Baked Beef and Cheese Cannelloni

The beauty of this Baked Beef and Cheese Cannelloni lies in its perfect blend of comfort and indulgence. Rich and satisfying, the dish brings together the hearty texture of seasoned beef, the smooth creaminess of ricotta, and the melty goodness of mozzarella in one unified bite. Encased in tender pasta tubes and topped with a robust marinara, every layer of this dish offers depth and flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for weeknights or Sunday dinners alike. Not only is it easy to prepare ahead of time, but it also bakes beautifully in the oven, creating a bubbling, golden finish that’s irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or cooking for the family, this recipe delivers that homemade Italian warmth straight to your table. Pair it with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a full Italian-style meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 12 cannelloni pasta tubes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 cups ricotta cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook cannelloni until just under al dente, about 5–6 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon.

4. Add onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sauté until onion is soft and mixture is fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

5. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, and parsley. Add the cooled meat mixture and stir until well combined.

6. Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

7. Fill each cannelloni tube with the meat and cheese mixture using a piping bag or small spoon. Arrange filled tubes over the sauce in a single layer.

8. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the cannelloni. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

9. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

10. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Baked Beef and Cheese Cannelloni: A Classic Italian Comfort Dish

There’s something profoundly comforting about Italian cuisine. The robust aromas, hearty flavors, and vibrant ingredients come together in a way that touches the soul. Among the many treasured recipes passed down through generations, Baked Beef and Cheese Cannelloni stands out as a quintessential family-style meal. With its tender pasta tubes filled with savory beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and fresh herbs, all blanketed in a luscious marinara and topped with bubbling mozzarella, this dish offers everything you want from a warm and satisfying dinner.

Whether you’re planning a cozy evening at home or hosting guests for a weekend meal, this cannelloni recipe is a showstopper. It combines rustic Italian tradition with a rich flavor profile that appeals to kids and adults alike. And while it looks like something you’d order in a high-end Italian trattoria, it’s surprisingly simple to make in your own kitchen.

A Brief History of Cannelloni

Cannelloni, which means “large reeds” in Italian, refers to cylindrical pasta tubes traditionally filled with meat or cheese and baked with sauce. It originated in Italy, likely in the regions of Emilia-Romagna or Campania, where pasta-making is both an art and a daily ritual. Over time, this dish has evolved into various versions across households and restaurants around the world.

While the classic filling often includes a blend of beef, veal, and pork, today’s recipes have broadened to include vegetables, seafood, chicken, and even vegan options. However, the combination of beef and cheese remains the gold standard rich, comforting, and timeless.

Why This Baked Cannelloni Recipe Works

1. Balance of Textures and Flavors

This recipe creates the perfect harmony between textures creamy ricotta mixed with juicy beef, enclosed in tender pasta, and topped with gooey melted cheese. The marinara sauce adds acidity and brightness, which cuts through the richness of the filling, providing balance in every bite.

2. Simple Yet Impressive

Despite its impressive presentation, cannelloni is relatively easy to prepare. The filling can be made ahead, and the dish can be assembled and refrigerated until it’s time to bake. This makes it an excellent option for entertaining without the stress of last-minute cooking.

3. Customizable

You can adapt this recipe to suit various dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Prefer turkey over beef? No problem. Want to add spinach or mushrooms to the mix? Go for it. The base structure of the dish remains the same while allowing for culinary creativity.

4. Feeds a Crowd

This dish is hearty and filling, making it ideal for feeding families or a group of friends. It also reheats well, so leftovers are just as delightful the next day if you have any left, that is.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

While this recipe uses straightforward ingredients, quality matters. Using freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan enhances the flavor and texture significantly over pre-shredded alternatives. Whole milk ricotta provides a richer, creamier filling than low-fat versions.

The beef should be lean but not too dry an 85/15 blend works wonderfully, offering enough fat to keep the filling juicy. And for the marinara, you can either use a high-quality store-bought brand or make your own with canned San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, onions, and olive oil.

Fresh parsley adds a pop of herby freshness, but feel free to experiment with basil or oregano for a different aromatic touch. The use of red pepper flakes is optional but adds a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering the dish.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cannelloni

1. Pre-Cook the Pasta

Although some recipes call for using dry cannelloni tubes directly, pre-cooking them ensures a perfectly tender texture after baking. Be careful not to overcook the pasta it should be al dente so it holds its shape when filled and baked.

2. Use a Piping Bag

Filling the cannelloni can be messy if you’re using a spoon. A piping bag (or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off) makes the process quicker and cleaner, ensuring the tubes are filled evenly from end to end.

3. Layer Thoughtfully

A base layer of marinara sauce prevents the pasta from sticking to the dish and ensures the bottom doesn’t dry out. Generously cover the top with more sauce and cheese for that irresistible golden crust.

4. Don’t Skip the Resting Time

After baking, let the cannelloni rest for at least five minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.

Pairing Suggestions

Cannelloni pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the main dish. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread makes a fantastic accompaniment, perfect for soaking up the extra marinara.

For wine lovers, a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the savory beef and rich cheese flavors. If you prefer white wine, try a buttery Chardonnay that can stand up to the dish’s depth.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the most appealing features of this baked cannelloni recipe is its suitability for meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It also freezes well simply cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake it directly from frozen (add 15–20 minutes to the baking time).

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and reheated in the microwave or oven. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the second-day serving just as delicious, if not better.

A Dish That Feels Like Home

This baked beef and cheese cannelloni is more than just a recipe it’s a celebration of homestyle comfort, shared meals, and culinary heritage. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor that speaks to time-honored traditions and the joy of gathering around a table.

Whether you’re introducing someone to the pleasures of Italian cooking or reliving your own cherished food memories, this dish offers a satisfying experience that feels both nostalgic and luxurious. It’s a recipe to return to again and again, evolving with your preferences and seasonally available ingredients.

Conclusion:

Cannelloni may have old-world roots, but its versatility, ease, and crowd-pleasing qualities make it a staple for modern kitchens. This particular version filled with beef, layered with cheeses, and baked until bubbling is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.

Whether you’re making it for a Sunday dinner, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in, Baked Beef and Cheese Cannelloni is a recipe that checks all the boxes: flavorful, filling, elegant yet unfussy. It’s the kind of dish that earns compliments, warms hearts, and invites everyone to have seconds.