Cheesy Beef Cannelloni Family Bake

Introduction

Transform humble ingredients into a show-stopping dinner with this Baked Beef Cannelloni recipe! It’s easier than you think to create a restaurant-quality meal that the whole family will adore. Forget takeout – this comforting classic is packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for a delicious adventure in your kitchen!

Why This Works

This recipe works because it’s a beautiful balance of rich, savory beef, tender spinach, and creamy cheese, all nestled inside perfectly cooked cannelloni shells. It’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. The baking process creates a wonderfully bubbly, cheesy topping that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked beef!

Key Ingredients

• 🥩 1 lb ground beef
• 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
• 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 🌿 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 🧀 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 🧀 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 🥚 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 🍅 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
• 🍝 1 (24 ounce) package jumbo cannelloni shells

Instructions

1️⃣ Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.
2️⃣ Sauté the veggies: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Combine the filling: Stir in the thawed and squeezed spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4️⃣ Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper.
5️⃣ Fill the cannelloni: Gently fill each cannelloni shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Don’t overstuff!
6️⃣ Assemble and bake: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the filled cannelloni shells in the dish, side by side. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cannelloni.
7️⃣ Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is simmering.
8️⃣ Rest and serve: Let the cannelloni rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Handy Tips

• For extra flavor, sauté some mushrooms with the onions and garlic.
• If you’re short on time, use pre-shredded cheese.
• Don’t overcook the beef – it should be browned, not dry.
• If your cannelloni shells are breaking, try gently pressing the filling in with a spoon instead of stuffing them tightly.

Heat Control

The 375°F (190°C) oven temperature is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked cannelloni without burning the cheese or drying out the filling. Lowering the temperature will increase cooking time, and raising it may lead to burnt edges.

Crunch Factor

While this recipe focuses on creamy, comforting textures, you can add a bit of crunch by sprinkling some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For a richer flavor, use a combination of ricotta and cottage cheese in the filling.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• For a shortcut, use no-boil cannelloni shells.

Storage Tips

Leftover cannelloni can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dish makes a wonderful gift! Bake it in individual ramekins for easy portioning and presentation. You could also pack individual servings in attractive disposable foil containers.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Spicy Cannelloni: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat filling and sauce for a kick.
🌟 Mediterranean Cannelloni: Substitute sun-dried tomatoes for some of the crushed tomatoes and add crumbled feta cheese to the filling.
🌟 Vegetarian Cannelloni: Omit the beef and add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the filling.
🌟 Creamy Mushroom Cannelloni: Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic and add them to the filling for an earthy twist.

Troubleshooting

• Dry Cannelloni: If your cannelloni is dry, add a little more sauce before baking or cover it with foil during the last part of baking.
• Broken Shells: If your shells break while filling, don’t worry! Just gently arrange the broken pieces in the baking dish.
• Soggy Shells: Make sure your cannelloni are properly drained before filling to prevent soggy shells.

FAQ

• Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses. Provolone, Fontina, or even a blend would be delicious.
• Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble the cannelloni ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready. Store the assembled dish in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked assembled cannelloni. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
• What can I serve with this? A simple side salad or some crusty bread would be a perfect accompaniment.

Conclusion

This Baked Beef Cannelloni with Spinach and Cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress. Give it a try and share your delicious creations with us – we can’t wait to see your photos!