Name: Cheesy Beef Cannelloni
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 cannelloni pasta tubes; 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon Italian herbs; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Delicious homemade beef cannelloni with melted cheese and fresh herbs on a black plate | lonerecipes.com

I first encountered this magnificent Cheesy Beef Cannelloni at my Italian neighbor's Sunday dinner gathering. The moment I took my first bite, I was transported to the heart of Italy. The perfectly cooked pasta shell encases a deeply flavorful ground beef filling that's been seasoned with aromatic herbs and garlic. The cheese topping melts into a golden crust that's both visually stunning and provides the most satisfying texture contrast. What I love most about this recipe is how impressive it looks despite being relatively straightforward to prepare. It's become my go-to dish when hosting dinner parties because it can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.

Why I love this recipe

I absolutely adore this Cheesy Beef Cannelloni recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and elegant dining. The process of filling each pasta tube feels almost therapeutic, and there's something so satisfying about creating a dish that looks this beautiful. The combination of three different cheeses creates layers of flavor that complement the savory beef filling perfectly. I love how versatile it is – perfect for both weeknight family dinners and special occasions. The way the cheese bubbles and browns in the oven creates that irresistible golden top that makes everyone at the table excited to dig in. Plus, it's one of those rare dishes that actually tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld together overnight in the refrigerator.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Ground beef: provides rich flavor and protein for the filling
Cannelloni pasta: serves as the vessel for the delicious filling
Ricotta cheese: adds creaminess and helps bind the filling
Mozzarella cheese: creates that irresistible melty top layer
Parmesan cheese: adds savory depth and helps create a golden crust
Marinara sauce: provides moisture and tangy tomato flavor
Onion and garlic: form the aromatic base for the beef filling

Let's Make These Together

Prepare the pasta: Cook the cannelloni tubes until they're al dente - they should be pliable but still firm enough to hold their shape when stuffed. Remember to cook them 1-2 minutes less than the package directions since they'll continue cooking in the oven.
Create the filling: The key to a flavorful filling is properly seasoning the ground beef and cooking the onions until they're soft and translucent. When mixing in the cheeses, make sure the beef has cooled slightly so the cheese doesn't completely melt yet.
Master the filling technique: Filling cannelloni can be tricky, but using a piping bag makes it much easier. If you don't have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with the corner cut off works perfectly. Hold the cannelloni tube in one hand while gently squeezing the filling in from both ends.
Layer properly: Always start with a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to prevent the pasta from sticking. Arrange the filled tubes in a single layer, then top with the remaining sauce and cheese for that perfect golden finish.
Bake to perfection: Watch the cannelloni carefully in the final minutes of baking. You want the cheese to be melted and just starting to brown in spots, but not burnt. Letting it rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the filling set and makes serving easier.

Recipe picture — Beef cannelloni with bubbling cheese topping garnished with finely chopped parsley | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

The first time I made these cannelloni, I was intimidated by the stuffing process. I found that using a piping bag (or even a ziplock with the corner cut off) made filling the pasta tubes so much easier! Sometimes I'll switch up the filling by adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the beef mixture for extra vegetables. For a spicier version, I add red pepper flakes to the meat while it's cooking. My family loves when I make a double batch so we can freeze half for busy weeknights.

Perfect Pairings

This Cheesy Beef Cannelloni pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve with garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the beef and tomato flavors perfectly. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta.

Italian pasta tubes filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with golden cheese | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these cannelloni ahead of time?: Absolutely! You can prepare the cannelloni up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
→ Can I freeze leftovers?: Yes, leftover baked cannelloni freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
→ What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?: If you don't have ricotta, you can substitute cottage cheese (drained and blended until smooth), mascarpone, or cream cheese for a different but still delicious flavor profile.
→ Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?: Traditional cannelloni tubes need to be par-cooked before filling. However, there are no-boil cannelloni available that can be used dry. If using no-boil pasta, add about 1/2 cup more sauce as the pasta will absorb more liquid during baking.
→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?: Definitely! Replace the ground beef with a vegetarian protein alternative like crumbled tofu or a meat substitute, or create a vegetable filling using sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and roasted bell peppers mixed with the cheeses.
→ How do I know when the cannelloni is done baking?: The cannelloni is done when the cheese on top is melted and golden brown in spots, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and a knife inserted into the pasta meets little resistance. If you're using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef Cannelloni is the perfect family dinner that combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef with creamy cheeses and al dente pasta. The golden cheese topping provides a wonderful contrast to the savory meat filling, while the fresh herbs add brightness. This dish is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation, and any leftovers can be easily reheated for an equally delicious meal the next day.