Cannelloni

Cannelloni with meat and béchamel sauce: a delicious recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Introduction

Who doesn't love pasta? Especially when we talk about cannelloni, these delicious tubes filled with meat and covered with a creamy sauce that melts in your mouth. This recipe for cannelloni with meat and béchamel sauce will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of comfort to any meal. The inspiration for this recipe comes from the culinary tradition of filling pasta with various savory fillings, a practice found in many cultures. Whether it's a family dinner or a festive meal, cannelloni are a perfect choice.

What ingredients do you need?

To prepare this delicious recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 box of cannelloni (approximately 250 g)
- 500 g minced pork
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 can of whole tomatoes in tomato juice (approximately 400 g)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 100 g grated cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and rosemary to taste

For the béchamel sauce:

- 100 g butter
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 800 ml milk
- Salt, pepper, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Preparing the filling

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for a few minutes until it becomes slightly translucent. Then, add the grated carrot and minced meat. Stir occasionally until the meat changes color, about 5-7 minutes. Add the tomato paste and whole tomatoes with their juice. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once you turn off the heat, season with salt, pepper, and rosemary to taste. Let the mixture cool slightly, then add the grated cheese, mixing well.

Step 2: Preparing the tomato sauce

In a separate saucepan, sauté the garlic in oil just enough to infuse the oil with its flavor. Once the garlic turns golden, remove it from the saucepan. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice and let them simmer for 6-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Preparing the béchamel sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and whisk vigorously until you have a smooth paste (roux). Gradually add the hot milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer, stirring, until it thickens. Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and add salt, pepper, nutmeg, and the grated parmesan.

Step 4: Assembling the cannelloni

Fill the cannelloni tubes with the meat mixture using a teaspoon. In a baking dish, pour a thin layer of tomato sauce, then place the filled cannelloni. After placing all the tubes, cover them with the béchamel sauce and the remaining tomato sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Step 5: Baking

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Useful tips:

- If you want a healthier option, you can use minced chicken or turkey.
- For added flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the meat mixture.
- If you don't have cannelloni, you can use lasagna sheets, tearing them into suitable pieces.
- You can add vegetables to the meat filling, such as zucchini or spinach, to make the recipe even more nutritious.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I prepare cannelloni a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare everything a day in advance, but make sure to refrigerate the dish and take it out about 30 minutes before baking to warm it slightly.

2. How can I store leftover cannelloni?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.

3. What drinks pair well with this main dish?
A dry red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, would go wonderfully with these cannelloni. Additionally, a fresh lemonade or iced tea can be refreshing options.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the meat, and the béchamel sauce provides calcium through milk and cheese. The carrot and tomatoes offer vitamins and antioxidants, while the nutmeg in the béchamel sauce has anti-inflammatory properties.

In conclusion, cannelloni with meat and béchamel sauce is a recipe that brings a touch of joy to every meal. Whether you serve it on an ordinary day or on a special occasion, it will surely leave an unforgettable impression. So, embrace this dish and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 1 box of cannelloni, 100 g cheese; 500 g minced pork, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 can of whole tomatoes in tomato juice, 100 g cheese, salt, pepper, rosemary, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste; Bechamel sauce: 100 g butter, 3 tablespoons of flour, 800 ml milk, salt, pepper, nutmeg, 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan.

 Tags:  cannelloni