Cheesy Beef Cannelloni Bake
If you’re looking for a comforting family dinner that combines savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, tender cannelloni, and plenty of melted cheese, this Cheesy Beef Cannelloni Bake is a recipe worth adding to your collection.
Each cannelloni roll is filled with flavorful seasoned beef and surrounded by a hearty tomato sauce. Everything is topped with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan, then baked until the cheese is beautifully melted, golden, and bubbling. The result is a cozy homemade dish that looks impressive on the table but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
It’s perfect for a family dinner, weekend meal, or when you want something hearty and satisfying straight from the oven. Serve it with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, optional
For the Tomato Sauce
- 400 g tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- ½ teaspoon sugar, optional
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cannelloni
- 12–14 cannelloni tubes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Beef Filling
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2–3 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
Season with paprika, oregano, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Stir well so the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
2. Make the Tomato Sauce
Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet with the beef, then add the tomato paste and water or beef broth.
Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. The sauce should remain slightly loose rather than becoming too thick, as the moisture will help the cannelloni cook properly in the oven.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
3. Fill the Cannelloni
Preheat your oven to 190°C / 375°F.
Spread a thin layer of the beef and tomato sauce across the bottom of a baking dish.
Carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the prepared beef mixture. A small spoon or piping bag can make this step easier.
Arrange the filled cannelloni neatly in the baking dish, placing them close together.
4. Add the Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining beef and tomato sauce evenly over the cannelloni, making sure most of the pasta is covered.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and beautifully golden.
5. Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling and sauce to settle, making the cannelloni easier to serve.
Finish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or homemade garlic bread.
⭐ Tips for the Best Cheesy Beef Cannelloni
- Keep the sauce slightly loose: A little extra moisture helps the cannelloni become tender while baking.
- Don't overfill the pasta: Fill each tube generously but avoid packing the meat in too tightly.
- Use good melting cheese: Mozzarella gives the dish that delicious stretchy, golden cheese topping.
- Cover the dish during the first part of baking: This helps the pasta cook evenly without drying out the top.
- Uncover toward the end: This allows the cheese to develop a beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Let it rest before serving: A few minutes of resting makes the dish easier to portion.
- Add extra flavor if desired: A pinch of red pepper flakes or some fresh basil can add a lovely finishing touch.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. If baking directly from the refrigerator, allow a little extra cooking time.
🍽️ Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef Cannelloni Bake is the kind of comforting homemade meal that brings everyone to the table. Tender pasta, flavorful beef, rich tomato sauce, and a golden blanket of melted cheese come together in one delicious baking dish.
It’s hearty, cozy, and easy enough for a family dinner while still looking special enough for guests. Serve it straight from the oven with a little fresh parsley on top, and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!