Nothing says comfort food quite like a bubbling tray of baked beef cannelloni smothered in a rich, creamy mozzarella sauce. This classic Italian-inspired dish delivers everything you want in a hearty dinner—tender pasta tubes filled with savory beef, enveloped in a velvety béchamel-style cheese sauce, baked to golden, gooey perfection.
Cannelloni, which means “large reeds” in Italian, are pasta tubes typically stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables, then baked with sauce and cheese. In this version, we’re going big on flavor and comfort, using well-seasoned ground beef, herbs, and garlic, paired with a luxuriously creamy mozzarella sauce that melts into every bite.
It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or even freezer meal prep. You can make it ahead, reheat it easily, and it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Hearty, satisfying, and cheesy
✅ Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
✅ Great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd
✅ Simple ingredients, big flavor
✅ Creamy sauce without the heaviness of tomato
Recommended Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large spoon or piping bag (for filling pasta)
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, adds depth)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (helps bind the filling)
For the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warmed)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & white pepper to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional but delicious)
Other:
- 14–16 cannelloni tubes (or use manicotti if unavailable)
- Extra mozzarella for topping (about 1 cup)
- Chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Beef Filling
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and tomato paste (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Let cool slightly, then stir in parmesan cheese and egg. Mix until well combined.
Tip: For a smoother filling, pulse it a few times in a food processor. It makes piping into the tubes easier!
Step 2: Make the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add the warm milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Continue to cook until thickened (5–7 minutes), then stir in mozzarella, parmesan, salt, white pepper, and nutmeg.
- Once cheese is melted and sauce is velvety, remove from heat.
Make it richer? Add ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
Step 3: Assemble the Cannelloni
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a layer of sauce in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Fill cannelloni tubes with the beef mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Arrange the filled tubes in a single layer over the sauce.
- Pour remaining sauce evenly over the cannelloni.
- Top with extra mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley or basil.
Tips for Success
- Use oven-ready cannelloni for quicker prep. If using dry, boil until just al dente.
- Let the filling cool slightly before stuffing—it’s easier to handle.
- Make the sauce just thick enough to pour—too thick and the pasta won’t cook properly.
- For easy filling, use a piping bag with no tip or a large zip-top bag with the corner cut off.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
Variations
🥩 Ground Turkey or Chicken
Swap the beef for a leaner protein.
🥦 Vegetarian
Replace meat with a mixture of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta.
🍅 Tomato-Mozzarella
Use marinara or passata for a tomato-based twist under the creamy layer.
🧄 Garlic Lovers
Add roasted garlic purée to the béchamel for a deep, sweet garlic flavor.
🌾 Gluten-Free
Use GF pasta tubes and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Make Ahead & Storage
To Make Ahead
- Assemble completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Bring to room temperature before baking or add extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
To Store
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
To Freeze
- Assemble the dish but do not bake. Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Bake from frozen (covered) at 375°F for 45–50 minutes, then uncover and bake until bubbly.
FAQs
Can I use manicotti instead of cannelloni?
Yes! They’re slightly different in size but work similarly. You can also use cooked lasagna sheets and roll them.
Do I need to boil the pasta first?
If using oven-ready cannelloni, no. If not, follow package directions and parboil before filling.
Can I make this with ricotta cheese?
Yes—add 1 cup of ricotta to the beef mixture for a creamier filling.
What’s the difference between cannelloni and manicotti?
Cannelloni is Italian and typically smoother, while manicotti is more common in the U.S. with ridges. Both are tubular pastas meant for stuffing and baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread or cheesy rolls
- Simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus
- A glass of red wine (Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet)
Conclusion
This Baked Beef Cannelloni with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce is everything a cozy homemade dinner should be—rich, creamy, hearty, and made with love. The golden, cheesy top gives way to tender pasta filled with juicy, flavorful beef, all drenched in a luscious sauce that keeps everything moist and mouthwatering.
Whether you’re cooking for a special Sunday dinner, preparing meals in advance, or simply treating yourself to something decadent, this dish delivers every time. Plus, with make-ahead and freezer options, it’s as convenient as it is delicious.
So grab a baking dish, gather your ingredients, and bake your way into comfort-food heaven tonight!
