Savory Spinach and Beef Cannelloni You’ll Crave!

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Spinach and Beef Cannelloni recipe! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, you know? Picture those tender pasta tubes, just waiting to be filled up with that savory goodness of ground beef and fresh spinach—and then, oh, that melty cheese on top, bubbling away… Seriously, it’s comforting, vibrant, and the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell heavenly. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure, and trust me, you’ll want seconds!

Why You’ll Crave It

• Rich layers of flavors from beef, spinach, and that gooey cheese… yum.
• Perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress friends—everyone loves cannelloni!
• It’s hearty yet somehow feels light… a great balance if you ask me.
• The homemade tomato sauce? Seriously, once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
• Plus, it’s straightforward to make—embrace those cozy kitchen vibes!

My family fights over the last one every time, like it’s a treasure!

What You’ll Need

• Cannelloni Pasta: 12 tubes, just enough to hold all that goodness!
• Ground Beef: 500 grams, seasoned for flavor.
• Fresh Spinach: 300 grams, washed and chopped, gives it that fresh touch.
• Ricotta Cheese: 250 grams, for that creamy filling…
• Parmesan Cheese: 100 grams, grated and packed with flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 200 grams, shredded, because we all love cheese pull moments.
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped to add depth.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced for that aromatic kick.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing, of course!
• Tomato Sauce: 400 grams, the base of our beautiful creation.
• Salt: to taste, trust your instincts here.
• Pepper: to taste, a little zing never hurts.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon, love that Italian touch.
• Fresh Basil: for garnish, totally optional but so pretty!

Easy How-To

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

Alright, so first up, grab a saucepan and heat some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, let it sizzle until fragrant—maybe a minute or so—and then, here’s the fun part, add those crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and sprinkle in some salt. Let it simmer, you know, for about 15-20 minutes, until it’s thick and cozy.

Step 2: Cook the Spinach

Now, in a large skillet, heat up olive oil again and toss in your chopped onion. Sauté until it’s all translucent and happy. What’s next? Add that beautiful fresh spinach! Stir it around until it wilts—it won’t take long, just a few minutes. Once it’s all shriveled up, take it off the heat, let it cool a bit, and give it a chop.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, let’s combine the ricotta cheese, that delicious spinach we just cooked, half of the mozzarella cheese, all that grated Parmesan, an egg, plus some salt and pepper. Mixing it up until it’s all silky smooth. Trust me, this filling is the heart of the dish!

Step 4: Prepare the Cannelloni

Now, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F)—get it nice and toasty. Grab a piping bag (or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off works too) and fill those cannelloni tubes with our cheesy mixture. It’s like stuffing little pillows of happiness!

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of that yummy tomato sauce on the bottom, then lay those filled tubes right on top, one by one, like they fit perfectly together. Pour the rest of the sauce over the top and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella. Oh, it’s looking good!

Step 6: Bake

Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and slide it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, take off the foil for the last 10-15 minutes… that’s when the magic happens and the cheese gets all bubbly and golden. Yum!

Step 7: Serve

Once it’s out, let it cool for just a few minutes—not too long, because you want to dig in! Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for that pop of color, if you like.

Good to Know

• Can’t find cannelloni? Manicotti works perfectly instead, no worries.
• Feel free to toss in other veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for a more colorful filling.
• If you have leftovers, they keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days—just reheat in the oven to freshen up!

Serving Ideas

• Serve with a fresh garden salad or warm garlic bread—so simple, yet so satisfying!

Top Tricks

• When you’re filling the cannelloni, take your time—make sure you don’t tear the pasta. A piping bag helps a lot!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just sauté it until it wilts like I mentioned earlier. Fresh is great!

What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan are the classics, and trust me, they work magic here!

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Super convenient!

Is it possible to freeze cannelloni?

Definitely! Just freeze before baking. Thaw it in the fridge, and then bake when you’re ready. Easy peasy!

What can I serve with spinach beef cannelloni?

A simple side salad or some crunchy garlic bread pairs beautifully with this hearty meal. So good!

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This Spinach and Beef Cannelloni, honestly, it just packs so much warmth and flavor into every bite. A lovely addition to family gatherings, it’s a dish that really brings people together around the table. Get ready for those satisfied smiles from everyone when you serve this!