Classic Meat Cannelloni
A comforting, hearty Italian classic featuring tender pasta tubes stuffed with a savory, herb-infused meat filling and baked in a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- •12 dried cannelloni tubes
- •1 lb (450g) ground beef
- •1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth
- •1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- •1 teaspoon dried oregano
- •24 oz (680g) high-quality marinara sauce
- •2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- •1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- 4
Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and parsley. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- 5
Remove the meat mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. Spoon the mixture into the dry cannelloni tubes using a small spoon or a piping bag.
- 6
Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- 7
Arrange the filled cannelloni tubes in a single layer in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top, ensuring all pasta is covered.
- 8
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce is bubbling.
💡 Chef tips
- To make ahead, assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, keep refrigerated, and add 10 minutes to the total baking time.
- If you prefer a softer pasta, you can parboil the cannelloni tubes for 3 minutes before stuffing, though it is not strictly necessary.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven until warmed through.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish features perfectly tender pasta tubes filled with savory, seasoned beef, all enveloped in a vibrant, aromatic tomato sauce that is deeply satisfying.