Name: Spinach Beef Cannelloni (Ultra Comforting & Freezer-Friendly)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 1 egg; 12-14 pieces cannelloni tubes; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)

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If there’s one dish that defines true comfort food, it’s Spinach Beef Cannelloni. Tender pasta tubes filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and vibrant spinach, all smothered in rich tomato sauce and topped with bubbling golden cheese — this is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.

Even better? This recipe is completely freezer-friendly, making it one of the best make-ahead dinner ideas for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who loves having a hearty Italian comfort food recipe ready to go.

Whether you’re preparing Sunday dinner, stocking your freezer with ready-to-bake meals, or serving guests something unforgettable, this baked cannelloni with ricotta checks every box.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Beef Cannelloni

There are countless pasta bakes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:

Ultra creamy, savory filling
Perfect balance of beef and spinach
Rich homemade-style tomato sauce
Freezer-friendly and meal prep approved
Crowd-pleasing and family-friendly
Elegant enough for entertaining

The combination of protein-rich beef, iron-packed spinach, and creamy ricotta creates a filling that’s both hearty and satisfying without being heavy.

What Is Cannelloni?

Cannelloni is a traditional Italian pasta dish made with large cylindrical pasta tubes that are stuffed with various fillings — typically meat, spinach, or cheese — then baked in sauce.

Though similar to manicotti, cannelloni traditionally uses thinner pasta and a smoother filling. The result is a more delicate texture that still delivers bold flavor.

This spinach beef cannelloni recipe blends rustic Italian tradition with practical freezer convenience.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this freezer-friendly pasta bake:

12–14 cannelloni tubes
1 lb (450g) ground beef
2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg
2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cannelloni tubes according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Add Spinach & Seasoning

Stir chopped spinach into the beef mixture and cook until wilted. Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.

4. Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Add the cooled beef-spinach mixture and stir until evenly incorporated.

5. Assemble the Cannelloni

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the beef and spinach mixture. Arrange them in a single layer in the dish.

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella.

6. Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Make It Freezer-Friendly

One of the biggest advantages of this baked cannelloni with ricotta is how well it freezes.

To Freeze Before Baking:

Assemble the dish completely.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 60–75 minutes, covered for the first 45 minutes.

To Freeze After Baking:

Cool completely.
Portion into airtight containers.
Freeze up to 3 months.

Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cannelloni

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Keep cannelloni slightly undercooked so it finishes perfectly in the oven.

2. Use a Piping Bag

This makes filling the tubes quick and mess-free.

3. Let It Rest

Resting allows the filling to set and makes slicing cleaner.

4. Use High-Quality Tomato Sauce

Since sauce is a major component, quality matters.

Delicious Variations

Swap the Meat

Use ground turkey for a lighter version
Try Italian sausage for extra flavor
Make it vegetarian with mushrooms and lentils

Add Extra Creaminess

Mix a spoonful of mascarpone into the ricotta filling.

Spice It Up

Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

What to Serve with Spinach Beef Cannelloni

This Italian comfort food recipe pairs beautifully with:

Garlic bread
Caesar salad
Roasted vegetables
Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

For drinks, a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti complements the rich flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

While indulgent and comforting, this dish offers:

High protein from beef and cheese
Iron and vitamins from spinach
Calcium from ricotta and mozzarella

Balanced with a side salad, it becomes a well-rounded meal.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use manicotti instead?

Yes, they are very similar and can be substituted easily.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Absolutely. Just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cannelloni or substitute with gluten-free lasagna sheets rolled around the filling.

Final Thoughts

Spinach Beef Cannelloni is the definition of comfort in a baking dish. Creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying, it’s a make-ahead dinner idea that delivers every single time.

Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting guests, or preparing freezer meals for the week, this freezer-friendly pasta bake is a guaranteed winner.

Once you try this baked cannelloni with ricotta, it may just become a permanent part of your dinner rotation.