Homestyle Canneloni
Homestyle canneloni features tender pasta filled with a savory beef and spinach mixture, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, cooked and squeezed dry ⓘ
- 6 oz. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 8 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Pour off excess fat.
- Add cooked and drained spinach, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, bread crumbs, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until ingredients are combined.
- Stuff cooked lasagna noodles with the beef and spinach mixture.
- Place stuffed noodles in a baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use whole wheat lasagna noodles. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor. If you have leftover filling, consider using it in a Giant Meatball Sub or a pasta bake for a different meal. Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the spinach as possible to avoid a watery filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cannelloni with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complement the rich flavors. A light marinara sauce drizzled on top adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Baked Spaghetti(Lo-Fat, Lo-Sugar) or a fresh caprese salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cannelloni can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will keep the cheese bubbly and prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homestyle Canneloni contains roughly 900 calories, with 29g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (65% of the Daily Value), calcium (61% of the Daily Value), and protein (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1296mg per serving (56% 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 the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before stuffing the lasagna noodles. This saves time on the day you plan to bake the cannelloni.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute for mozzarella cheese, consider using provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based cheese that melts well, ensuring it still gives the desired creamy texture.
Can I freeze the cannelloni before baking?
Absolutely! Assemble the cannelloni in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed. This makes for a convenient meal option later on.
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).