Step-by-Step Recipe for Traditional Italian Cannelloni
If you love Italian food, you’re in for a treat! Cannelloni is a comforting and delicious dish that’s loved all over the world. Traditionally, this baked pasta is filled with a rich mixture of meat, cheese, or spinach, and smothered in tomato sauce and béchamel. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to make it at home! In this blog, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step recipe for traditional Italian cannelloni using simple ingredients and easy instructions.
What Is Cannelloni?
Cannelloni is a type of tube-shaped pasta, often stuffed with tasty fillings such as ricotta, spinach, minced meat, or a combination of cheeses. It’s then placed in a baking dish with tomato sauce and creamy béchamel sauce, resulting in a dish that’s soft, cheesy, saucy, and full of flavor. Cannelloni is perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or even special occasions.
If you don’t have ready-made cannelloni pasta tubes, you can use fresh lasagna sheets instead—just roll them around the filling for the same effect. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make cannelloni:
For the Filling:
- 500g ground beef or pork (you can use a mix of both)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- 250g ricotta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 800g canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 50g butter
- 50g all-purpose flour
- 500ml milk
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 12 cannelloni tubes or fresh lasagna sheets
- 100g grated mozzarella or more Parmesan for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef or pork to the pan. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking up any large clumps with your spoon.
- Once done, take the pan off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix the cooked meat with ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley (if using). This will be your tasty filling!
Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, and add sugar, oregano (or basil), salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 2–3 minutes to create a smooth paste (called a roux).
- Gradually add milk while whisking, ensuring no lumps form.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Cannelloni
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom of your baking dish.
- Fill each cannelloni tube (or roll lasagna sheets around the filling) with the prepared meat mixture.
- Place the stuffed cannelloni in the dish, seam-side down.
Step 5: Add the Sauces
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cannelloni, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
- Add another layer by pouring the béchamel sauce on top. Smooth it out with a spoon.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the dish for a bubbly, golden topping.
Step 6: Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the top turns golden and slightly crispy.
Serving Your Cannelloni
After baking, let the cannelloni rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or simply enjoy it on its own. The combination of creamy béchamel, tangy tomato sauce, and flavorful filling will make your taste buds sing!
Tips for Success
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought tomato sauce instead of making it from scratch.
- To make a vegetarian version, substitute the meat filling with spinach and ricotta.
- Make sure to fully cover the pasta with sauce to keep it moist while baking.
Conclusion
Making traditional Italian cannelloni at home is easier than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth the effort! By following this simple recipe, you’ll impress your family and friends with a dish that’s bursting with flavor, warmth, and comfort. Give it a try and enjoy the taste of Italy right from your own kitchen. Buon appetito!
