Ricotta Cannelloni Bolognese Bake

Delight your taste buds with the rich and satisfying flavors of our Ricotta Cannelloni Bolognese Bake. This classic Italian dish combines tender cannelloni tubes filled with creamy ricotta, nestled in a hearty Bolognese sauce, and baked to perfection with a golden, cheesy topping. With every bite, you’ll experience the comforting embrace of traditional flavors, expertly crafted to create a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious.

PREP 10 MINS

COOK 1 HOUR 2O MINS

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 500g quality minced beef
• 1 brown onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
• 2 x tins whole peeled tomatoes
• 200ml red wine (or water)
• 1 x 500g tub Perfect Italiano Ricotta
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 200g cannelloni
• 150g Perfect Italiano Grated Perfect Bakes Cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin your culinary journey by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced beef, using a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the beef has browned. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pan, continuing to cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened. Incorporate the whole peeled tomatoes and red wine (or water) into the mixture, using the back of the wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring regularly. Season the Bolognese sauce to taste and set it aside to cool slightly.
2. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), ensuring it’s ready to transform your cannelloni into a delectable masterpiece.
3. To prepare the cannelloni filling, combine the Perfect Italiano Ricotta with the freshly grated lemon zest, infusing it with a burst of citrusy goodness. Season the ricotta mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Carefully fill the cannelloni tubes with the ricotta mixture, using a knife or a piping bag to ensure a smooth and even filling process.
4. In a large baking dish, spoon half of the Bolognese sauce, creating a flavorful base for your cannelloni. Gently arrange the filled cannelloni tubes in the dish, creating neat rows. Top the cannelloni with the remaining Bolognese sauce, ensuring every tube is lovingly coated. Sprinkle the Perfect Italiano Grated Perfect Bakes Cheese over the top, promising a golden and cheesy finish.
5. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing the magic to happen as your Cannelloni Bolognese Bake bakes for approximately 35 minutes, or until the top turns irresistibly golden and begins to bubble with excitement.
6. As the aroma fills the kitchen, remove the dish from the oven and exercise a bit of patience – allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief moment of anticipation is well worth the wait.

Prepare to experience the delightful marriage of flavors and textures in our Ricotta Cannelloni Bolognese Bake. Each layer of this dish tells a story of culinary craftsmanship and love for traditional Italian fare. Whether shared with friends and family or enjoyed as a special treat, this bake promises a taste of Italy that will warm your heart and leave you craving more.