The Original "Manicotti" | How Italians Make Cannelloni

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork can be more economical.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grana padano

Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

Prepare the besciamella sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium/low heat.

Add flour to melted butter and stir to form a roux.

Gradually add milk while whisking until incorporated and smooth.

Cook until the sauce thickens, then season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Roll out fresh egg pasta dough into sheets, cut into rectangles about 6x4 inches.

Boil pasta squares for 20 to 30 seconds, then lay flat on towels to cool.

Spread a thin layer of ragù in the bottom of a baking dish.

Mix 1/3 of the ragù with 1/3 of the besciamella and add grated Parmigiano cheese.

Fill each pasta square with the ragù/besciamella mixture and roll up.

Place filled pasta rolls in the baking dish, covering the bottom completely.

Spread a thick layer of ragù over the pasta, followed by a layer of besciamella and more Parmigiano cheese.

Cover with foil and bake at 400°F (205°C) for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden.

Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens