Cannelloni with meat

Cannelloni with Meat - An Italian Delight at Home

Cannelloni are one of the most beloved and versatile dishes, perfect for family meals as well as special occasions. These stuffed pasta tubes can be adapted to everyone's taste, but today we focus on a classic recipe with meat, cheese, and delicious sauces. This recipe is cooked with love and is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients
To fill 25-30 cannelloni:
- 500 g cannelloni (thick tube pasta)
- 1.5 kg mixed ground meat (pork and beef)
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Tomato Sauce:
- 4 ripe, peeled fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili paste
- Oregano to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to reduce the acidity of the tomatoes)
- Salt to taste

Béchamel Sauce:
- 700 ml milk
- 7 tablespoons flour
- 50-70 g butter
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- Nutmeg (optional)

Topping:
- 250 g mozzarella, sliced thin
- 30 g grated parmesan or pecorino cheese

Preparing the Meat Filling
1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Add the ground meat and let it brown, stirring occasionally. This will add a delicious flavor to the filling. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
3. Once the meat is well browned, remove the skillet from the heat and add the grated parmesan and 3 tablespoons of béchamel sauce (which we will prepare next). Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Preparing the Tomato Sauce
1. In another skillet, heat the olive oil and add the chopped garlic. Sauté for a minute, being careful not to burn it.
2. Add the diced fresh tomatoes and the canned tomatoes. Cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the chili paste, sugar, oregano, and salt to taste. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens, then remove from heat.

Preparing the Béchamel Sauce
1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour, stirring quickly to form a roux. This will help the sauce become creamy.
2. Heat the milk until just below boiling point and gradually add it, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and, if desired, a pinch of nutmeg. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

Assembling the Cannelloni
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Choose a suitable baking dish and grease it with a thin layer of butter. Spread a layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of the dish.
3. Fill each cannelloni tube with the meat mixture using a spoon or piping bag to facilitate filling.
4. Arrange the filled tubes in the dish in a single layer. Cover them with the remaining béchamel sauce and tomato sauce, ensuring they are well covered.
5. Sprinkle grated parmesan on top and arrange the mozzarella slices over the entire surface.

Baking
1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 20 minutes.
2. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and let the cannelloni bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
3. Check if the pasta is al dente and the cheese is well melted. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions
Serve the cannelloni with a fresh green salad and grilled eggplant for a complete meal. You can also add grated parmesan on top for extra flavor. A delicious combination of red wine pairs perfectly with this dish.

Practical Tips
- Vegetarian option: You can fill the cannelloni with ricotta, spinach, and mushrooms for a meat-free option.
- Freezing: Cannelloni can be frozen before baking. Make sure to cover the dish well with aluminum foil.
- Portion control: If you want to reduce calories, you can use lean meat and low-fat cheese.
- Bringing flavors: Experiment with various herbs and spices to customize the tomato sauce, such as basil or thyme.

Nutritional Benefits
This meat cannelloni recipe is rich in protein due to the ground meat and cheeses used. Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and the béchamel sauce adds a creamy and savory note. A portion of cannelloni offers a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, ideal for a hearty meal.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dried cannelloni pasta? Yes, it is preferable to use dried pasta, as they will rehydrate during baking.
- How long can I keep cannelloni in the refrigerator? Cannelloni can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, covered with foil.
- Can I make the tomato sauce in advance? Absolutely! The tomato sauce can be prepared a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Whether it's a Sunday family meal or a special dinner with friends, this meat cannelloni recipe will surely be a hit. Enjoy the dish and let your imagination soar in the kitchen! Bon appétit!