There’s something special about a hearty, cheesy pasta dish, and this Spinach Beef Cannelloni is no exception. Stuffed with a flavorful beef and spinach mixture, then smothered in rich marinara sauce and gooey cheese, it’s the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Beef Cannelloni
- Rich and Hearty: The beef and spinach filling is savory and satisfying.
- Packed with Veggies: Spinach adds a healthy touch to the cheesy goodness.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make it ahead and freeze for an easy dinner later.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy to find and totally delicious!
Ingredients for Spinach Beef Cannelloni
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 cannelloni tubes (or manicotti shells)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet: For cooking the beef filling.
- Mixing bowl: To combine the filling ingredients.
- Baking dish: For layering the cannelloni.
- Spoon or piping bag: To stuff the pasta tubes.
How to Make Spinach Beef Cannelloni
Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted (if using fresh) or warmed through (if using frozen).
- Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl. Let cool slightly.
- Stir in the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Cannelloni
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the cannelloni tubes according to package instructions, leaving them slightly undercooked (they’ll finish cooking in the sauce). Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Stuff the Cannelloni
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cannelloni tube with the beef and spinach mixture. Be gentle to avoid tearing the pasta.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed cannelloni in a single layer over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the cannelloni, ensuring all tubes are well covered.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with a crisp side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips for the Best Spinach Beef Cannelloni
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the cannelloni to prevent it from becoming too soft during baking.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Customize the Filling: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or extra cheese for variety.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the unbaked or baked dish for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use lasagna sheets instead of cannelloni tubes?
Yes! Par-cook lasagna sheets, then roll the filling into them to create cannelloni-style rolls.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or crumbled tofu.
Q3: Can I use store-bought filling?
You can, but homemade filling offers fresher flavors and allows you to control the seasoning.
Conclusion: Comfort Food at Its Best
This Spinach Beef Cannelloni is the perfect combination of hearty, cheesy, and flavorful. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for special occasions. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your photos and reviews with us on Pinterest or Instagram!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite of this delightful dish!
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Spinach Beef Cannelloni
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
There’s something special about a hearty, cheesy pasta dish, and this Spinach Beef Cannelloni is no exception. Stuffed with a flavorful beef and spinach mixture, then smothered in rich marinara sauce and gooey cheese, it’s the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 cannelloni tubes (or manicotti shells)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted (if using fresh) or warmed through (if using frozen).
- Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl. Let cool slightly.
- Stir in the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Cannelloni
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the cannelloni tubes according to package instructions, leaving them slightly undercooked (they’ll finish cooking in the sauce). Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Stuff the Cannelloni
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cannelloni tube with the beef and spinach mixture. Be gentle to avoid tearing the pasta.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed cannelloni in a single layer over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the cannelloni, ensuring all tubes are well covered.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the cannelloni to prevent it from becoming too soft during baking.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Customize the Filling: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or extra cheese for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine: American
