Meat Cannelloni Recipes

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1. Delicious Meat Cannelloni: A Family Favorite

This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or intimate dinners, offering a delightful balance of rich flavors and hearty textures. The combination of ground beef, homemade béchamel sauce, and grated cheese creates a classic that never disappoints.

Ingredients:

  • 12 cannelloni sheets
  • 500g ground beef
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 100g grated cheese
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Nutmeg to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

  1. Cook the cannelloni sheets according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the meat filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add chopped onion, garlic, and grated carrot. Cook until tender and golden.
  3. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
  4. Add the tomato and broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and apple cider vinegar. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  5. Make the béchamel sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil, add flour, and cook until golden. Gradually add milk, stirring until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  6. Fill the cannelloni: Spoon the meat filling into the cannelloni tubes, placing them in a greased baking dish. Cover with béchamel sauce and grated cheese.
  7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

This dish serves as a hearty and flavorful meal that will tantalize everyone’s taste buds.

2. Homemade Minced Meat Cannelloni

This variation on the traditional meat cannelloni uses a blend of pork and beef for the filling. It’s simple to prepare but packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 350g mixed minced meat (pork and beef)
  • 20 sheets of cannelloni pasta
  • 1 onion
  • 230g crushed or fried tomatoes
  • Spices to taste (oregano, basil, black pepper)
  • Grated cheese for gratinating
  • Olive oil
  • Salt to taste

For the béchamel sauce:

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 500ml warm milk
  • Nutmeg to taste
  • Salt to taste

Directions:

  1. Prepare the filling: Cook the chopped onion with olive oil in a pan. Add the minced meat, cook through, and stir in crushed tomatoes and spices. Let the sauce reduce.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil the cannelloni sheets in salted water, drain, and lay them on a cloth to dry.
  3. Make the béchamel: Melt butter with sunflower oil, add flour, and cook until golden. Slowly add milk, stirring to create a smooth sauce. Season with nutmeg and salt.
  4. Assemble: Fill each pasta tube with the meat mixture, place them in a baking dish, and cover with béchamel sauce and grated cheese.
  5. Bake: Bake at 180°C for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

This version is perfect for those seeking a flavorful and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.

3. Homemade Stuffed Cannelloni

If you prefer a more traditional Italian filling, this recipe blends beef with spinach and ricotta cheese. The fresh spinach adds color and freshness, balancing the rich flavors of the meat.

Ingredients:

  • 12 sheets of cannelloni pasta
  • 500g minced meat (beef, pork, chicken, or mix)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 200g fresh spinach (optional)
  • 200g ricotta or cottage cheese
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Nutmeg (optional)
  • Olive oil

For the tomato sauce:

  • 500g crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)

For the cheese topping:

  • 200g grated mozzarella cheese

Directions:

  1. Make the tomato sauce: Sauté onion and garlic, then add crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, and herbs. Simmer until thickened.
  2. Prepare the filling: Cook onions, garlic, and ground meat, adding spinach if desired. Mix with ricotta, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  3. Cook the cannelloni: Boil the pasta sheets, drain, and pat dry.
  4. Assemble: Fill the pasta with the meat and cheese mixture, roll, and place in a baking dish. Cover with tomato sauce and sprinkle mozzarella on top.
  5. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes at 180°C until golden.

This recipe combines creamy and savory flavors for a delightful meal.

4. Minced Meat Cannelloni with Vegetables

This variation incorporates a blend of vegetables with minced meat to enhance the filling’s flavor. The added textures from carrots, celery, and herbs create a richer taste.

Ingredients:

  • 12 sheets of cannelloni pasta
  • 500g minced meat
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, grated or diced
  • 1 stalk of celery, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated cheese
  • Tomato sauce or béchamel sauce
  • Extra cheese for sprinkling

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 180°C.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil the cannelloni sheets according to the package instructions.
  3. Prepare the filling: Sauté the vegetables and meat in olive oil until golden. Season with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cool slightly, then mix in egg, breadcrumbs, and cheese.
  4. Fill the pasta: Stuff each cannelloni sheet with the meat mixture and roll them up.
  5. Assemble and bake: Place the filled cannelloni in a baking dish, cover with tomato or béchamel sauce, and top with grated cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.

This variant combines the richness of meat with the health benefits of vegetables, creating a wholesome and delicious meal.

5. Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This recipe is a luxurious twist on classic ravioli, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. The creamy ricotta mixture combined with the meat sauce delivers an irresistible flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)

Directions:

  1. Prepare the meat sauce: Brown the ground beef or sausage, then stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  2. Mix the creamy filling: Combine ricotta, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a bowl.
  3. Assemble the casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a baking dish, then layer with ravioli. Spread the creamy mixture on top and add spinach if using. Layer again with ravioli, sauce, and cheese.
  4. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden.

This casserole-style dish offers a creamy and cheesy twist on traditional ravioli, making it a favorite among diners.

These recipes present a variety of options, from traditional meat-filled cannelloni to creative casseroles. Whether you’re craving a classic dish or something new and exciting, each recipe promises to please. Enjoy preparing these hearty meals that will bring warmth and joy to your table!

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