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Craving a delicious journey to the heart of Italy? Give in to our beef & pork meat cannelloni—generously filled, smothered in a slow-simmered tomato sauce, and delicately scented with thyme and oregano. An authentic, comforting recipe that tastes like home.
“On the days when the whole family gathered around the table, Nonna knew one thing for sure: a dish of cannelloni would always bring smiles. A generous beef and pork filling, a gently simmered tomato sauce, a hint of thyme and oregano… and the kitchen would instantly fill with comforting aromas.”
“Warm, heartfelt, and full of soul, these cannelloni were her way of bringing everyone together around a simple, cozy, deeply Italian dish.”
— Casa Bandera, from our Famiglia to yours
Meat Cannelloni: a timeless classic of Italian family cooking
Picture yourself seated around a large Italian table. The scent of slowly simmered tomato sauce and Mediterranean herbs lingers in the air. Generously filled with beef and pork, the cannelloni become more than just a dish—they turn into a moment of togetherness. Hearty, comforting, and deeply authentic, they embody Italian family cooking, passed down with love and patience, one bite at a time.
The origins and tradition of this Italian recipe
Meat cannelloni are one of those iconic dishes of Italian home cooking, handed down from generation to generation. Originally from central and southern Italy, they perfectly illustrate the art of turning simple ingredients into a generous, welcoming meal.
The recipe is both accessible and carefully crafted: a flavorful beef and pork filling, gently seasoned with thyme and oregano, tucked into pasta tubes and topped with a long-simmered tomato sauce.
Before going into the oven, the cannelloni are covered with mozzarella, which slowly melts as it bakes, creating a golden, stretchy, gratinated layer that adds richness and indulgence to the dish.
With every bite, you’ll enjoy a soft, comforting texture, where the richness of the meat, the sweetness of the tomato sauce, and the melted mozzarella come together in perfect harmony.
This dish celebrates the very essence of Italian cuisine: simple ingredients, time, and a whole lot of heart. Here is the family meat cannelloni recipe from Casa Bandera—an invitation to share and gather, the Italian way.
Read also: The Authentic Italian Carbonara Recipe
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Information |
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Difficulty 2/5 Cost medium Preparation time 30 minutes Cooking time 35 minutes Gluten |
Portions 4 Calories 710 kcal Utensils saucepan, mixing bowl, wooden spoon, knife, cutting board, baking dish, grater, bowl Seasons all year round |
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Ingredients |
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Dry cannelloni 18 Ground meat (beef or beef/pork) 700 g Onion 1 Garlic 2 cloves Mutti tomato sauce 800 mL Mozzarella 150 g Thyme Oregano Olive oil Salt and pepper |
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1 Finely chop the onion and garlic. In a saucepan with a drizzle of olive oil, sauté the onion over high heat until translucent. Add the garlic, then the ground meat. The meat should be seared, lightly browned, and nicely crumbled.
2 Lower the heat to medium and add the tomato sauce. Season with thyme and oregano, then a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, covered, to concentrate the flavors.
3 Start by spreading a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Fill each cannelloni tube with the meat sauce using a spoon or piping bag. To make it easier, you can stand the tubes upright while filling them. Arrange them side by side in the dish. If needed, create a second layer, adding a thin layer of sauce in between to fully coat the pasta.
4 Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Generously cover the cannelloni with the remaining sauce. Top with mozzarella cut into small pieces for a melty, lightly golden, irresistible gratin. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a few sprigs of thyme on top.
5 Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the mozzarella is bubbly, melted, and lightly golden.
6 Let the dish rest for a few minutes so the flavors can come together perfectly. Serve hot. Pair with a fresh green salad or good Italian bread to enjoy every rich, comforting bite.
Recommended food & wine pairing
To accompany meat cannelloni, a classic Chianti, with its red fruit notes and gentle acidity, perfectly balances the richness of the meat and the creamy sweetness of the baked mozzarella. Discover our selection of the best Italian wines.
Also read: Our Traditional Italian Veal Milanese Recipe
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