Cannelloni with Minced Meat and Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

For the Meat:

• 600 g (1.3 lbs) minced meat (beef, chicken, lamb, or a combination)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• for frying
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tomatoes, diced
• for frying
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian herbs
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Steps on How to Make Cannelloni with Minced Meat and Tomato Sauce:

1. Prepare the Meat Filling:
   • In a large frying pan, heat a little vegetable oil over medium heat.
   • Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
   • Add the minced meat to the pan. Cook the meat over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked through.
   • Once the meat is cooked, season it with salt, black pepper, and the chopped fresh dill (if using). Stir in the eggs and mix everything together until the mixture is well combined. The eggs will help bind the filling and add richness.
   • Remove the pan from the heat and let the meat mixture cool slightly.
2. Make the Tomato Sauce:
   • In a separate large pan, heat the butter and a little vegetable oil over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, allowing it to release its aroma.
   • Add the diced tomatoes (both fresh and the tomato you set aside) to the pan, stirring to combine. Let the tomatoes cook down for about 10 minutes, until they start to break apart and release their juices.
   • Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
   • Season the sauce with cumin, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until it thickens and becomes flavorful.
   • Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat.
3. Stuff the Cannelloni:
   • Cook the cannelloni pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
   • Using a spoon, carefully stuff each cannelloni tube with the minced meat filling. Make sure to pack the filling tightly but without overstuffing the pasta.
   • Place the stuffed cannelloni into a large baking dish in a single layer.
4. Assemble and Bake the Cannelloni:
   • Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the stuffed cannelloni, ensuring the pasta is well covered with sauce.
   • If desired, sprinkle with a little extra cheese on top of the sauce for a cheesy, bubbly finish.
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a at 180°C (350°F) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cannelloni is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
   • Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly.
5. Serve:
   • Once the cannelloni is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and coriander, if desired, for a burst of fresh color and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg

Explanation of the Recipe: Why It’s Timeless:

Cannelloni with minced meat and tomato sauce is a dish that embodies both simplicity and depth of flavor. It’s a timeless comfort food that combines the rich, savory taste of the meat filling with the tangy and aromatic notes of a homemade tomato sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While the combination of minced meat, pasta, and tomato sauce is classic, you can modify the filling to suit your preferences—add cheese, spinach, or even mushrooms for added texture and flavor. The homemade sauce, infused with cumin, paprika, and Italian herbs, gives this dish an extra dimension of flavor that is hard to match with store-bought sauces.

FAQs:

What makes this dish timeless is also its ability to feed a family with ease. The ingredients are affordable, and the recipe is simple enough to be adapted for weeknight meals, while still impressive enough for a dinner party. It’s a dish that can be prepped in advance, making it ideal for busy cooks or meal prepping. The hearty combination of pasta and meat makes this a filling meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

1. Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
   Yes, you can use chicken, turkey, or lamb instead of beef for the filling. The recipe is highly versatile, and different meats will bring their own unique flavor to the dish.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
   Absolutely! You can replace the minced meat with ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs for a vegetarian alternative. This will still provide a rich and delicious filling.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the stuffed cannelloni and tomato sauce a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, then bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Tips on How to Make:

• If you find stuffing the cannelloni tubes challenging, you can use a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off to make the process easier.
• Be sure to cook the cannelloni pasta until it’s just al dente. Overcooking it can make it too soft and difficult to stuff.
• For extra creaminess, sprinkle some grated mozzarella or over the top of the cannelloni before baking.

Storage Tips:

• Store any leftovers in an in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered baking dish in the oven.
• This dish can also be frozen. To freeze, assemble the cannelloni, cover with sauce, and freeze before baking. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion:

Cannelloni with minced meat and tomato sauce is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or preparing it for a special occasion, this dish is sure to delight everyone at the table. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable to different tastes, and offers a delicious balance of textures and flavors. With its rich meat filling, tangy tomato sauce, and tender pasta, this dish is bound to become a family favorite that’s enjoyed for years to come.