Stuffed Beef Cannelloni with Bechamel Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying

• Perfect for make-ahead meals and entertaining

• Classic combination of beef, pasta, and béchamel

• Bakes beautifully with a golden, bubbly top

• Crowd-pleasing comfort food

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the filling:

• 12–14 cannelloni pasta tubes

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the béchamel sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 1/2 cups milk

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese

For layering:

• 1 cup marinara sauce

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until softened. Stir in garlic and cook briefly.

3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

5. Spread marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

6. Fill each uncooked cannelloni tube with the beef mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Arrange them in a single layer over the sauce.

7. To prepare the béchamel, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.

8. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.

9. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and grated cheese. Cook until creamy.

10. Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the filled cannelloni, covering them completely.

11. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.

12. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

13. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6 servings

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Spinach and Beef: Add sautéed spinach to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Ricotta Blend: Mix ricotta cheese into the beef filling for a creamier texture.

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

• Chicken Cannelloni: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for beef.

• Extra Cheesy: Add additional mozzarella or Parmesan on top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze baked leftovers once cooled. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Do I need to cook the cannelloni before stuffing?

Most dried cannelloni can be filled uncooked and will soften while baking in the sauce.

How do I prevent the pasta from staying hard?

Make sure the cannelloni are fully covered with sauce and béchamel so they cook evenly.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.

Why is my béchamel lumpy?

Whisk continuously while adding milk and ensure the flour is fully incorporated into the butter.

Can I make it without tomato sauce?

Yes, you can skip the marinara and rely solely on béchamel for a white-sauce version.

What type of cheese works best?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, while Parmesan adds sharp flavor. A combination works well.

How do I know when it’s done?

The top should be golden and bubbly, and the pasta should be tender when pierced with a knife.

Can I use fresh pasta sheets instead?

Yes, you can roll fresh pasta sheets around the filling and arrange them seam-side down.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well either before or after baking.

Why let it rest before serving?

Resting helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve neatly.

Conclusion

Stuffed Beef Cannelloni with Bechamel Sauce is a rich, comforting baked pasta dish that combines savory beef filling, creamy sauce, and tender pasta into one satisfying meal. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home, it’s a timeless recipe that’s sure to impress.

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