Discover how to make scrumptious Canelones, also known as Cannelloni, with our easy-to-follow recipe. These Italian pasta tubes are generously stuffed with your choice of savory meat or creamy cheese filling, then baked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Enjoy the authentic flavors of Italy right at home!

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

 - 12-15 cannelloni tubes

For the Meat Filling:

 - 250g ground beef or pork

 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

 - 1 cup spinach, chopped

 - 1 cup ricotta cheese

 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

 - 1 egg

 - Salt and pepper to taste

 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Cheese Filling:

 - 1 cup ricotta cheese

 - 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

 - 1 egg

 - 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil or spinach

 - Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

 - 2 cups marinara sauce

 - 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (for topping)

 - Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pasta:

  - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  - Cook the cannelloni tubes according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Meat Filling (if using):

  - In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or pork over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

  - Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.

  - Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.

  - Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

  - In a bowl, mix the cooked meat mixture with ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and oregano. 

Prepare the Cheese Filling (if using):

  - In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped basil or spinach, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Stuff the Cannelloni:

  - Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cannelloni tube with the meat or cheese filling.

Assemble and Bake:

  - Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

  - Arrange the stuffed cannelloni in a single layer on top of the sauce.

  - Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the cannelloni and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

  - Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. 

  - Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve:

  - Let the cannelloni cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Canelones with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!

Nutritional Values:

Cannelloni Tubes:

- Calories: 150-200 kcal  

- Protein: 5-6g  

- Carbohydrates: 30-35g  

- Fat: 1-2g  

- Fiber: 2g  

benefits:

Cannelloni tubes provide a good source of carbohydrates, offering energy to fuel daily activities. When consumed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet.

Ground Beef:

- Calories: 250 kcal  

- Protein: 26g  

- Carbohydrates: 0g  

- Fat: 20g  

- Iron: 2.6mg (14% of Daily Value)  

benefits:

Ground beef is rich in high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. It also provides iron, which is important for oxygen transport in the blood, and contains zinc and B vitamins that support overall health.

Ricotta Cheese:

- Calories: 174 kcal  

- Protein: 11g  

- Carbohydrates: 3g  

- Fat: 14g  

- Calcium: 300mg (30% of Daily Value)  

benefits:

Ricotta cheese offers protein and calcium, which are crucial for bone health. It is also lower in fat compared to some other cheeses, making it a good choice for a balanced diet.

Parmesan Cheese:

- Calories: 431 kcal  

- Protein: 38g  

- Carbohydrates: 4g  

- Fat: 29g  

- Calcium: 1184mg (118% of Daily Value)  

benefits:

Parmesan cheese is high in protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle function. Its strong flavor means a little can add significant nutritional value to dishes.

Mozzarella Cheese:

- Calories: 280 kcal  

- Protein: 28g  

- Carbohydrates: 2g  

- Fat: 17g  

- Calcium: 505mg (50% of Daily Value)  

benefits:

Mozzarella cheese provides protein and calcium, important for muscle and bone health. It is typically lower in fat compared to other cheeses, making it a better option for a balanced diet.

Spinach:

- Calories: 23 kcal  

- Protein: 2.9g  

- Carbohydrates: 3.6g  

- Fat: 0.4g  

- Vitamin A: 469µg (52% of Daily Value)  

- Iron: 2.7mg (15% of Daily Value)  

benefits:

Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are important for immune function and skin health. It also provides iron and antioxidants that support overall health.

Onion:

- Calories: 40 kcal  

- Protein: 1.1g  

- Carbohydrates: 9.3g  

- Fat: 0.1g  

- Vitamin C: 8.1mg (9% of Daily Value)  

benefits:

Onions are rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support heart health. They also contain compounds that may boost immune function.

Garlic:

- Calories: 149 kcal  

- Protein: 6.4g  

- Carbohydrates: 33g  

- Fat: 0.5g  

- Vitamin C: 31.2mg (35% of Daily Value)  

benefits:

Garlic is known for its potential anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It may also help improve heart health and regulate blood sugar levels.

Tomato Sauce:

- Calories: 29 kcal  

- Protein: 1.3g  

- Carbohydrates: 6g  

- Fat: 0.2g  

- Vitamin C: 14.0mg (16% of Daily Value)  

benefits:

Tomato sauce contains lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health and may reduce cancer risk. It also provides vitamin C and other nutrients that contribute to overall health.

These ingredients in Canelones not only create a delicious dish but also offer a range of nutritional benefits that support overall well-being.