Dive into the ultimate comfort food with Spinach and Beef Cannelloni, featuring tender pasta tubes stuffed with a savory blend of ground beef, spinach, and creamy cheese, all baked in rich marinara sauce. These Hearty Italian Pasta dishes are perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, delivering classic Italian flavors with ease. Whip up these savory stuffed pasta dishes for a meal that’s sure to warm hearts and satisfy appetites!
Why You’ll Love Spinach and Beef Cannelloni
- Rich Flavors: Spinach and Beef Cannelloni combines savory beef, earthy spinach, and creamy cheese.
- Comforting Texture: Tender pasta with a bubbly, cheesy topping.
- Easy Prep: Ready in under an hour for a stress-free Italian feast.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Versatile Dish: Perfectly customizable for dietary needs with beef spinach pasta delights.
Ingredients for Spinach and Beef Cannelloni
Here’s what you’ll need for these beef spinach pasta delights (makes ~4 servings):
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup (120g) ricotta cheese
- ½ cup (60g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Assembly:
- 12 manicotti tubes
- 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce
- ½ cup (120ml) water
- ½ cup (60g) shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Piping bag or spoon
- 9×13-inch baking dish
Ingredient Tips
- Spinach: Fresh spinach adds vibrancy to these savory stuffed pasta; frozen spinach, well-drained, works too.
- Cheese: Ricotta ensures creaminess; cottage cheese can substitute for Hearty Italian Pasta.
- Pasta: Manicotti tubes are ideal; cannelloni or lasagna sheets rolled into tubes work as well.
- Marinara: Use homemade or high-quality store-bought sauce for rich beef spinach pasta delights.
- Beef: Lean ground beef is best; ground turkey or pork can substitute.
Directions for Spinach and Beef Cannelloni
Let’s create these comforting Spinach and Beef Cannelloni dishes with ease!
Cook the Pasta
- I cook 12 manicotti tubes in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. I drain and set aside to cool slightly for Spinach and Beef Cannelloni.
Prepare the Filling
- In a large skillet, I heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- I sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until soft, about 3 minutes.
- I add 1 lb ground beef, cooking until browned, breaking it apart, about 5–7 minutes.
- I stir in 2 cups chopped spinach, ½ cup ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, 1 tsp oregano, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper, cooking until spinach wilts, about 2–3 minutes, for savory stuffed pasta.
Assemble the Dish
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- I spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom. Using a spoon or piping bag, I fill each manicotti tube with the beef-spinach mixture and arrange them in the dish.
- I pour the remaining 1 cup marinara sauce and ½ cup water over and around the tubes for Spinach and Beef Cannelloni.
Bake
- I cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- I remove the foil, sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella on top, and bake for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating perfect beef spinach pasta delights.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings (3 manicotti per serving)
- Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 45g carbs, 30g protein, 20g fat, 3g fiber
Variations for Spinach and Beef Cannelloni
Try these twists on these beef spinach pasta delights:
- Vegetarian: Swap beef for lentils or mushrooms for a meat-free Hearty Italian Pasta.
- Cheese Swap: Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter filling.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free manicotti, inspired by Food and Tips’ Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes to the filling for a zesty twist.
- Creamy Sauce: Top with a béchamel sauce instead of marinara for richer savory stuffed pasta.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Food and Tips’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh side.
- Serve with Food and Tips’ Coconut Cooler for a refreshing drink.
- Enjoy with Food and Tips’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a sweet contrast.
Storage
I store these savory stuffed pasta dishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, I assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. I bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, adding cheese topping in the last 10 minutes.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve Spinach and Beef Cannelloni with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for elegance.
- Garnish: Add extra Parmesan for a cheesy boost to these beef spinach pasta delights.
- Pairing: Enjoy with garlic bread or Food and Tips’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad to complement Hearty Italian Pasta.
- Portion Size: 3 manicotti per person for a hearty meal.
- Occasions: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday feasts.
FAQs About Spinach and Beef Cannelloni
Here are answers to common questions about Spinach and Beef Cannelloni:
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach well to avoid excess moisture in these Hearty Italian Pasta dishes.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Swap beef for mushrooms or lentils for delicious savory stuffed pasta.
Why is my filling runny?
Drain spinach thoroughly and avoid overmixing cheeses for Spinach and Beef Cannelloni.
Can I use a different pasta?
Cannelloni or lasagna sheets rolled into tubes work well for these beef spinach pasta delights.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate for 3 days or freeze for 3 months.
Conclusion
Spinach and Beef Cannelloni is These Hearty Italian Pasta dishes are perfect for any occasion, delivering rich flavors and cozy vibes. Bake these savory stuffed pasta dishes and enjoy a heartwarming meal that everyone will love!a comforting Italian classic, blending savory beef, spinach, and cheese in tender pasta.
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Spinach and Beef Cannelloni Manicotti
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups 60g fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup 120g ricotta cheese
- ½ cup 60g shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup 25g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Assembly:
- 12 manicotti tubes
- 2 cups 480ml marinara sauce
- ½ cup 120ml water
- ½ cup 60g shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- I cook 12 manicotti tubes in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. I drain and set aside to cool slightly for Spinach and Beef Cannelloni.
Prepare the Filling
- In a large skillet, I heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. I sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until soft, about 3 minutes. I add 1 lb ground beef, cooking until browned, breaking it apart, about 5–7 minutes. I stir in 2 cups chopped spinach, ½ cup ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, 1 tsp oregano, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper, cooking until spinach wilts, about 2–3 minutes, for savory stuffed pasta.
Assemble the Dish
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. I spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom. Using a spoon or piping bag, I fill each manicotti tube with the beef-spinach mixture and arrange them in the dish. I pour the remaining 1 cup marinara sauce and ½ cup water over and around the tubes for Spinach and Beef Cannelloni.
Bake
- I cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. I remove the foil, sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella on top, and bake for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating perfect beef spinach pasta delights.
Nutrition
Notes
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