Craving a comforting and flavourful Italian meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this simple yet delicious meat sauce cannelloni recipe! This classic dish, with its tender pasta tubes brimming with rich meat sauce and creamy béchamel, is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy preparation; this recipe simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy the authentic taste of Italy without the fuss. We'll focus on creating a vibrant meat sauce packed with flavour and a smooth, luscious béchamel, the perfect complement to the al dente cannelloni.
This recipe prioritizes fresh ingredients and simple techniques to deliver maximum flavour with minimal effort. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing dish, guaranteed to be a new favourite. Ready to get started? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to making this incredibly easy and satisfying meat sauce cannelloni.
Tools Needed
- Large pan or skillet
- Glass baking dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 kg (2.2 lbs)
- Oil: 2-3 tablespoons
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon (or oregano only)
- Garlic: 1 tablespoon
- Onions: 1 cup (finely chopped)
- Tomato paste: 1 cup (250 ml)
- Butter: 3 tablespoons
- Plain flour: 3 tablespoons
- Milk: 600 ml
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (grated)
- Nutmeg: a pinch or two
- Sweet paprika: optional
- Cannelloni tubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 4 minutes, or until it starts to brown.
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic, and onions. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes, stirring every minute.
- Remove from heat. This is your meat sauce.
Step 2. Make the Béchamel Sauce
- Melt butter in a pan. Whisk in flour and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the white sauce with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese. Remove from heat.
Step 3. Assemble and Fill the Cannelloni
- Fill cannelloni tubes with the meat sauce.
- Place the filled cannelloni in a baking dish. Pour the white sauce over the cannelloni and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and paprika (optional).
Step 4. Bake to Perfection
- Bake according to package directions (approximately 20 minutes at 200°C).
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- You can use any type of oil you prefer.
- If you prefer a wetter sauce, add a can of tomatoes to the meat sauce.
- This meat sauce is versatile and can be used for other dishes like lasagna or as a topping for jacket potatoes.
- Don't overcook the flour in the white sauce; otherwise, it will taste floury.
- Stir frequently to prevent lumps in the white sauce.
- You can use other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar instead of Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-700 per serving
- Fat: 30-40g per serving
- Carbs: 50-60g per serving
- Protein: 30-35g per serving
FAQs
1. Can I make the meat sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The meat sauce tastes even better the next day. Make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
2. What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Mozzarella is classic, but you can also use ricotta, parmesan, or a blend. Choose your favorite melting cheese!
3. Can I use different pasta instead of cannelloni?
While cannelloni is traditional, you can experiment! Jumbo shells or even lasagna noodles would work well.
This easy meat sauce cannelloni recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant-quality effort. Enjoy the satisfying taste of homemade Italian comfort food, knowing you’ve created a delicious dish your family and friends will adore. Buon appetito!