Cheesy Beef & Spinach Stuffed Cannelloni
These cheesy beef and spinach stuffed cannelloni are rich, comforting, and packed with savory Italian flavor. Tender pasta tubes are filled with seasoned beef and spinach, covered in a rich tomato sauce, then baked under a blanket of bubbling melted cheese until perfectly golden and irresistible.
Ingredients
12 cannelloni pasta tubes
1 lb ground beef
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Instructions
Start by preheating the oven to 190°C (375°F).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Spread a layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish.
Fill the cannelloni tubes carefully with the beef and spinach mixture.
Arrange the filled pasta in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving
Serve hot with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips
Do not overfill the pasta tubes
Use freshly grated cheese for better melting
Let the dish rest before serving
Add ricotta for extra creaminess
Cover with foil first to prevent drying out
FAQ
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it and refrigerate before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze before or after baking.
Can I use another meat?
Absolutely, ground turkey or sausage work well.
What sauce works best?
A rich marinara or meat sauce is perfect.
