Spinach Beef Cannelloni: A Comforting Italian Classic for Family Tables

Spinach Beef Cannelloni is the kind of dish that feels both comforting and impressive, making it perfect for cozy family dinners, special occasions, or make-ahead meals that reheat beautifully. This classic Italian-inspired pasta bake combines tender cannelloni tubes stuffed with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, wilted spinach, creamy ricotta, and aromatic herbs, all baked under a blanket of rich tomato sauce and melted cheese.

What makes this dish especially loved is its balance. The beef brings heartiness and depth, the spinach adds freshness and color, and the cheeses tie everything together with creamy richness. It’s a meal that satisfies meat lovers while still sneaking in greens, making it ideal for family cooking.

Cannelloni itself has a long history in Italian cuisine, traditionally filled with meats, cheeses, or vegetables depending on the region. While Italian grandmothers may debate the “correct” filling, this spinach and beef version has become a global favorite thanks to its familiar flavors and crowd-pleasing nature.

This Spinach Beef Cannelloni recipe is designed to be approachable for home cooks while still delivering restaurant-quality results. Whether served at a weekend gathering or portioned for weekday meal prep, it’s a dish that earns its place in any recipe collection.

Why Spinach Beef Cannelloni Works So Well

The beauty of baked cannelloni lies in texture and layering. The pasta softens as it bakes, absorbing flavors from the sauce. Inside, the filling remains moist and rich, while the top becomes golden and bubbly.

Spinach pairs exceptionally well with beef because it lightens the dish without overpowering it. Ricotta adds creaminess, Parmesan brings salt and umami, and mozzarella ensures that irresistible cheese pull when served hot.

Unlike quick skillet pastas, cannelloni is a slow, comforting bake—ideal for sharing, slicing, and serving straight from the oven.

Ingredients

• 12 cannelloni pasta tubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
• 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the cannelloni in a single layer.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
5. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
6. In a bowl, combine the beef and spinach mixture with ricotta and Parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly combined.
7. Spoon the filling into the cannelloni tubes, using a piping bag or small spoon.
8. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the bottom of the baking dish.
9. Arrange the filled cannelloni in the dish and cover with remaining sauce.
10. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.
11. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
12. Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Tips for Perfect Cannelloni

• Slightly undercook fresh spinach to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
• Use a piping bag for neat, easy filling.
• Let the dish rest before serving so the cannelloni holds its shape.

Variations and Customizations

• Cheesy Spinach Beef Cannelloni: Add shredded provolone to the filling.
• Creamy Tomato Bake: Mix a little cream into the tomato sauce.
• Spicy Version: Add chili flakes to the beef mixture.
• Freezer-Friendly: Assemble fully, cover tightly, and freeze before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Spinach Beef Cannelloni pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For gatherings, serve it family-style straight from the baking dish for a warm, inviting presentation.

Cultural Context and Fun Facts

Cannelloni originated as a celebratory dish, often prepared for holidays and gatherings due to its time-intensive preparation. Today, it’s beloved worldwide for the same reason—food meant to be shared, savored, and remembered.

Spinach Beef Cannelloni

Tender cannelloni tubes stuffed with savory beef, spinach, and creamy ricotta, baked in rich tomato sauce with melted cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cannelloni

• 12 pieces cannelloni tubes
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese shredded

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
3. Add ground beef, season, and cook until browned.
4. Stir in spinach and remove from heat.
5. Mix beef with ricotta and Parmesan.
6. Fill cannelloni tubes with mixture.
7. Cover with tomato sauce and mozzarella.
8. Bake covered for 30 minutes, uncovered for 15 minutes.

Notes

Let rest before serving for best texture.