Cannelloni
Cannelloni is a hearty Italian dish featuring pasta tubes filled with a rich mixture of cheeses and meats, baked with a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, its comforting flavors and cheesy goodness make it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 12 cannelloni or manicotti ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red pepper ⓘ
- 32 oz. jar spaghetti sauce, divided
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed thyme ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 egg yolks ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Provolone cheese, divided ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet until browned, then drain and remove from skillet.
- Add Italian sausage to the skillet and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until well browned, then remove from skillet.
- Prepare the filling by mixing ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg yolks, crushed thyme, crushed oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the cannelloni or manicotti in boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Stuff the cooked pasta with the cheese and meat mixture.
- Spread 16 oz. of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed cannelloni in the dish over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the filled pasta.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and shredded provolone cheeses on top.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some chopped spinach or mushrooms to the filling. If you don't have ricotta, cottage cheese or cream cheese can be good substitutes. To save time, use pre-cooked sausage or ground turkey instead of beef. Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cannelloni with a simple side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. A light red wine pairs nicely with the dish, enhancing the flavors of the meat and cheese. For a comforting twist, consider serving with a scoop of Classic Baked Mostaccioli for a hearty Italian spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until warm, ensuring they don’t dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cannelloni contains roughly 938 calories, with 65g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (187% of the Daily Value), calcium (138% of the Daily Value), and protein (129% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2985mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cannelloni and assemble everything in the baking dish a day ahead. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives for a leaner option. You can also use a mix of different ground meats, such as pork or lamb, for a unique flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or mushrooms as a filling substitute.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the meat mixture or the spaghetti sauce. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet sausage. This will give your cannelloni a nice kick while still maintaining the rich, cheesy flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).