Cannelloni with Ground Beef Filling (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the meat sauce
01 -
500g ground beef (or mixed beef and pork for extra flavor)
02 -
1 medium onion, finely diced
03 -
3 garlic cloves, minced
04 -
400g chunky tomatoes (canned)
05 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
06 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
08 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ For the béchamel sauce
09 -
400ml whole milk
10 -
2 tablespoons butter
11 -
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
12 -
A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
13 -
Salt and white pepper to taste
→ For assembly
14 -
15 cannelloni tubes (dry pasta)
15 -
200g grated cheese (a mix of gouda and mozzarella works beautifully)
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until no longer pink. Stir in the tomato paste, chunky tomatoes, oregano, salt and pepper. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
02 -
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to make a roux (it should smell slightly nutty but not brown). Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
03 -
Allow the meat sauce to cool slightly, then carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the meat mixture. You can use a small spoon or pipe it in using a piping bag or ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. Arrange the filled tubes in a single layer in a greased baking dish, then spread any remaining meat sauce over the top.
04 -
Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the cannelloni, then sprinkle with the grated cheese mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 30-35 minutes until the pasta is tender and the top is golden and bubbling.
# Notes:
01 -
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauces to set slightly, making it easier to portion.
02 -
For an extra flavor boost, serve with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some torn basil leaves.