Name: Easy & Delicious Baked Beef Cannelloni Recipe with Spinach
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 cannelloni pasta tubes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, well drained); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 2 cups tomato sauce; 0.5 cup heavy cream; 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

I love making this Easy & Delicious Baked Beef Cannelloni with Spinach when I want a comforting, oven-baked pasta dish that feels hearty and homemade. The tender cannelloni tubes filled with savory beef, spinach, and creamy sauce make this a meal I always look forward to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it’s rich, filling, and perfect for cozy dinners. I like that I can prepare it ahead of time and let the oven do most of the work. The combination of beef, spinach, and sauce baked together creates layers of flavor that feel classic and satisfying. Easy & Delicious Baked Beef Cannelloni Recipe with Spinach

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cannelloni pasta tubes
olive oil
onion, finely chopped
garlic cloves, minced
ground beef
fresh or frozen spinach
ricotta cheese
egg
Italian seasoning
salt
black pepper
tomato sauce
heavy cream
shredded mozzarella cheese
grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cooking the onion until soft. I add the garlic and cook briefly, then add the ground beef and cook until browned. I season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

I stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, then remove the mixture from the heat. Once slightly cooled, I mix in the ricotta cheese and egg until well combined.

I spoon the filling into the cannelloni tubes and arrange them in a baking dish. I pour tomato sauce and cream over the top, making sure the pasta is well covered. I finish by sprinkling mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over everything.

I cover the dish with foil and bake until the pasta is tender, then uncover it and bake until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Servings and Timing

I usually get about 4 to 5 servings from this recipe.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 40 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour

Variations

I sometimes substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option. When I want more richness, I add a little nutmeg to the filling. I also enjoy using a béchamel-style sauce instead of cream for a different texture.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I cover the dish and warm it in the oven or microwave so the pasta stays moist. Easy & Delicious Baked Beef Cannelloni Recipe with Spinach

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I often assemble it ahead, cover it tightly, and bake it when I’m ready to serve.

Do I need to cook the cannelloni first?

I don’t pre-cook them, as they soften perfectly while baking in the sauce.

Can I freeze baked cannelloni?

I can freeze it before or after baking, and it reheats well when covered.

What spinach works best?

I usually use fresh spinach, but frozen works too if it’s well drained.

How do I keep the cannelloni from drying out?

I make sure the pasta is fully covered with sauce before baking.

Conclusion

I enjoy this Easy & Delicious Baked Beef Cannelloni with Spinach because it’s comforting, cheesy, and full of classic flavors. It’s a reliable baked pasta dish I love making when I want something hearty, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.