Name: Delicious Cannelloni Viande Hachée for Cozy Nights In
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 500 g ground meat (Choose beef, pork, or turkey for your preferred flavor.); 250 g ricotta cheese (Adds a creamy texture and helps bind everything together.); 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust based on the saltiness of your cheese.); 1 teaspoon black pepper (Brings a touch of warmth.); ½ teaspoon nutmeg (Adds a subtle depth of flavor.); 400 g cannelloni tubes (No need to pre-cook.); 100 g grated Parmesan cheese (Adds a crispy finish.); 300 ml tomato sauce (Choose your favorite sauce.)

As I stood in my kitchen, the warm aroma of bubbling tomato sauce wafting through the air, I couldn't help but smile thinking of all the cozy family dinners that would soon unfold. This Cannelloni Viande Hachée recipe is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a plate, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or special gatherings alike. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delightful dish, blending the rich flavors of seasoned ground meat and velvety ricotta. Not to mention, the layer of golden-brown Parmesan on top adds that irresistible finishing touch. So, are you ready to dig into this delicious culinary adventure?

Why is Cannelloni Viande Hachée a Must-Try?

Comforting and Satisfying: This dish wraps you in warmth, combining savory ground meat and creamy ricotta with the hearty flavors of tomato sauce.

Quick Prep Time: With only 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time – perfect for busy weeknights!

Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Ideal for family dinners or gatherings; it’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike.

Simple Ingredients: Utilizing staples like ground meat, ricotta, and Parmesan means you won't need a trip to the specialty store.

Versatile Dish: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or sauces to make it your own, catering to every palate.

You can also explore other delicious favorites like Lasagna with Spinach and Ricotta to keep the cozy meals coming!

Cannelloni Viande Hachée Ingredients

• Get ready for a tasty delight!

For the Filling

500g ground meat – Choose beef, pork, or turkey for your preferred flavor.
250g ricotta cheese – Adds a creamy texture and helps bind everything together.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor; adjust based on the saltiness of your cheese.
1 teaspoon black pepper – Brings a touch of warmth and balances the richness of the cheese.
½ teaspoon nutmeg – Adds a subtle depth of flavor, making your filling truly special.

For the Cannelloni

400g cannelloni tubes – No need to pre-cook; these will plump up beautifully in the oven.

For the Topping

100g grated Parmesan cheese – This deliciously golden topping adds a crispy finish to your dish.
300ml tomato sauce – Choose your favorite sauce for a delightful kick of flavor.

Now you're all set to create this comforting Cannelloni Viande Hachée dish that will warm hearts and bellies!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cannelloni Viande Hachée

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This crucial first step ensures that your Cannelloni Viande Hachée cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden finish. As the oven heats up, it’s a great time to gather all your ingredients and prepare your cooking space for a delightful culinary experience.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Meat
In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the 500g of ground meat and cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This step not only infuses flavor into the meat but also creates a savory base for the filling of your cannelloni.

Step 3: Mix the Filling
Remove the skillet from heat and let the ground meat cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat with 250g of ricotta cheese, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg. Stir until well mixed, creating a creamy and flavorful filling ready to be nestled into the cannelloni tubes.

Step 4: Fill the Cannelloni
Take your uncooked cannelloni tubes and carefully fill each one with the meat and cheese mixture. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to make this easier. Aim for a generous filling, but avoid overstuffing. Continue until all your tubes are filled; this step transforms the cannelloni into a hearty centerpiece for your dish.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish
Spread a thin layer of 300ml of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor. This will ensure your Cannelloni Viande Hachée remains juicy and delicious as it cooks. Having this base layer ready creates a savory foundation for layering the filled cannelloni.

Step 6: Arrange the Filled Cannelloni
Place the filled cannelloni tubes in a single layer over the sauce in your baking dish. Gently pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top, making sure every tube is coated and will soak up those rich flavors. This step ensures a delightful burst of tomato in every bite, enhancing the overall taste.

Step 7: Add the Topping
Sprinkle 100g of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of your assembled cannelloni. This topping is key to achieving that irresistible golden crust. The cheese will melt beautifully and create a deliciously crispy finish, adding flavor and texture to your Cannelloni Viande Hachée.

Step 8: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This step lets the cannelloni steam and cook through, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll know it’s time to uncover when the aroma fills your kitchen, signaling that a cozy dinner is almost ready.

Step 9: Brown the Top
After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Watch closely as the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly, creating an inviting topping for your Cannelloni Viande Hachée. This final baking step gives you that perfect texture while ensuring the filling is hot and ready to serve.

How to Store and Freeze Cannelloni Viande Hachée

Fridge: Keep leftover cannelloni in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven until heated through, ensuring it's steaming hot.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Cannelloni Viande Hachée prior to baking. Wrap the filled uncooked tubes tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag; they can last up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat frozen uncooked cannelloni, bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time. For leftovers, reheat covered in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warm and bubbly.

Thawing: If you've frozen cooked cannelloni, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps maintain the texture and flavors of the Cannelloni Viande Hachée.

Make Ahead Options

These Cannelloni Viande Hachée are ideal for meal prep, saving you valuable time during busy weeknights! You can fully assemble the dish, covering it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If you're looking to prepare even further in advance, you can also freeze the uncooked cannelloni for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy, simply bake straight from the fridge or thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then follow the baking instructions as usual. This way, you'll have a comforting, homemade Cannelloni Viande Hachée ready to impress your family with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Cannelloni Viande Hachée?

Imagine a table adorned with vibrant dishes, each enhancing the flavor of the comforting cannelloni, creating a memorable meal experience.

Garlic Bread: This classic is a crunchy companion, perfect for scooping up sauce and adding a flavorful crunch! Pair it with your favorite herb butter for added richness.
Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast to the warm, creamy cannelloni, lightening the meal beautifully. Think of this refreshing mix as a palate cleanser between bites!
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted to caramelized perfection provide a sweet and savory balance to the rich filling. The slight char brings added depth that complements your main dish splendidly.
Creamy Risotto: This luscious, creamy side elevates the dining experience, blending flavors flawlessly with the tomato sauce. Each spoonful offers a delightful contrast in texture.
Shortbread Cookies: For a sweet finale, serve buttery shortbread cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The crunch of the cookies pairs beautifully with the smooth dessert, making it a satisfying closure to the meal.
Red Wine: A bold red wine adds a sophisticated touch and complements the hearty flavors of the cannelloni beautifully. Opt for a full-bodied variety to enhance the richness of the dish.
Parmesan Crisps: These crunchy bites can serve as a snack or a garnish atop your cannelloni if you're feeling adventurous. Their crisp texture and nutty flavor are an instant crowd-pleaser.
Steamed Asparagus: This tender vegetable adds a fresh and slightly earthy touch to your meal, elevating the whole plate while providing a pop of color.
Chocolate Mousse: As a delightful dessert, this airy treat rounds off the meal with a rich, decadent finish that leaves everyone smiling. Pair it with fresh berries for visual appeal!

Expert Tips for Cannelloni Viande Hachée

Quality Meat: Choose fresh ground meat for a flavorful filling; avoid pre-packaged, which can be less fresh and drier.
Don’t Overstuff: Fill the cannelloni tubes generously but avoid overstuffing; this prevents tearing and ensures even cooking.
Layering Sauce: Always start with tomato sauce at the bottom of the baking dish; this keeps the bottom from drying out during baking.
Bake Covered First: Cover your dish with foil during the first baking stage to trap moisture; uncover it later for a golden top.
Rest Before Serving: Let the Cannelloni Viande Hachée rest for a few minutes after baking to set up, making it easier to slice and serve.

Cannelloni Viande Hachée Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to put your spin on this recipe and explore flavors that'll make your taste buds dance with joy!

Vegetarian: Swap the ground meat for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a mix of roasted vegetables for a hearty filling. With the creamy ricotta, you'll barely miss the meat!
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cannelloni or stuffed bell peppers as a delicious alternative that caters to gluten sensitivities, giving a whole new flavor twist!
Spicy Touch: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for a kick of heat that elevates your dish into a fiery sensation!
Herbaceous Flavor: Mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley into the filling for a burst of freshness that harmonizes beautifully with the rich tomato sauce.
Smoky Flavor: Incorporate diced smoked sausage or chorizo into the meat for a smoky depth that adds layers of flavor and makes every bite captivating.
Lighter Option: Choose ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter take, maintaining all the comforting feels without sacrificing flavor.
Cheesy Delight: Experiment with different cheeses by adding mozzarella or feta to the filling for a surprise in every bite, creating that gooey texture everyone loves.
Pasta Alternatives: Instead of cannelloni tubes, use lasagna sheets or even spiralized zucchini for a fun and unique presentation that everyone will enjoy!

Feel inspired to create your own delicious twist? For more cozy meal ideas, dive into my comforting Lasagna with Spinach and Ricotta or savor the unique flavors of Stuffed Bell Peppers!

Cannelloni Viande Hachée Recipe FAQs

What kind of ground meat should I use?
Absolutely! You can use ground beef, pork, or turkey, depending on your preference. Each meat will provide its unique flavor profile, with beef offering richness, turkey being leaner, and pork giving a slightly sweeter taste. Feel free to mix them for a more complex flavor!

How long can I store Cannelloni Viande Hachée in the fridge?
Very! Leftover Cannelloni Viande Hachée can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it's time to enjoy again, simply reheat portions in the microwave or bake in the oven until it's steaming hot throughout.

Can I freeze Cannelloni Viande Hachée?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the assembled but uncooked Cannelloni Viande Hachée tightly in plastic wrap and place it into a freezer bag. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, take it out and bake it directly from frozen, adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time.

What should I do if my cannelloni tubes are difficult to fill?
If you find filling the tubes is a bit tricky, try using a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with a corner snipped off to make the process easier and less messy. This method allows for a more controlled filling, ensuring each tube is nicely packed without tearing.

Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
For those who have allergies, I recommend using a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of ricotta and Parmesan if you're lactose intolerant. Always check all pre-packaged products for any hidden allergens, and feel free to swap to a meat substitute for a vegetarian version!

How long should I let the Cannelloni Viande Hachée rest before serving?
I often recommend letting the Cannelloni Viande Hachée rest for about 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This resting period helps the filling set a bit, making it easier to slice and serve without it falling apart. Plus, it allows the flavors to meld beautifully!