Cannelloni with meat

Delicious Cannelloni with Meat Recipe: a savory dish that will delight any table

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Cannelloni with meat is a classic dish of Italian cuisine, easy to prepare and full of flavors. It is ideal for a family dinner or to impress guests. Let’s see how to prepare this simple and quick recipe, yet full of taste.

Ingredients:
- 12 cannelloni tubes
- 300 g minced meat (pork or beef, depending on preference)
- 150 g grated cheese
- 40 g butter
- 1 egg
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (preferably homemade)
- Fresh basil, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- ½ teaspoon of rosemary
- 2 tablespoons of dry white wine
- 1 can of peeled tomatoes (about 400 g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the filling for the cannelloni. In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the crushed garlic and sauté for just a few seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

2. Add the minced meat to the skillet, stirring constantly to break it up and brown it evenly. Once the meat is well cooked, add the rosemary, white wine, and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper. Let everything simmer on low heat for 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.

3. Remove the skillet from heat and add the beaten egg, chopped fresh basil, and 100 g of the grated cheese. Mix everything well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

4. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Fill each cannelloni tube with the meat mixture using a spoon or a filling device, if you have one. Place the filled cannelloni in a heat-resistant dish.

5. In a bowl, puree the peeled tomatoes with a masher or blender, then pour them evenly over the cannelloni. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top and add a few pieces of butter for extra creaminess.

6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.

7. Once the cannelloni with meat are ready, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish the plate with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Serving suggestions:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a serving of crusty bread. You can also try various variations, such as adding vegetables to the filling, like spinach or zucchini, for an extra nutrient boost.

Useful tips:
- Make sure to use quality cannelloni tubes so they don’t break during filling.
- You can experiment with different types of meat, including chicken or turkey, for a lighter version of the recipe.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat with ricotta cheese and sautéed vegetables.

These cannelloni with meat are not only a tasty meal but also a great way to bring Italy into your kitchen. Enjoy your meal!