Cheesy Beef Stuffed Cannelloni
There are few things more comforting than a bubbling dish of pasta covered with golden, melted cheese. Cheesy Beef Stuffed Cannelloni takes that classic comfort-food feeling and turns it into a rich, satisfying homemade meal. Tender pasta tubes are filled with seasoned ground beef and creamy ricotta, layered with a flavorful tomato sauce, and finished with plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan.
When the dish comes out of the oven, the cheese should be beautifully golden around the edges while the sauce bubbles gently underneath. Cutting into the cannelloni reveals a generous filling packed inside each pasta tube, making every serving hearty and satisfying.
This recipe may look impressive on the table, but the preparation is surprisingly straightforward. The key is to build the dish in layers and give the beef enough time to develop a rich, savory flavor before combining it with the creamy cheese filling.
Whether you're cooking for your family, preparing a weekend dinner, or simply craving a comforting pasta dish, this cannelloni is a wonderful choice.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 1 lb (500 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup tomato sauce
For the Cheese Filling
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- A pinch of black pepper
For the Sauce and Topping
- 3 cups tomato or marinara sauce
- 12–14 cannelloni pasta tubes
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
👩🍳 How to Make Cheesy Beef Stuffed Cannelloni
1. Prepare the Beef
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and slightly translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces. Cook for approximately 7–9 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked and lightly browned.
Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir well so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Then pour in the tomato sauce and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5–7 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the beef mixture to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Filling
While the beef is cooling, prepare the cheese mixture.
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
Once the beef has cooled enough to handle, gently fold it into the cheese mixture.
You should end up with a thick, flavorful filling that is easy to spoon into the pasta tubes.
3. Prepare the Cannelloni
Check the package instructions for your cannelloni. Some varieties can be filled directly while others benefit from brief cooking first.
If your pasta requires pre-cooking, boil the tubes in salted water until they are slightly softened but still firm enough to handle. Drain carefully and allow them to cool slightly.
Avoid overcooking the pasta because it will continue cooking in the oven.
For easier filling, transfer the beef and cheese mixture into a piping bag or a sturdy food-storage bag with one corner snipped off.
Carefully pipe the filling into each cannelloni tube.
4. Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread about one cup of tomato sauce across the bottom of a large baking dish.
Arrange the filled cannelloni in a single layer over the sauce.
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the pasta, making sure the tubes are well covered. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out while it bakes.
Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by the Parmesan.
For an extra flavorful finish, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the cheese.
5. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and developed a beautiful golden-brown surface.
If you want a more deeply browned top, turn on the broiler for the final 1–2 minutes. Keep a close eye on the dish during this stage because the cheese can brown very quickly.
Remove the cannelloni from the oven and let it rest for about 8–10 minutes before serving.
Finish with freshly chopped parsley.
⭐ Tips for Perfect Cannelloni
Don't overcook the pasta
If your cannelloni requires boiling before filling, cook it only until slightly tender. Pasta that is too soft can tear while you're filling it.
Let the beef cool slightly
Allowing the beef mixture to cool before combining it with the cheese and egg makes the filling easier to handle and prevents the egg from beginning to cook prematurely.
Don't skimp on the sauce
The tomato sauce provides moisture while the cannelloni cooks. Make sure the pasta is generously covered, especially around the edges.
Use freshly shredded mozzarella
Freshly shredded cheese usually melts more smoothly and gives the dish a beautiful stretchy topping.
Rest before serving
It may be tempting to serve the cannelloni immediately, but allowing it to rest for several minutes helps the filling settle and makes it much easier to serve neat portions.
Add extra flavor
For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef. You can also add finely chopped mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the filling.
Make it ahead
The assembled cannelloni can be prepared several hours in advance and refrigerated until you're ready to bake it. If baking directly from the refrigerator, allow a little extra cooking time and make sure the center is thoroughly heated.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cheesy Beef Stuffed Cannelloni with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm garlic bread.
A light salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich pasta and melted cheese.
For a beautiful presentation, place two or three cannelloni on each plate, spoon a little extra tomato sauce around them, and finish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
The combination of savory seasoned beef, creamy ricotta, tangy tomato sauce, and golden melted mozzarella makes this a deeply comforting dish that is perfect for sharing.
Whether it's a relaxed family dinner or a weekend meal with guests, this homemade cannelloni brings the warmth of a classic baked pasta dish straight to the table.
Golden, cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor — this is comfort food made for sharing.