Beef cannelloni au gratin with mozzarella sauce perfectly embodies home cooking, generous and full of comfort. This Italian-inspired dish is a true ode to deep flavors, the tenderness of stewed meat, the sweetness of a cheesy béchamel sauce, and the crispness of a golden oven gratin.

If you’re looking for a friendly recipe that’s easy to prepare in advance and will delight both children and the most discerning palates, these cannelloni are for you. Their ground beef and egg filling creates a well-bound, flavorful, and moist filling. As for the mozzarella sauce, it transforms this dish into a melt-in-your-mouth and irresistible experience, halfway between lasagna and a revisited béchamel sauce.

With this recipe, you’ll discover how to transform a simple dish into a gourmet marvel without the hassle. Whether you serve them for a Sunday lunch or a dinner party with friends, these cannelloni will impress everyone.

Origin and popularity of the recipe:
Cannelloni are an iconic specialty of Italian cuisine. Their name comes from the Italian word canna, meaning tube, and refers to a cylindrical pasta dish that can be stuffed. Historically, cannelloni are filled with ricotta and spinach or stewed meat, then topped with tomato sauce or béchamel sauce before being baked in the oven.

The ground beef version is one of the most popular internationally, particularly in France and Canada, where it has become a classic family meal. With the addition of melted mozzarella cheese, this version is modernized and even creamier, while retaining the charm of a comforting, homemade dish.

This dish is now a must-have in homes that love hearty cuisine, and regularly features on the menus of Italian trattorias.