There are few dishes as comforting, hearty, and satisfying as a tray of Spinach Beef Cannelloni fresh from the oven. With tender pasta tubes stuffed full of savory beef, creamy ricotta, and vibrant spinach, then baked in rich tomato sauce and blanketed in melted cheese, this dish is pure comfort food at its best.

Cannelloni is a staple of Italian-inspired home cooking, especially when you want something filling, family-friendly, and perfect for sharing. While it may look impressive, spinach beef cannelloni is surprisingly approachable and forgiving, making it ideal for both weekend dinners and special occasions.

This recipe balances richness with freshness. The beef provides depth and heartiness, the spinach adds color and lightness, and the cheeses bring everything together into a luscious, cohesive filling. Baked slowly in tomato sauce, the flavors meld into something greater than the sum of its parts.

Why This Spinach Beef Cannelloni Works

This version of cannelloni is designed for real kitchens and real life:

Hearty but balanced – Beef for richness, spinach for freshness
Make-ahead friendly – Assemble earlier and bake when needed
Crowd-pleasing – A guaranteed family favorite
Comfort food classic – Warm, cheesy, and satisfying
Customizable – Easy to adjust for taste or dietary needs

It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table.

What Is Cannelloni?

Cannelloni are large, tube-shaped pasta traditionally stuffed with savory fillings such as meat, cheese, or vegetables. Unlike lasagna, which is layered, cannelloni is individually filled, giving each portion a perfect balance of pasta, filling, sauce, and cheese.

The pasta cooks in the oven as it absorbs moisture from the sauce, becoming tender while staying intact—no pre-boiling required.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling

1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Salt and black pepper, to taste
10 oz spinach, cooked and well-drained
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese

For Assembly

12–14 dried cannelloni tubes
2½ cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For Garnish (Optional)

Fresh basil or parsley
Extra parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Filling

Finely chop the cooked spinach and squeeze out excess moisture. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, spinach, ricotta cheese, and parmesan. Mix until well combined and evenly distributed.

3. Fill the Cannelloni

Spoon the filling into a piping bag or use a small spoon to carefully fill each cannelloni tube. Fill generously without overpacking.

4. Assemble the Dish

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the filled cannelloni in a single layer. Pour remaining sauce evenly over the top, making sure the pasta is well covered.

5. Add Cheese

Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the cannelloni, followed by a light dusting of parmesan.

6. Bake

Cover tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

7. Rest and Serve

Let the cannelloni rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.