Embark on a culinary journey to Italy with Baked Cannelloni, a dish that marries al dente pasta tubes with a savory meat sauce and a luxurious bechamel topping. This Italian classic promises layers of flavor and gooey cheese in every bite.
INGREDIENTS:
For the Cannelloni:
– 12 cannelloni tubes
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 egg
For the Bechamel Sauce:
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– Salt and nutmeg to taste
Crafting the Cannelloni:
Preparing the Cannelloni:
1. Cook the cannelloni tubes according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. In a skillet, orchestrate the sizzle as the ground beef dances to a golden brown hue over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
3. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, letting their aromas fill the stage. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
4. Infuse the symphony with crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the flavors harmonize for 10 minutes.
5. In a bowl, choreograph a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, and egg—a crescendo of creamy, cheesy goodness.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to set the stage for this culinary performance.
7. Lovingly stuff each cooled cannelloni tube with the cheesy mixture, filling them to the brim, creating savory delights.
8. Arrange the stuffed cannelloni in a greased baking dish, ready to embrace the meat sauce.
Creating the Bechamel Sauce:
1. In a saucepan, let the butter melt into a silky river over medium heat. Introduce the flour, creating a roux painted in golden hues. Cook for a minute, allowing the flavors to flourish.
2. Pour in the milk, stirring gently to weave a luxurious bechamel tapestry. Season this creamy creation with salt and a dash of nutmeg for a comforting finish.
Assembling and Baking the Cannelloni:
1. Pour the meat sauce generously over the lined-up cannelloni tubes, enveloping them in savory indulgence.
2. Gracefully cover the dish with aluminum foil, allowing the flavors to dance in harmony, baking in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
3. Uncover the dish and let the cannelloni bask for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top achieves a golden, bubbling perfection.
Relish the aroma as the Baked Cannelloni emerges from the oven—a symphony of pasta, meaty goodness, and creamy indulgence waiting to be savored. Buon appetito!
