Baked Beef Cannelloni with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

Baked Beef Cannelloni with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce
Craving a hearty and comforting Italian-style dinner? This Baked Beef Cannelloni with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce is the ultimate indulgent dish. Filled with seasoned ground beef, herbs, and a hint of garlic, then topped with a rich, velvety mozzarella cream sauce, each bite is cheesy, savory perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Classic – Cheesy, meaty, and baked to golden perfection.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
• Creamy Twist – The mozzarella sauce adds a silky, luxurious finish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
• Great for Leftovers – Reheats beautifully for meals throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 12 cannelloni tubes (uncooked or oven-ready)

For the Tomato Base:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Saucepan
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon or piping bag (for filling cannelloni)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
Stir in ground beef, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a bowl, combine the cooked beef with ricotta, Parmesan, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
Reduce heat to low, stir in shredded mozzarella, and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
Cook until smooth and creamy, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Cannelloni
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of your baking dish.
Fill cannelloni tubes with the beef mixture using a small spoon or piping bag.
Arrange the filled cannelloni in a single layer over the sauce.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour remaining marinara sauce over the cannelloni.
Spoon the creamy mozzarella sauce evenly on top.
Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil.
Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread for a full Italian-inspired meal.

Tips for Perfect Cannelloni

• Don’t Overfill – Leave a bit of space at each end of the tube to prevent overflow.
• Use Oven-Ready Pasta – Saves boiling time and simplifies prep.
• Let It Rest – Resting after baking helps the dish set and enhances flavor.
• Pipe the Filling – A piping bag makes filling neater and faster.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic Bread – The perfect buttery side for scooping up extra sauce.
• Caesar or Garden Salad – A crisp contrast to the creamy richness.
• Roasted Vegetables – Add balance with zucchini, eggplant, or broccoli.
• Sparkling Water with Lemon – A refreshing finish for a rich meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze assembled (unbaked) cannelloni for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic and foil.

Reheating:
Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 2–3 minutes, rotating halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

2. Can I substitute ricotta?
Cottage cheese works well as a ricotta substitute. Make sure to drain excess liquid.

3. Do I need to boil the cannelloni first?
Not if using oven-ready tubes. If using regular dry pasta, parboil according to package instructions.

4. Can I use ground chicken or turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey is a lean and tasty alternative to beef.

5. Is the mozzarella sauce the same as Alfredo?
Not quite. It’s similar, but this version is thicker, creamier, and made to complement the beef and tomato layers.

Final Thoughts
This Baked Beef Cannelloni with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce is a next-level comfort dish that combines meaty filling, rich tomato, and silky cheese into one irresistible bake. It’s perfect for sharing, satisfying, and just the thing to turn an ordinary evening into something special. Whether you make it for family night or a casual dinner with friends, you’ll love how easy and delicious it is.

Try it tonight and make sure to save some for tomorrow—leftovers might be even better!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 480 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 27g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 730mg

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