Beef And Pork Cannelloni
There's something special about a warm, comforting Italian-American pasta dinner that brings everyone together. For me, it's the Beef And Pork Cannelloni that my grandmother used to make when I was a child. The combination of tender beef and pork, rich tomato sauce, and creamy mozzarella cheese all wrapped up in delicate pasta tubes is a match made in heaven. In this recipe, I'll share with you my secrets for making the perfect Beef And Pork Cannelloni from scratch, just like my grandmother taught me.
One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the use of a combination of ground beef and pork. The beef adds a richness and depth of flavor, while the pork provides a tenderness and moisture that's hard to beat. And when you combine them with the right spices and herbs, you get a flavor that's truly unforgettable.
Of course, the key to making great Beef And Pork Cannelloni is to use high-quality ingredients and to take your time when preparing the dish. It's not a quick weeknight dinner, but rather a special occasion meal that's worth the extra effort. So if you're looking for a recipe that's sure to impress your family and friends, look no further than this Beef And Pork Cannelloni recipe.
I remember the first time I made this recipe on my own, I was a bit nervous. I had watched my grandmother make it countless times, but I had never actually done it myself. But with her guidance and a bit of practice, I was able to create a dish that was almost as good as hers. And now, I'm excited to share it with you, so you can enjoy it with your own family and friends.
So let's get started and make some delicious Beef And Pork Cannelloni. With this recipe, you'll be able to create a dish that's sure to become a family favorite. And don't worry if it takes a bit of time and effort - the end result is well worth it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is perfect for special occasions, such as holidays or birthdays.
- The combination of beef and pork makes for a rich and flavorful meat sauce.
- The use of high-quality ingredients ensures that the dish is both delicious and nutritious.
- The recipe is relatively easy to follow, even for beginners.
- The cannelloni can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
- The dish is perfect for a crowd, as it serves 6-8 people.
- The recipe is versatile, as you can customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to making great Beef And Pork Cannelloni is to use a combination of high-quality ingredients and careful cooking techniques. By browning the meat mixture and then simmering it in a rich tomato sauce, you create a depth of flavor that's hard to beat. And when you combine that with the creamy mozzarella cheese and delicate pasta tubes, you get a dish that's both comforting and elegant.
Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of a water bath to cook the cannelloni. This helps to prevent the pasta from drying out and ensures that it's cooked evenly throughout. And by using a combination of grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese, you get a creamy, melted cheese sauce that's the perfect complement to the meat and pasta.
Finally, the resting time is crucial in this recipe. By letting the cannelloni rest for at least 30 minutes before serving, you allow the flavors to meld together and the pasta to absorb all the delicious sauce. This makes a big difference in the final texture and flavor of the dish, so don't skip it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you'll need a combination of ground beef and pork, as well as some basic pantry staples like tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pasta tubes. You'll also need some fresh herbs like parsley and basil to add a bit of brightness to the dish. Make sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the final flavor and texture of the cannelloni.
When shopping for the ingredients, look for ground beef and pork that are freshly ground and have a good balance of fat and lean meat. You'll also want to choose a good-quality tomato sauce that's made with fresh tomatoes and doesn't have any added preservatives or sugars. And don't forget to pick up some fresh mozzarella cheese, as it's essential for the creamy cheese sauce.
- 1 lb (450g) ground beefLook for ground beef that is freshly ground and has a good balance of fat and lean meat. You can also use a combination of chuck and brisket for added flavor.
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground porkGround pork adds a tenderness and moisture to the dish that's hard to beat. Look for pork that is freshly ground and has a good balance of fat and lean meat.
- 1 onion, finely choppedA finely chopped onion adds a depth of flavor to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients. Make sure to cook it until it's translucent and starting to caramelize.
- 3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental ingredient in many Italian dishes, and it adds a richness and depth to the meat sauce. Look for fresh garlic that is firm and has no signs of sprouting.
- 1 cup (250ml) tomato sauceA good-quality tomato sauce is essential for the dish. Look for a sauce that is made with fresh tomatoes and doesn't have any added preservatives or sugars.
- 1 cup (115g) grated mozzarella cheeseFresh mozzarella cheese is essential for the creamy cheese sauce. Look for cheese that is made from whole milk and has a smooth, creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup (55g) grated parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Look for cheese that is made from whole milk and has a smooth, creamy texture.
- 1 egg, beatenThe beaten egg helps to bind the meat mixture together and adds moisture to the dish. Make sure to beat it well before adding it to the meat mixture.
- 1 tsp (5g) dried basilDried basil adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to the dish that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Look for basil that is fresh and has no signs of moisture.
- 1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoDried oregano adds a pungent, earthy flavor to the dish that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Look for oregano that is fresh and has no signs of moisture.
- 12-16 pasta tubesLook for pasta tubes that are made from high-quality durum wheat semolina and have a smooth, creamy texture. You'll need 12-16 tubes for this recipe, depending on their size.
- Salt and pepper to tasteSeason the dish with salt and pepper to taste, making sure to balance the flavors perfectly. You can also add other seasonings like nutmeg or cinnamon to give the dish an extra boost of flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Beef And Pork Cannelloni
- 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2In a large skillet or wok, cook the ground beef and pork over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
- 4Stir in the tomato sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
- 5While the sauce is cooking, cook the pasta tubes according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- 6In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture, beaten egg, and grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- 7Stuff each pasta tube with the meat mixture, placing them in a 9x13 inch baking dish as you go.
- 8Pour the tomato sauce over the stuffed pasta tubes and top with additional grated mozzarella cheese.
- 9Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 10Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 11Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- 12Serve the cannelloni hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to cook the pasta tubes until they are al dente, as this will help them hold their shape and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Don't overfill the pasta tubes, as this can cause them to burst open during cooking.
- Use a combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Let the dish rest for at least 30 minutes before serving, as this will allow the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set.
- You can make the meat sauce ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
- Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to give the dish an extra boost of flavor.
- Use high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the final flavor and texture of the dish.
- Don't be afraid to get creative and add your own twist to the recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta tubes, which can cause them to become mushy and unappetizing.
- Not letting the dish rest for long enough, which can cause the cheese to be runny and the flavors to be unbalanced.
- Using low-quality ingredients, which can result in a dish that is bland and unappetizing.
- Not cooking the meat mixture long enough, which can cause it to be pink and undercooked.
- Not seasoning the dish enough, which can result in a dish that is bland and unappetizing.
- Not using enough cheese, which can result in a dish that is dry and unappetizing.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
- Use different types of cheese, such as ricotta or provolone, for a unique flavor and texture.
- Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the meat mixture for added flavor and brightness.
- Use different types of pasta tubes, such as penne or rigatoni, for a unique texture and shape.
- Add some spicy Italian sausage to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
- Use a combination of ground meats, such as beef, pork, and veal, for a rich and complex flavor.
- Add some grated nutmeg or cinnamon to the meat mixture for a warm and aromatic flavor.
What to Serve With Beef And Pork Cannelloni
This Beef And Pork Cannelloni is perfect for serving with a simple green salad and a side of garlic bread. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or zucchini, for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
For a more substantial meal, you can serve the cannelloni with a side of sautéed spinach or roasted potatoes. And for a special occasion, you can serve it with a side of grilled chicken or shrimp for a decadent and indulgent meal.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
This Beef And Pork Cannelloni can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. To refrigerate, let the dish cool completely and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, let the dish cool completely and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
When reheating the dish, make sure to cover it with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning. And if you're reheating it from frozen, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure that it's heated through.
It's also a good idea to let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, as this will allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together. And if you're serving it to a crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pasta tubes should I use for this recipe?
You can use any type of pasta tube you like, but cannelloni tubes work best. They are long, thin tubes that are specifically designed for stuffing and baking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meat sauce and cook the pasta tubes ahead of time. Simply refrigerate or freeze them until you're ready to assemble and bake the dish.
What type of cheese should I use for this recipe?
You can use any type of cheese you like, but mozzarella and parmesan work best. They have a mild, creamy flavor that complements the meat sauce and pasta tubes perfectly.
Can I add other ingredients to the meat mixture?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the meat mixture to give it extra flavor and texture. Some ideas include diced bell peppers, chopped mushrooms, or grated carrots.
How do I prevent the pasta tubes from becoming mushy?
To prevent the pasta tubes from becoming mushy, make sure to cook them until they are al dente. This will help them hold their shape and prevent them from absorbing too much sauce.
Can I freeze the dish after it's been baked?
Yes, you can freeze the dish after it's been baked. Simply let it cool completely and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the dish after it's been frozen?
To reheat the dish after it's been frozen, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply cook the meat mixture and pasta tubes according to the recipe, and then assemble the dish in the slow cooker. Cook it on low for 2-3 hours, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What type of tomato sauce should I use for this recipe?
You can use any type of tomato sauce you like, but a good-quality sauce made with fresh tomatoes and no added preservatives or sugars works best.

Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (250ml) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (115g) grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (55g) grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp (5g) dried basil
- 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
- 12-16 pasta tubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet or wok, cook the ground beef and pork over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
- While the sauce is cooking, cook the pasta tubes according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture, beaten egg, and grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff each pasta tube with the meat mixture, placing them in a 9x13 inch baking dish as you go.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the stuffed pasta tubes and top with additional grated mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve the cannelloni hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.