Ingredients and Preparation
The main ingredients for this recipe are cannelloni pasta, ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and cheese. Here’s a breakdown of each:
Main Ingredients
Cannelloni Pasta: Hollow pasta tubes that can be filled with the meat mixture. You can substitute with large pasta shells if desired.
Ground Meat: Ground beef, pork, or a combination, cooked and seasoned for the filling. Tomato Sauce: A simple, flavorful sauce that coats the cannelloni and keeps them moist while cooking.
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan are excellent for a golden, melting topping, with an optional sprinkling of fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
Filling Seasonings and Optional Add-ons
Onion and Garlic: For a rich, aromatic flavor.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of basil, oregano, and thyme, giving the dish an authentic Italian flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the flavors of the filling.
Red Chili Flakes (optional): For a hint of heat in the sauce.
Ricotta (optional): Adds creaminess to the filling if you prefer a softer texture.
Cooking Steps
Prepare the meat filling: Sauté the onions and garlic in a pan with a little olive oil until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until golden brown. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then let cool slightly. Prepare the tomato sauce: In the same pan, add the crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce) and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the flavors have blended. Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, if desired.
Fill the cannelloni: Pour the ground beef mixture into each cannelloni tube. Be careful not to break the pasta.
Assemble the dish: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on a baking sheet to prevent sticking. Arrange
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