Spinach beef cannelloni is a classic Italian comfort dish made with tender pasta tubes stuffed with rich beef, spinach, and creamy sauce—perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 5
What Is Spinach Beef Cannelloni?
Spinach beef cannelloni is a traditional Italian baked pasta dish featuring large cannelloni tubes filled with seasoned minced beef and spinach, then baked in tomato or béchamel sauce and topped with cheese. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that combines protein, vegetables, and comforting carbs in one dish.
This recipe is popular worldwide because it’s filling, freezer-friendly, and ideal for feeding a crowd. It’s also a great way to add leafy greens like spinach into a family-friendly meal.
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Beef Cannelloni Recipe
- Rich, savory Italian flavors
- Balanced meal with protein and vegetables
- Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners
- Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
- Ideal for weeknight meals or entertaining
Spinach Beef Cannelloni Recipe
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 12 cannelloni pasta tubes
- 400 g ground beef (lean)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Sauce
- 2 cups tomato pasta sauce or passata
- ½ cup béchamel sauce or cream
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Method: How to Make Spinach Beef Cannelloni
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Add the Spinach
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread half of the tomato sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish.
Step 4: Fill the Cannelloni
Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the beef and spinach mixture.
Arrange the filled cannelloni in a single layer over the sauce.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cannelloni, ensuring all pasta is covered. Spoon béchamel sauce on top and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 7: Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
This dish offers a good balance of protein, iron from beef and spinach, and calcium from cheese.
Health Benefits of Spinach Beef Cannelloni
High in Protein
The ground beef provides high-quality protein, supporting muscle growth and keeping you full longer.
Rich in Iron and Vitamins
Spinach is packed with iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support immunity and overall health.
Energy-Boosting Meal
The pasta provides carbohydrates that supply energy, making this dish ideal for active families.
Customizable for Healthier Diets
You can use lean beef, whole wheat cannelloni, or reduced-fat cheese to lower calories and fat.
Tips for Perfect Cannelloni
- Ensure cannelloni tubes are fully covered in sauce so they cook evenly
- Let the dish rest before serving for cleaner slices
- Use fresh spinach for better texture and flavor
- Freeze unbaked cannelloni for up to 2 months
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked cannelloni for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 170°C until warmed through
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