Italian Beef Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• STEP 2.In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
• STEP 3.Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool.
• STEP 4.In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, spinach, ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• STEP 5.Stuff the cannelloni tubes with the beef and spinach mixture.
• STEP 6.Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed cannelloni tubes in the dish.
• STEP 7.Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cannelloni tubes, making sure they are fully covered.
• STEP 8.Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• STEP 9.Remove the foil and sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• STEP 10.Let the cannelloni cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
• STEP 11.Serve the Italian beef spinach ricotta cannelloni hot and enjoy!

Cooking Tips

• Make sure to cook the ground beef until it is fully browned to enhance the flavor.
• You can use fresh or frozen spinach for this recipe. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it before cooking.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the beef and add more spinach or other vegetables.
• Feel free to add additional herbs and spices to the filling, such as garlic powder, oregano, or basil, to suit your taste.
• Leftover cannelloni can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Storage and Serving

• Leftover cannelloni can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Serve the cannelloni with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• This dish pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese.