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Cannelloni stuffed with minced meat and tomato sauce
Add tomatoes and seasonings
Add the diced fresh tomatoes and 1 diced tomato. Cook for 30 seconds.
Add cumin, paprika, Italian herbs, salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Add fresh herbs
Stir in chopped parsley and cilantro for added freshness and flavor. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, then set aside.
Step 3: Fill and assemble the cannelloni
Fill the cannelloni
Carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the meat mixture, using a spoon or piping bag to make it easier.
Assemble in a baking dish
Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil, then arrange the filled cannelloni in a single layer.
Top with tomato sauce and cheese
Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the cannelloni, making sure each tube is covered.
Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top.
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Step 4: Bake
Bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and bubble.
Step 5: Serve
Serve
Garnish with extra parsley or cilantro and serve hot. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish!
Dish Overview
This dish combines tender cannelloni pasta stuffed with a savory mix of ground beef, onions, and seasonings. The stuffed pasta is doused in a homemade tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese, creating a golden, bubbly crust when baked. It’s a meal on its own, but pairs well with a salad or garlic bread.
Ingredients and Preparation
The main ingredients for this recipe are cannelloni pasta, ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and cheese. Here is a breakdown of each:
Main Ingredients
Cannelloni Pasta: Hollow pasta tubes that can be filled with the meat mixture. You can substitute with large pasta shells if you wish.
Ground Meat: Ground beef, pork, or a combination, cooked and seasoned for the filling. Tomato Sauce: A simple, flavorful sauce that coats the cannelloni and keeps them moist while cooking.
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan are great for a golden, melting coating, with an optional sprinkling of fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
Filling Seasonings and Optional Add-Ins
Onion and Garlic: For a deep, aromatic flavor.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of basil, oregano, and thyme, giving the dish an authentic Italian flavor.
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Salt and pepper: basic seasonings that enhance the flavors of the filling.
Red chili flakes (optional): for a hint of spiciness in the sauce.
Ricotta (optional): Adds creaminess to the filling if you prefer a softer texture.
Cooking Steps
Make the meat filling: Sauté the onions and garlic in a pan with a little olive oil until translucent. Add the ground beef, cooking until golden brown. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then let cool slightly. Make the tomato sauce: In the same pan, add the crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce) and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the flavors have blended. Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, if desired.
Fill the cannelloni: Pour the ground meat mixture into each cannelloni tube. Be gentle to avoid breaking the pasta.
Assemble the dish: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on a baking sheet to prevent it from sticking. Arra
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