The Butcher Shop, Inc.

Locally Sourced Quality Food

Beef and Spinach Cannelloni

by

Transport your taste buds to Italy with this simple and delightful Beef and Spinach Cannelloni recipe. Perfect for a fun, themed dinner, this dish captures the essence of Italian flavors without the hassle. The star of the show is the luscious homemade sauce, crafted with a tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, sweet onion, crushed tomatoes, and a medley of herbs and spices. Simmered to perfection, this sauce effortlessly infuses the cannelloni tubes with a burst of savory goodness.

A combination of ground beef, garlic, onion, and thawed spinach creates a hearty and flavorful mixture for the filling. Enhanced with a beef bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of pepper, the filling is a savory symphony waiting to unfold.

Assembling the Cannelloni is a breeze – simply use a piping bag or a teaspoon to fill the tubes with the delectable beef and spinach mixture. A generous layer of mozzarella cheese crowns the dish, creating a golden, gooey topping when baked.

Bake to perfection, and voilà! Your Beef and Spinach Cannelloni is ready to be served. Whether entertaining guests or treating your family, this easy-to-make recipe promises a taste of Italy that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Buon appetito!

Ingredients for the sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 sweet onion, chopped (use the other half for the filling below)
  • 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

How to prepare the sauce:

  1. Saute the garlic and onion for two minutes using a large saucepan and the olive oil.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients and stir.
  3. When the ingredients begin to simmer, lower the heat to medium-low and simmer with a lid on for 1o minutes.
  4. Pour into a blender or food processor and mix until smooth.
  5. Set aside and move on to making the filling.

Note: the sauce will soak into the cannelloni tubes, so it should be very watery.

Ingredients for the filling:

  • 1 1/2 pounds of TBS ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
  • 1 8-ounce package of frozen spinach (thawed)
  • 1 beef bouillon cube
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

How to prepare the filling:

  1. Saute the garlic and onion for two minutes using a large skillet and the olive oil.
  2. Brown the ground beef in the skillet with the onion and garlic.
  3. Use paper towels and squeeze all the excess liquid from the thawed spinach.
  4. Crumble the beef cube into the browned meat and then add and stir the spinach, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and 1 cup of the cannelloni sauce.
  5. Stir well and cook for two minutes until heated through.
  6. Remove and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Ingredients to assemble the Beef and Spinach Cannelloni

  • 2 dozen cannelloni tubes
  • 2 cups mozzarella, grated

Now, all you have to do is assemble your beef and spinach cannelloni! Here’s how:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Use a piping bag with a wide nozzle. Fill the piping bag with the beef filling. If you don’t have a piping bag, use a teaspoon and your fingers.
  3. Stand up the cannelloni tubes in a bowl or other container. Fill each of the tubes.
  4. Add 1 cup of the cannelloni sauce to the bottom of a 9X13 baking dish.
  5. Add the cannelloni tubes on top of the sauce. Then, pour the remaining sauce over the tubes.
  6. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the top.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
  10. Serve with your favorite sides. If you love cheese, try grating a little fresh parmesan on the top.

Have you been to The Butcher Shop recently?

If not, you’re missing out! We know preparing healthy meals for your family is important. That’s why The Butcher Shop always carries locally sourced meats and produce from farms right here in Southern Oregon. At TBS, you’ll find the perfect cut of meat for your meal, plus fresh-baked loaves of bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, local wine and beers, and even quality food specifically for your canine. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.