Beef Cannelloni Bake

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 1 (12 ounce) package cannelloni shells
• 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is evenly browned. Drain off grease. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Set aside.
4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in milk, and continue stirring until sauce has thickened. Remove from heat.
5. Fill the cannelloni shells with the ricotta cheese mixture. Arrange filled shells in prepared baking dish. Pour beef mixture over the shells, and top with béchamel sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until bubbly and lightly browned.

Interesting Facts

• The dish originated in Italy and is very popular in the United States.
• Cannelloni is the Italian word for “large pipes”, referring to the shape of the pasta.
• Beef cannelloni is a great meal to make ahead of time and enjoy later.