Cheesy Italian-Style Cannelloni Bake
This indulgent dish features pasta tubes filled with a savory meat and cheese mixture, then baked in marinara and béchamel sauces until bubbling and golden. It’s Italian comfort food at its finest.
🧂 Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 12 cannelloni pasta tubes (or substitute manicotti)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork or Italian sausage
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup béchamel sauce (see tip below)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Pasta:
🍝 Cook the cannelloni tubes in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside on a lightly oiled tray to avoid sticking.
2️⃣ Make the Filling:
🍖 In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the beef and pork, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and cook until browned. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
3️⃣ Mix Cheese Filling:
🧀 In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and egg. Stir in the cooled meat mixture until fully incorporated.
4️⃣ Stuff the Cannelloni:
🥄 Spoon or pipe the filling into each pasta tube carefully, taking care not to tear them.
5️⃣ Assemble the Dish:
🧱 In a greased baking dish, spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange filled cannelloni on top. Spoon béchamel over the tubes, then top with remaining marinara and mozzarella.
6️⃣ Bake and Serve:
🔥 Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more until bubbly and golden. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Cannelloni
- 🍝 Cannelloni Pasta Tubes – Durable and perfectly shaped for holding rich fillings
- 🍳 Ceramic Baking Dish – Deep, wide, and oven-ready for bubbling layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese
- 🧄 Garlic Press – Delivers evenly minced garlic in seconds with no fuss
- 🧀 Cheese Grater – Perfect for freshly grating Parmigiano-Reggiano or mozzarella
- 🥄 Silicone Spatula Set – Great for smooth sauce spreading and filling transfer
- 🎯 Piping Bag Kit – Easily pipe fillings into pasta tubes without breaking or tearing
💡 Helpful Tip:
Make your own béchamel by whisking 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp flour together in a saucepan over medium heat, then slowly adding 1 1/2 cups warm milk. Stir until thickened and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.