Name: Spinach Beef Cannelloni: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Salt and black pepper to taste; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 4 cups whole milk, warmed; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Salt and white pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 28 ounces crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity); Salt and black pepper to taste; 12-14 cannelloni tubes (dried); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Spinach Beef Cannelloni: Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Imagine sinking your fork into tender pasta tubes, overflowing with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and vibrant spinach, all enveloped in a rich, homemade tomato sauce and blanketed with melted mozzarella. This isn't just dinner; it's an experience.

Cannelloni, derived from the Italian word for "large reeds," has a history steeped in Italian culinary tradition. While the exact origins are debated, it's widely believed that this pasta dish gained popularity in the early 20th century, becoming a staple in Italian-American cuisine. Over the years, countless variations have emerged, each reflecting the unique flavors and preferences of different regions and families.

What makes Spinach Beef Cannelloni so irresistible? It's the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The hearty beef filling provides a satisfying richness, while the spinach adds a touch of freshness and a boost of nutrients. The creamy ricotta cheese binds everything together, creating a luscious and comforting interior. And let's not forget the homemade tomato sauce, simmered to perfection, and the gooey, melted mozzarella cheese that crowns this masterpiece. It's a dish that's both elegant enough for a special occasion and comforting enough for a weeknight meal. Plus, it can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. So, are you ready to create this classic Italian-American comfort food in your own kitchen? Let's get started!

Ingredients:

For the Cannelloni Filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk, warmed
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and white pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Other:

12-14 cannelloni tubes (dried)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Tomato Sauce:

Sauté the Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water.
Set Aside: Once the tomato sauce has simmered, remove it from the heat and set it aside. You can keep it warm on very low heat if you're not ready to assemble the cannelloni yet.

Preparing the Cannelloni Filling:

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the Spinach: Add the squeezed-dry spinach to the skillet and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until it is heated through. Make sure all the excess water is removed from the spinach before adding it.
Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, onion, garlic, and spinach mixture with the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to suit your preferences.

Preparing the Béchamel Sauce:

Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the Flour: Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce. Be careful not to burn the roux; it should be a pale golden color.
Gradually Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Start with a small amount of milk and whisk until it is fully incorporated before adding more.
Simmer and Thicken: Continue whisking the sauce over medium heat until it comes to a simmer and begins to thicken. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Season the Sauce: Remove the sauce from the heat and season with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper to taste. White pepper is preferred for béchamel sauce because it doesn't leave black specks in the white sauce, but black pepper can be used if you don't have white pepper on hand.

Filling the Cannelloni:

Prepare the Piping Bag (Optional): Transfer the beef and spinach filling to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. This will make it easier to fill the cannelloni tubes. If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a large resealable plastic bag with a corner cut off, or simply use a spoon.
Fill the Cannelloni Tubes: Carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the beef and spinach filling. If using a piping bag, insert the tip into the tube and squeeze the filling in until the tube is full. If using a spoon, carefully spoon the filling into the tube, using your finger or the back of the spoon to push it in.

Assembling and Baking the Cannelloni:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the cannelloni from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
Arrange the Cannelloni: Arrange the filled cannelloni tubes in a single layer in the baking dish, spacing them evenly apart.
Pour Over the Sauces: Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cannelloni tubes, making sure they are all covered. Then, pour the béchamel sauce over the tomato sauce, covering the cannelloni completely.
Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the top of the cannelloni with the grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Cannelloni: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the sauces are bubbly.
Let Rest: Remove the cannelloni from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauces to thicken slightly and the cannelloni to cool down enough to handle.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves (optional) and serve hot.

Conclusion:

This Spinach Beef Cannelloni recipe isn't just another pasta dish; it's a culinary experience waiting to happen. From the rich, savory beef and spinach filling to the creamy, decadent béchamel sauce, every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture. It’s the kind of meal that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, and it's guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Trust me, the effort you put in is absolutely worth the reward! But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, it's surprisingly versatile. The combination of iron-rich spinach and protein-packed beef makes it a satisfying and nutritious meal. Plus, it's a fantastic way to sneak in some extra greens for those picky eaters in your life (they'll never suspect a thing!). The creamy béchamel sauce adds a touch of elegance, elevating the dish from simple comfort food to something truly special. And let's not forget the satisfying feeling of creating something so delicious from scratch. Looking for serving suggestions? This Spinach Beef Cannelloni is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cannelloni. Alternatively, you could serve it with some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a more substantial meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli. And if you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Want to add a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef filling will do the trick. Prefer a different type of cheese? Feel free to substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. You could also experiment with different herbs and spices in the béchamel sauce. A dash of nutmeg or a sprinkle of dried thyme can add a subtle but noticeable layer of flavor. For a vegetarian option, you can easily replace the beef with mushrooms or lentils. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Don't be intimidated by the seemingly long list of ingredients or the multiple steps involved. I've broken down the recipe into easy-to-follow instructions, and I'm confident that even beginner cooks can achieve amazing results. The key is to take your time, read through the recipe carefully, and don't be afraid to experiment. Cooking should be fun, so relax, put on some music, and enjoy the process! I truly believe that this Spinach Beef Cannelloni will become a new family favorite. It's a dish that's perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create something truly delicious. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! And more importantly, I'd love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you'll love. Happy cooking!