Cannelloni with meat

Cannelloni with Meat and Tomato Sauce - A Delicious Recipe for Lunch or Dinner

If you are looking for a delicious and comforting recipe, cannelloni with meat is the perfect choice. This dish is a tempting combination of pasta filled with minced meat, in an aromatic tomato sauce, topped with cream and cheese. It is ideal for family lunches as well as festive dinners. Let me show you how to prepare this delight step by step!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients
- 13 pieces of cannelloni
- 500 g minced meat (pork, beef, or a mix, according to preference)
- 160 g grated cheese
- 2 tablespoons of parmesan
- 150 ml cooking cream
- 1 can of diced tomatoes in juice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Thyme, to taste
- Oregano, to taste
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 bunch of parsley, chopped
- 1 egg

A Brief History of Cannelloni
Cannelloni has its roots in Italian cuisine, where they became popular due to their versatility. These stuffed pastas were created to provide a way to transform simple ingredients into a savory and elegant dish. Over time, they have been filled with all sorts of combinations, from meat to vegetables or cheeses, each variation offering a unique culinary experience.

Step by Step - How to Prepare Cannelloni with Meat

1. Preparing the Tomato Sauce
Start by placing the canned tomatoes in a pot over medium heat. Add salt, basil, and oregano to taste. These aromatic herbs will provide a fresh and savory flavor to your sauce. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, then add 100 ml of water and continue to boil for 10 minutes. This step will help enhance the flavors and create a smoother texture.

2. Preparing the Meat Filling
In another pot, add a little oil and sauté the minced meat. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano. These spices will enrich the flavor of the meat. Let the meat cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add a little water to help cook the meat evenly. Boil for 15-20 minutes until the meat is tender and there is no liquid left. It is important to stir periodically and add water if necessary.

3. Completing the Filling
Once the meat is ready, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, add the crushed garlic, chopped parsley, and egg. Mix well to create a consistent and rich filling.

4. Filling the Cannelloni
Use a teaspoon or a special device to fill each cannelloni with the meat mixture. Make sure to fill them well, but not too much, to allow them to expand during baking.

5. Assembling the Dish
In a heatproof dish, put a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Carefully place the filled cannelloni on top of the sauce. Cover with the remaining tomato sauce and pour the cooking cream on top. Sprinkle the grated cheese and parmesan for a delicious and golden finish.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese on top becomes golden and appetizing. The aroma that will fill your kitchen during baking will be simply irresistible!

Practical Tips
- For a richer texture, you can add a little red wine to the tomato sauce. This will intensify the flavors and provide a more complex taste.
- If you want a vegetarian option, replace the minced meat with mushrooms or tofu. Add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for a healthy filling.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add spices like chili or paprika to the meat filling for a spicy note.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of pasta?
Of course! If you can't find cannelloni, you can use lasagna or other types of pasta that can be filled.

- How can I store leftovers?
Leftover cannelloni can be covered with aluminum foil and kept in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore the texture.

- What side dishes go well with it?
A fresh green salad with lemon dressing and olive oil is an excellent choice alongside this dish. Also, a crispy baguette will be perfect for savoring the remaining sauce.

Nutritional Information
This cannelloni with meat recipe offers a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making it a hearty meal. Each serving contains approximately 600 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is an excellent option for a comforting dinner, full of nutrients.

Final Note
This cannelloni with meat recipe is not just a meal, but a culinary experience. Each bite will remind you of lovingly cooked family meals. I encourage you to leave your personal mark on the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients or experimenting with your favorite spices. Enjoy your meal!

We put the tomatoes in sauce in a saucepan on the stove and add salt, basil, and oregano to taste. Let it come to a boil a few times. Add 100ml of water and let it boil a few more times. The minced meat is placed in another saucepan with a little oil, to which we add salt, pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano to taste (a little of each). Let it sauté a bit, then add a little water. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the meat softens. Stir occasionally and add more water if it reduces too much. In the end, there should be no liquid left. Turn off the heat, let it cool for a few minutes, then add a little crushed garlic, parsley, and an egg, and mix the composition well. With a teaspoon, fill the cannelloni with the meat mixture. In a heat-resistant dish, put the tomato sauce and place the cannelloni on top. Pour the cooking cream over it and then sprinkle grated cheese. Bake in the preheated oven until it is nicely browned on top.

 Ingredients: 13 pieces of cannelloni, 500 g minced meat, 160 g grated cheese, 2 tablespoons of parmesan, 150 ml cooking cream, 1 can of diced tomatoes in juice, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, garlic, parsley, 1 egg.

 Tags:  cannelloni with meat cheese delaco