Cannelloni with minced meat and Bechamel sauce - A savory recipe for unforgettable moments
The kitchen is where the magic happens, and today’s recipe brings a classic yet always appreciated dish to your table: cannelloni with minced meat and Bechamel sauce. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia, reminding you of family meals or gatherings with loved ones. Whether you are preparing for a special dinner or simply want to indulge, this dish is the perfect choice.
Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Number of servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Bechamel sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 liter milk
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan or cheese
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg (to taste)
For the meat filling:
- 700 g minced meat (beef or a mix of meats)
- 500 g fresh tomatoes (or a can of canned tomatoes)
- 3 medium onions
- 200 ml tomato juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For assembly:
- 1 box of cannelloni (approximately 250 g)
- 200 g grated cheese for topping
Step by step - Preparing the cannelloni
1. Preparing the Bechamel sauce
Start by preparing the Bechamel sauce, which will add a creamy texture and delicious flavor to your dish.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Gradually add the flour, continuously stirring with a whisk. It’s essential to achieve a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Begin to add the milk, a little at a time, vigorously stirring to avoid lumps. Continue mixing until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for added flavor.
- Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and add the grated Parmesan or cheese, mixing well until fully melted.
2. Preparing the meat filling
Now it’s time to prepare the delicious meat filling.
- Peel and finely chop the onions. In a skillet, heat the olive oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté until they become translucent.
- Add the minced meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and the juices have almost completely evaporated.
- Meanwhile, blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for a few minutes, then peel them and puree them in a blender or grate them, according to your preference.
- Add the pureed tomatoes and vegetable broth to the meat, mixing well. Let the mixture simmer on low heat until the tomato juice has reduced and the meat is well cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let it cool.
3. Assembling the cannelloni
Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the cannelloni.
- Cook the cannelloni according to the package instructions, but for 1 minute less to avoid breaking them during filling.
- Fill each cannelloni tube with the meat mixture. You can use a spoon or even a pastry bag to make filling easier.
- In a deep baking dish, add about 2 ladles of Bechamel sauce to the bottom to prevent the cannelloni from sticking.
- Place the filled cannelloni in the dish, then cover them with the remaining Bechamel sauce. Pour the tomato juice on top and sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it brown for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and delicious.
Chef's tip
For an extra flavor boost, you can add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the meat filling. Also, if you want a healthier option, you can replace the meat with sautéed vegetables or ricotta cheese mixed with spinach.
Nutritional values (per serving)
- Calories: approximately 600 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace the meat with something else?
Of course! You can use ricotta cheese mixed with spinach or sautéed vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.
2. How can I store the cannelloni?
If you have leftover cannelloni, you can keep them in the fridge for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap. You can reheat them in the oven before serving.
3. What drinks pair best with this dish?
A dry red wine or freshly made lemonade are excellent choices to accompany this delicacy.
Final notes
Cannelloni with minced meat and Bechamel sauce is a versatile dish that is easy to customize. Whether you choose classic options or put your personal touch on the recipe, the result will always be delicious. I recommend serving this dish with a fresh green salad and a slice of crusty bread for a complete feast.
Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones! Cooking is more than just an activity; it’s an experience that brings people together. Bon appétit!
The kitchen is where the magic happens, and today’s recipe brings a classic yet always appreciated dish to your table: cannelloni with minced meat and Bechamel sauce. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia, reminding you of family meals or gatherings with loved ones. Whether you are preparing for a special dinner or simply want to indulge, this dish is the perfect choice.
Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Number of servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Bechamel sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 liter milk
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan or cheese
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg (to taste)
For the meat filling:
- 700 g minced meat (beef or a mix of meats)
- 500 g fresh tomatoes (or a can of canned tomatoes)
- 3 medium onions
- 200 ml tomato juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For assembly:
- 1 box of cannelloni (approximately 250 g)
- 200 g grated cheese for topping
Step by step - Preparing the cannelloni
1. Preparing the Bechamel sauce
Start by preparing the Bechamel sauce, which will add a creamy texture and delicious flavor to your dish.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Gradually add the flour, continuously stirring with a whisk. It’s essential to achieve a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Begin to add the milk, a little at a time, vigorously stirring to avoid lumps. Continue mixing until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for added flavor.
- Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and add the grated Parmesan or cheese, mixing well until fully melted.
2. Preparing the meat filling
Now it’s time to prepare the delicious meat filling.
- Peel and finely chop the onions. In a skillet, heat the olive oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté until they become translucent.
- Add the minced meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and the juices have almost completely evaporated.
- Meanwhile, blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for a few minutes, then peel them and puree them in a blender or grate them, according to your preference.
- Add the pureed tomatoes and vegetable broth to the meat, mixing well. Let the mixture simmer on low heat until the tomato juice has reduced and the meat is well cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let it cool.
3. Assembling the cannelloni
Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the cannelloni.
- Cook the cannelloni according to the package instructions, but for 1 minute less to avoid breaking them during filling.
- Fill each cannelloni tube with the meat mixture. You can use a spoon or even a pastry bag to make filling easier.
- In a deep baking dish, add about 2 ladles of Bechamel sauce to the bottom to prevent the cannelloni from sticking.
- Place the filled cannelloni in the dish, then cover them with the remaining Bechamel sauce. Pour the tomato juice on top and sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it brown for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and delicious.
Chef's tip
For an extra flavor boost, you can add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the meat filling. Also, if you want a healthier option, you can replace the meat with sautéed vegetables or ricotta cheese mixed with spinach.
Nutritional values (per serving)
- Calories: approximately 600 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace the meat with something else?
Of course! You can use ricotta cheese mixed with spinach or sautéed vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.
2. How can I store the cannelloni?
If you have leftover cannelloni, you can keep them in the fridge for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap. You can reheat them in the oven before serving.
3. What drinks pair best with this dish?
A dry red wine or freshly made lemonade are excellent choices to accompany this delicacy.
Final notes
Cannelloni with minced meat and Bechamel sauce is a versatile dish that is easy to customize. Whether you choose classic options or put your personal touch on the recipe, the result will always be delicious. I recommend serving this dish with a fresh green salad and a slice of crusty bread for a complete feast.
Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones! Cooking is more than just an activity; it’s an experience that brings people together. Bon appétit!