Savor the taste of Italy with our Beef and Ricotta Cannelloni. Tender beef, creamy ricotta, and tangy marinara come together in this baked delight. Perfect for any meal, any time.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by applying a layer of grease and then set it aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add finely diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become tender, translucent, and emit a delightful fragrance, typically taking around 3 to 4 minutes.
Place the ground beef into the skillet, using a spoon to break it apart, and cook until it is thoroughly browned and cooked, typically for about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove any excess fat by draining it.
Season the beef mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper, stirring until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Then, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool down slightly.
In a mixing bowl, mix the cooked beef mixture with ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
With a spoon, evenly spread approximately half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Stuff each cannelloni tube with the beef and ricotta mixture using a small spoon or piping bag. Place them in a single layer in the baking dish.
Drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the cannelloni tubes, making sure they are completely coated.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.
Place a foil cover over the baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese has melted and acquired a golden brown color.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Optionally, decorate with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve the Beef and Ricotta Cannelloni piping hot, alongside a side salad or garlic bread for a fulfilling Italian dining experience.
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Beef and Ricotta Cannelloni, a comforting and satisfying dish sure to impress!