Beef Cannelloni

Beef Cannelloni: a delicious and comforting recipe

When it comes to dishes that bring family and friends together, beef cannelloni is a perfect choice. This dish, which combines tubes of pasta filled with a rich and flavorful filling, topped with delicious sauces, is not only a treat for the taste buds but also an excellent way to show your loved ones how much you appreciate them.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6 (24 tubes)

Ingredients needed for cannelloni:

- 600 g beef (preferably from a fattier cut, which will add flavor)
- 200 g Parmesan or mozzarella (firm) for a more intense taste
- 40 g olive oil
- 20 g butter (plus 2 tablespoons of olive oil for cooking)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the béchamel sauce:

- 40 g butter (plus 2 tablespoons of olive oil)
- 60 g flour
- 900 ml milk (heated)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, optional
- 1 Delikat beef cube (for extra flavor)

For the tomato sauce:

- A can of tomatoes in juice
- Salt, pepper, and a little sugar
- Fresh or dried basil, for flavor

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the meat filling:
In a large pot, add the olive oil and butter and let them melt together. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced beef and mix well. Season with salt, pepper, and other preferred spices. Add a glass of water and let everything simmer until the water evaporates and the meat becomes tender.

2. Adding ingredients for the filling:
Once the water has evaporated, add 2-3 tablespoons of béchamel sauce and 2-3 tablespoons of Parmesan or mozzarella. Mix well to achieve a homogeneous composition.

3. Preparing the béchamel sauce:
In another pot, combine 40 g of butter with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the butter has melted, add the flour and mix vigorously to prevent lumps from forming. Start adding the warm milk gradually, stirring constantly. Once the sauce becomes creamy, add the seasonings and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.

4. Preparing the tomato sauce:
Puree the can of tomatoes and add salt, pepper, a little sugar, and basil. Cook over low heat for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Blanching the cannelloni:
In a large pot, add salted water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the cannelloni to blanch for about 4 minutes, then carefully remove them and place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.

6. Filling the cannelloni:
Use a plastic bag cut at the tip or a spoon to fill each cannelloni tube with the beef mixture. Ensure that the filling is well distributed inside each tube.

7. Assembling the dish:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a baking dish, add half of the tomato sauce and half of the béchamel sauce. Place the filled cannelloni evenly in the dish, then pour the remaining tomato sauce and béchamel sauce over them.

8. Baking:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil, add the remaining Parmesan or mozzarella on top, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

9. Serving:
Let the cannelloni cool for a few minutes before cutting. They can be served warm, alongside a fresh salad or crispy bread.

Practical tips:

- Types of meat: Although the recipe uses beef, you can experiment with chicken or even vegetarian fillings like mushrooms or spinach.
- Sauces: You can add herbs like oregano or thyme to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
- Storage: These cannelloni can be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator, covered, for 1-2 days or frozen for later use.

Nutritional information:
Approximately, one serving of beef cannelloni contains about 400-500 calories, depending on the portion of cheese and the type of meat used. They are a good source of protein and calcium due to the cheese and meat.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Absolutely! Whole grain pasta adds extra fiber and nutrients.

2. How can I make the recipe easier to prepare?
You can buy ready-made tomato or béchamel sauces, saving time.

3. What other dishes can I make with leftover filling?
You can use the filling to make lasagna or to stuff peppers or zucchini.

Ideal pairings:
This dish pairs perfectly with a dry red wine or a refreshing lemonade for a pleasant contrast of flavors.

Discover the magic of cooking with this beef cannelloni recipe, which is sure to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones and turn an ordinary meal into a special unforgettable moment. Bon appétit!