Cannelloni with Spinach and Minced Meat

This delicious recipe for cannelloni stuffed with spinach and minced meat is a delightful meal that combines rich flavors and creamy textures. The hearty filling made from perfectly seasoned beef and tender spinach is wrapped in tube-shaped pasta, offering a wonderful combination of flavors in each bite. The homemade white sauce adds a creamy finesse to the dish, creating a comforting taste experience. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or for impressing your dinner guests. The dish is not only flavorful but also visually appealing with a golden-brown cheese crust. With the option to double the white sauce ingredients, you can make the dish even more saucy if you desire. It is a versatile dish that allows for various personal additions and substitutions to match different tastes and dietary needs. It's ideal for those who enjoy a bit of a culinary challenge and have some time to invest in the kitchen. Best served with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables, this dish is an all-around winner for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 250 g cannelloni pasta
• 500 g minced beef
• 240 g spinach
• 500 g tomato paste or canned chopped tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic

Spices and Seasonings:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Herbs (to taste)

For the White Sauce:

• 25 g butter
• 25 g flour
• 300 ml milk
• 70 g cream cheese with herbs
• 30 g Parmesan cheese

Preparation Time

• Total: 85 minutes (Preparation: 30 minutes, Cooking: 55 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Cannelloni: Boil water and cook the cannelloni tubes for about 3 minutes, then drain and let them cool, keeping them separate to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables and Beef: In a skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant. Add the minced beef and cook until browned, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Season the Meat: Add salt, pepper, your choice of herbs, and, optionally, some chili flakes for heat to the beef mixture.
4. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in a little more than half of the tomato paste or canned tomatoes. Let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes.
5. Prepare the Spinach: While the meat simmers, cook the spinach in a separate pot for about 3 minutes, just until it wilts.
6. Combine the Fillings: Chop the cooked spinach slightly and mix it with the meat. Allow the stuffing to cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Let the Filling Cool: Remove the meat and spinach mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the white sauce.
8. Make the White Sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan, then add the flour and stir until it forms a paste.
9. Add Milk Gradually: Slowly add the milk to the paste, stirring continuously to avoid lumps, and bring it to a simmer for 2 minutes.
10. Incorporate Cheese: Remove the sauce from the heat and mix in the cream cheese until melted and smooth.
11. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread the remaining tomato paste or chopped tomatoes onto the base of a baking dish.
12. Fill the Cannelloni: Using a teaspoon or your fingers, stuff the filling into the cannelloni tubes and arrange them tightly in the baking dish.
13. Pour White Sauce: Cover the filled cannelloni tubes with the prepared white sauce, ensuring they're all coated.
14. Add Parmesan: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
15. Bake the Dish: Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (355°F) for about 40-45 minutes.
16. Final Touch: After the first 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the top to brown slightly.
17. Serve: Once baked to perfection, let it rest before serving; it’ll be hot and flavorful.
18. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, savory flavors of this delightful dish.

Tips

• Double the White Sauce: If you love extra sauce, consider doubling the white sauce ingredients.
• Substitute Spinach: Kale can be used if spinach is unavailable.
• Herb Choices: Basil and oregano work beautifully with this dish for additional freshness.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 600 kcal per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Fats: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 50g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with a mushroom and vegetable mixture for a vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour in the white sauce.
• Spicy: Add chili flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Pair with a crisp garden salad or garlic bread.
• Beverage: Serve with a glass of red wine or sparkling lemon water.
• Garnish: Add fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finishing touch.

Best Places

• Pasta e Basta - A refined Italian eatery known for its delicious pasta dishes. Location: [Singel 426, 1017 AW Amsterdam, Netherlands].
• Trattoria da Enzo - Cozy spot with traditional Italian charm and a great range of cannelloni. Location: [Via Ettore Rolli 29, 00153 Rome, Italy].
• Da Silvano - Famous for delectable Italian cuisine and ambiance. Location: [260 Sixteenth Street, New York, NY, USA].
• Porcini Restaurant - Elegant take on Italian classics with fine wine pairings. Location: [2048 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA, USA].
• La Tagliatella - Serves delightful Italian pasta specialties. Location: [Carrer de Provença, 210, 08036 Barcelona, Spain].
• Ristorante il Deserto - A hidden gem offering handmade pastas. Location: [Viale Giovanni Amendola, 19, 70126 Bari, Italy].
• Pane e Vino - Inviting interior with a comprehensive pasta menu. Location: [8030 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA, USA].
• Il Forno - Popular for fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. Location: [149 West Bridge Street, Oswego, NY, USA].
• Osteria dell'Orsa - Captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking. Location: [Via Mentana, 1, 40126 Bologna, Italy].
• Café Cibrèo - Offers unique spins on classic Italian pasta recipes. Location: [Via de' Macci, 122r, 50122 Florence, Italy].