Quick Description
This Cheesy Beef Cannelloni Bake is a cozy, classic oven dish filled with savory ground beef, smothered in rich sauce, and topped with layers of melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with warmth while it bakes—deeply satisfying, family-friendly, and perfect for slow, relaxed dinners.
Servings & Timing
Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients List
Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Pasta & Sauce
- 12–14 cannelloni pasta tubes
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- ½ cup beef broth or water
Cheese Layer
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. -
Cook the Beef Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat. -
Fill the Cannelloni
Spoon the beef mixture into uncooked cannelloni tubes. Set aside. -
Assemble the Bake
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Arrange filled cannelloni in a single layer. -
Add Sauce & Cheese
Pour remaining marinara sauce and beef broth evenly over the pasta.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top. -
Bake Covered
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. -
Bake Uncovered
Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. -
Rest & Serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
Benefits
- Classic Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and filling
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing dinner
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for busy nights
- Balanced Meal: Protein, carbs, and cheese in one dish
Additional Notes
- Make sure pasta is fully covered in sauce to cook evenly.
- Resting time helps the cannelloni hold their shape when serving.
- Freshly grated cheese melts best.
Dietary Info
- High-Protein: ✔️
- Kid-Friendly: ✔️
- Gluten-Free: ❌
- Low-Carb: ❌
Brief Introduction
Few meals feel as comforting as a baked pasta dish bubbling in the oven. This beef cannelloni bake brings together simple ingredients and classic flavors into something that feels like home.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Brown and season beef
- Fill cannelloni tubes
- Layer with sauce and cheese
- Bake until bubbly
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Lean beef works best; ground turkey is a lighter option
- Cannelloni: Manicotti shells can be used instead
- Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought marinara
- Cheese: Mozzarella for melt, Parmesan for flavor
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Variations:
- Add ricotta to the beef filling
- Mix in spinach or mushrooms
- Use spicy Italian seasoning for heat
Serve With:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
- Freeze: Up to 2 months (unbaked or baked)
- Reheat: Oven covered with foil
FAQs
Do I need to cook the cannelloni first?
No—uncooked cannelloni will soften in the sauce while baking.
Why is my pasta still hard?
Not enough sauce or liquid—make sure tubes are fully covered.
Can I assemble ahead of time?
Yes—assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
Optional Personal Story
This is one of those dishes that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking when dinner will be ready. It’s warm, familiar, and always leaves empty plates.
Call-to-Action
Save this Cheesy Beef Cannelloni Bake for your next cozy family night—rich, cheesy, and comfort-filled straight from the oven 🍝🧀💛
