Ingredients:
1.2 kg ground beef
Use quality ground beef, ideally 15% fat, for a flavorful and juicy stuffing.
2 eggs
These help bind the stuffing and give it a nice consistency when cooked.
Salt, black pepper, sweet paprika
A simple but effective seasoning to enhance the flavor of the beef without masking its richness.
1 finely chopped onion
It adds a tender, flavorful, and sweet texture to the stuffing.
20 to 25 cannelloni tubes
The tubes should be dry and ready to stuff. Avoid those that require pre-cooking.
Olive oil to grease the dish
To prevent the cannelloni from sticking to the bottom and to give the gratin a Mediterranean flavor.
For the mozzarella sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
An essential base for creating a light roux.
2 tablespoons flour
A natural thickener, it helps thicken the sauce.
480 ml milk
Preferably whole or semi-skimmed for a creamy texture.
100 g grated mozzarella
Added at the end, it gives the sauce an irresistible softness.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For a warm and fragrant note, which delicately enhances the cream.
To bake:
50 g grated Parmesan
This hard cheese adds crispness and a beautiful golden color to the gratin.
Chopped fresh parsley
A herbaceous and decorative finish when serving.
Why this recipe works so well
This dish combines all the qualities of a good pasta bake: a generous filling, a creamy sauce, balanced flavors, and a golden brown. The ground beef, well-seasoned and sautéed with onion and spices, makes a flavorful base that holds up well when cooked.
The mozzarella sauce, similar to an enriched béchamel sauce, is distinguished by its melt-in-your-mouth texture and stringiness. It coats the pasta, preventing it from drying out in the oven, and reinforces the comfort food aspect of the dish.
Provisions
The cannelloni themselves are an excellent base: easy to stuff, they become tender when cooked while holding their shape. Finally, the gratin completes the dish with a golden, crisp, and irresistible crust.
Gratin dishes
Comfort food:
This is also an economical and nourishing recipe that can be adapted to suit the ingredients in your pantry. And best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Step-by-step preparation:
