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.
