Spinach Beef Cannelloni – Ultra Comforting, Classic, and Perfect for the Freezer

Few dishes capture the soul of Italian-style comfort food quite like Spinach Beef Cannelloni. With tender pasta tubes stuffed full of savory beef, wilted spinach, creamy ricotta, and aromatic herbs, then baked in rich tomato sauce and bubbling cheese, this is the kind of meal that feels like a warm embrace. It’s hearty, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic—exactly what comfort food should be.

Cannelloni has long been a staple of family tables, Sunday lunches, and special gatherings. Unlike quick pasta dishes, cannelloni is intentionally slower, layered, and generous. Each tube is filled with care, creating a dish that feels special without being fussy. This spinach beef cannelloni recipe honors that tradition while remaining practical for modern home cooks.

What truly sets this version apart is how freezer-friendly it is. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy weeks, stocking the freezer for new parents, or planning stress-free entertaining, this cannelloni delivers beautifully every time.

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Why Spinach Beef Cannelloni Is a Family Favorite

Spinach beef cannelloni hits all the right notes. The beef provides richness and depth, the spinach adds balance and freshness, and the cheese binds everything together into a creamy, savory filling. Baked in tomato sauce, the pasta softens perfectly while absorbing flavor from the surrounding sauce.

This dish also appeals to all ages. It’s familiar enough for picky eaters, yet satisfying and flavorful enough for adults. The spinach blends seamlessly into the filling, making it an excellent way to include greens without resistance.

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Ingredients

• 16–18 cannelloni tubes
• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups tomato passata or marinara sauce
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft.
3. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef, breaking it up and cooking until browned.
5. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool slightly.
7. In a bowl, combine beef mixture with ricotta, parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
8. Spread 1 cup of tomato sauce over the base of a baking dish.
9. Fill cannelloni tubes with the beef and spinach mixture.
10. Arrange filled cannelloni in the dish.
11. Pour remaining sauce over the top, ensuring pasta is well covered.
12. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
13. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
14. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
15. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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What Makes This Cannelloni Ultra Comforting

The comfort factor comes from balance. The beef adds savory depth, ricotta brings creaminess, spinach lightens the filling, and tomato sauce adds acidity to prevent heaviness. Baking everything together allows the flavors to meld into a cohesive, deeply satisfying dish.

The texture is equally important. Properly baked cannelloni should be tender but not mushy, with a creamy interior and lightly crisped cheese on top.

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Freezer-Friendly and Make-Ahead Instructions

Spinach beef cannelloni is ideal for freezing, either baked or unbaked.

To Freeze Unbaked:

• Assemble the dish completely.
• Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Bake from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 60–70 minutes, removing foil at the end.

To Freeze Baked:

• Cool completely.
• Portion if desired.
• Freeze airtight for up to 3 months.
• Reheat covered until hot throughout.

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Tips for Perfect Cannelloni

• Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped for easy filling.
• Ensure cannelloni is fully covered with sauce to cook evenly.
• Resting the dish before serving helps it hold its shape.
• Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Extra Creamy: Add béchamel sauce under or over the tomato sauce.
• Vegetarian: Replace beef with mushrooms and lentils.
• Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini slices instead of pasta tubes.
• Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes to the beef mixture.

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Serving Suggestions

Spinach beef cannelloni pairs beautifully with:

• Simple green salad with balsamic dressing
• Garlic bread or focaccia
• Roasted vegetables
• A glass of red wine

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Cultural Context

Cannelloni originated in Italy as a celebratory dish, often served during holidays and gatherings. While fillings vary by region, meat-and-cheese combinations remain among the most beloved. This spinach beef version reflects the evolution of traditional Italian cooking in home kitchens worldwide.

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Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families

Despite its impressive appearance, spinach beef cannelloni is straightforward to prepare and forgiving in execution. It can be assembled ahead of time, feeds a crowd, reheats well, and freezes beautifully—making it one of the most practical comfort food recipes available.

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Final Thoughts

Spinach Beef Cannelloni is everything a comfort meal should be: rich, hearty, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. Whether served fresh from the oven or reheated from the freezer, it delivers consistent results and timeless appeal. This is a recipe worth keeping forever.