Spinach Beef Cannelloni: A Comforting Italian Pasta Bake

Few dishes are as comforting and satisfying as spinach beef cannelloni. This classic Italian-inspired pasta bake combines tender pasta tubes filled with a rich beef and spinach mixture, smothered in savory tomato sauce and finished with bubbling melted cheese. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings.

Spinach beef cannelloni strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment. The beef brings depth and richness, the spinach adds freshness and color, and the creamy ricotta ties everything together beautifully. Once baked, the flavors meld into a comforting, restaurant-quality dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals ahead of time, this baked cannelloni is a reliable favorite that never disappoints.

Why Spinach Beef Cannelloni Is a Family Favorite

This dish earns its place on the dinner table because it’s:

• Hearty and filling
• Perfect for make-ahead meals
• Freezer-friendly
• Kid-approved
• Ideal for entertaining

It’s comfort food at its finest, with layers of flavor and texture in every bite.

Ingredients for Spinach Beef Cannelloni

Filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Pasta & Sauce

• 12–14 cannelloni tubes
• 3 cups tomato passata or marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened.
3. Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until beef is browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
4. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Mix in ricotta cheese, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
7. Spread 1 cup of tomato sauce over the bottom of a baking dish.
8. Fill cannelloni tubes with the beef and spinach mixture.
9. Arrange filled cannelloni in the baking dish.
10. Pour remaining tomato sauce over the pasta and sprinkle with Italian herbs.
11. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
12. Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
13. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Spinach Beef Cannelloni

Tender cannelloni tubes filled with savory beef and spinach, baked in tomato sauce and 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

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 520

Ingredients

  

Filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Pasta & Sauce

• 12 cannelloni tubes
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese shredded

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish

Method

 

1. Cook beef with onion, garlic, and spinach.
2. Mix with ricotta and Parmesan.
3. Fill cannelloni and arrange in baking dish.
4. Cover with sauce and bake until tender.
5. Top with mozzarella and bake until golden.

Notes

Rest before serving for best texture.

Texture & Flavor Highlights

Spinach beef cannelloni delivers:

• Tender pasta tubes
• Rich, savory beef filling
• Creamy ricotta balance
• Fresh spinach brightness
• Cheesy, golden topping

Each forkful is deeply satisfying without feeling heavy.

Tips for Perfect Cannelloni

• Use a piping bag or spoon for easy filling
• Don’t overfill to prevent splitting
• Cover tightly during first bake for tender pasta
• Rest before serving for cleaner slices

Easy Variations

• Extra Creamy: Add béchamel sauce on top
• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes to beef mixture
• Cheese Swap: Use provolone or fontina
• Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms or zucchini

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
• Freeze unbaked cannelloni for up to 2 months
• Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days
• Reheat covered in oven until warmed through

Serving Suggestions

Serve spinach beef cannelloni with:

• Garlic bread
• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Caesar salad

It’s a complete, comforting meal on its own but pairs beautifully with light sides.

Why Cannelloni Is So Comforting

Cannelloni is beloved for its ability to hold rich fillings and soak up sauce while baking. The result is tender pasta filled with bold flavors, making it one of the most satisfying baked pasta dishes in Italian cuisine.

Final Thoughts

This spinach beef cannelloni is everything a great pasta bake should be—hearty, comforting, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s a timeless recipe that always earns rave reviews.