Lasagna with cannelloni and pork meat

Lasagna with Cannelloni and Pork – An Unforgettable Culinary Experience

Do you want to turn an ordinary meal into a true celebration of flavor? Then, the recipe for Lasagna with Cannelloni and Pork is the perfect choice! This delicious combination blends the velvety texture of lasagna sheets with the savory filling of cannelloni, offering a 2-in-1 dish that will impress any guest. It’s a meal that will not only satisfy your hunger but will also make you fall in love with cooking!

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

The ingredients needed for this recipe are as follows:

For lasagna and cannelloni:
- 10 lasagna sheets
- 10 cannelloni tubes

For the meat sauce:
- 400 g minced pork
- 1 dry onion
- 1 green onion
- 400 g tomato sauce
- 1 carrot
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Salt, pepper, paprika
- Oil for frying
- Fresh or dried basil, to taste

For the béchamel sauce:
- 800 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 60 g butter
- Salt, white pepper, nutmeg (optional)

For garnish:
- 300 g grated cheese or mozzarella

Preparing the meat sauce

The first essential step to getting an exceptional lasagna with cannelloni is to prepare the meat sauce. Start by sautéing the finely chopped dry onion and the carrot, which you will cut into long strips, in a pot with a little oil. This step will add a special flavor to the sauce, so don’t rush it!

When the onion becomes translucent, add paprika and the minced pork. Stir well to fry evenly. Season with salt and pepper, and for an extra touch of flavor, you can also add a splash of basil. Once the meat has taken on a slight brown hue, add a little water to help it cook and become tender.

Once the meat is well cooked, add the tomato sauce and crushed garlic. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully cooked and the flavors have blended beautifully. It is advisable to adjust the seasonings according to taste to achieve the perfect meat sauce.

Preparing the béchamel sauce

The béchamel sauce is an essential element that will add creaminess and refinement to your dish. In a pot, melt the butter over low heat and add the flour. Stir constantly to lightly fry the flour, being careful not to burn it. Then, gradually add the warm milk, continuously stirring with a whisk to avoid lumps.

Let the sauce simmer on low heat, stirring, until it begins to thicken. It doesn’t need to be a very thick sauce, as it will maintain its consistency during baking. Season with salt, white pepper, and, if desired, a subtle hint of nutmeg.

Assembling the lasagna with cannelloni

Now comes the fun part! Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a ceramic dish, place a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom to prevent the lasagna sheets from sticking. Follow with a layer of lasagna sheets, then a layer of béchamel sauce and a layer of meat sauce. Fill the cannelloni tubes with meat sauce and place them on top of the sauce.

Continue alternating layers: béchamel sauce, lasagna sheets, meat sauce, and cannelloni tubes, until you finish the ingredients, ensuring that the last layer is béchamel sauce. Finally, generously sprinkle the cheese or mozzarella on top to achieve a golden and crispy crust.

Baking and serving

Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the lasagna sheets are tender and the surface is nicely browned. It is important to let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after taking it out of the oven, to set well and facilitate portioning.

Serve this delight warm, alongside a fresh green salad and a dry red wine that will perfectly complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Tips and variations

- Fresh pasta: If you have time, you can use fresh lasagna sheets, which will cook faster and add a delicate texture.
- Meat variations: Instead of pork, you can experiment with beef, chicken, or even a mix of meats.
- Vegetables: Add vegetables to the meat sauce, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, for a healthier note.
- Spices: Play with the spices! Cinnamon or a pinch of chili can add an interesting depth to the flavors.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is an excellent source of protein due to the pork and dairy in the béchamel sauce. Additionally, the vegetables used bring a wealth of vitamins and minerals, and combined with the carbohydrates from the pasta, you get a balanced and satisfying dish.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes! Whole grain lasagna sheets and cannelloni are a healthier option, adding extra fiber.

2. How can I make the béchamel sauce lighter?
You can use skim milk and less butter to reduce calories and fat.

3. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze individual portions and reheat them in the oven when you need a quick meal.

So, prepare your ingredients, get comfortable, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking! This Lasagna with Cannelloni and Pork will delight your taste buds and bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!