Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Cannelloni for Cozy Family Dinners

Cheesy Ground Beef Cannelloni is the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary evening into something memorable. Tender pasta tubes are stuffed with a creamy ricotta blend and seasoned ground beef, then baked in a rich tomato-garlic sauce until golden and bubbling. The result is pure Italian comfort, creamy, hearty, and satisfying from the first bite to the last.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between homestyle coziness and restaurant-quality presentation. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a Sunday gathering or special occasion.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Ground Beef Cannelloni

Layers of melted cheese that create the ultimate creamy texture
A rich, savory beef filling seasoned with paprika and tomato paste
Silky tomato-garlic sauce that pulls all the flavors together
Can be assembled ahead for easy entertaining
Feeds a family with minimal effort and maximum comfort

The Story Behind Cheesy Ground Beef Cannelloni

Cannelloni, which means “large reeds” in Italian, has its roots in traditional southern Italian cooking. The classic version was typically filled with spinach and ricotta, but over time, variations with ground meat and creamy cheese sauces became beloved across Italy and beyond.

This modern Cheesy Ground Beef Cannelloni takes inspiration from both worlds, the creamy cheese-filled pasta of northern Italy and the hearty tomato-based sauces of the south. It’s comfort food that tells a story of tradition, warmth, and family gatherings.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Cannelloni

Prepare the Filling: Combine ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper until creamy. — **Prepare the Filling:** Combine ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper until creamy.

Cook the Beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then stir in tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. — **Cook the Beef and Make the Sauce:** Brown the beef with tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper, then add garlic, butter, tomatoes, cream, and seasonings. Simmer until smooth and rich.

Assemble and Bake: Fill the cannelloni tubes with the cheese mixture, arrange in a baking dish, pour over the sauce, top with beef and mozzarella, then bake until golden and bubbling. — **Assemble and Bake:** Fill the cannelloni tubes with the cheese mixture, arrange in a baking dish, pour over the sauce, top with beef and mozzarella, then bake until golden and bubbling.

Once baked, let it rest a few minutes before serving so the sauce settles and the layers hold together beautifully.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef Cannelloni

Use a piping bag or small spoon to fill the cannelloni tubes easily.
If using no-boil pasta tubes, make sure the sauce is slightly runny so they cook perfectly in the oven.
Let the cannelloni sit for 10 minutes after baking to set the layers.
Add a sprinkle of nutmeg to the cheese mixture for a subtle depth of flavor.

Variations on Cheesy Ground Beef Cannelloni

Spinach Cannelloni: Add chopped spinach or kale to the cheese filling.
Vegetarian Cannelloni: Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
Spicy Cannelloni: Add chili flakes or spicy Italian sausage to the sauce for a little heat.
Four-Cheese Cannelloni: Mix in provolone or fontina for an extra-rich variation.

What to Serve with Cheesy Ground Beef Cannelloni

This dish is rich and filling, so pair it with lighter sides for balance:

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Garlic bread or focaccia for dipping into the sauce
Roasted vegetables such as zucchini or asparagus
A glass of Chianti or another medium-bodied red wine

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Ground Beef Cannelloni

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Freeze: Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for meal prep or dinner parties.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Ground Beef Cannelloni

Can I substitute the beef for another protein?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based mince works beautifully.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese or mascarpone can be substituted for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Do I need to boil the cannelloni before filling?

Most store-bought cannelloni tubes are no-boil. Just ensure there’s enough sauce for moisture during baking.

Can I make Cheesy Ground Beef Cannelloni ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking.

What is the difference between cannelloni and manicotti?

Cannelloni is Italian and slightly smoother in texture, while manicotti is an American version with ridges. Either can be used in this recipe.

Final Thoughts on Cheesy Ground Beef Cannelloni

Cheesy Ground Beef Cannelloni brings everything we love about Italian comfort food into one baking dish. Creamy cheese, flavorful beef, and rich tomato sauce create a meal that’s both simple and special. It’s a timeless recipe that fits any occasion, from casual dinners to cozy family celebrations.

For more recipes that bring warmth, comfort, and big flavor to your table, visit Aylin Cooks and explore more Italian-inspired favorites that everyone will love.

Cheesy Ground Beef Cannelloni

Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this cannelloni is filled with a rich mixture of ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, paired with perfectly seasoned ground beef and baked in a flavorful tomato-garlic sauce. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Servings: 5

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 842

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients

MetricUS Customary

For the cannelloni:

20 cannelloni tubes

For the Filling:

350 g ricotta
200 g cream cheese
100-150 g shredded mozzarella
50 g grated Parmesan
Fresh basil leaves chopped
salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
6 garlic cloves crushed
100-150 g crushed tomatoes
3/4 cup soy cream
200 ml water
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Ground Beef:

300 g ground beef
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Equipment

Large saucepan
Frying pan
Mixing bowls
Baking Dish (approx. 9×13 in / 23×33 cm)
Spatula or wooden spoon
Piping bag or spoon for filling cannelloni

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped basil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a pan, sauté the ground beef until browned. Add tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, then set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté crushed garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, soy cream, and water. Season with paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Fill uncooked cannelloni with the cheese mixture and place them in a baking dish. Pour the sauce on top, add the cooked ground beef, sprinkle a little mozzarella, and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 842kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 37gFat: 52gSaturated Fat: 27gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 1110mgPotassium: 681mgFiber: 5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 3396IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 446mgIron: 5mg

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!