Beef Cannelloni

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce
   Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the beef
   Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, then add the passata. Season with salt and pepper, bring to a simmer, and cook for 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Make the filling
   Remove half of the meat sauce and set aside. To the remaining meat in the pan, add ricotta, half the parmesan, egg, and basil. Mix well and allow to cool slightly.
4. Preheat and prepare
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the reserved meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. Fill the cannelloni
   Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each cannelloni tube with the beef-ricotta mixture. Place the filled tubes in a single layer in the baking dish.
6. Add sauce and cheese
   Pour the remaining meat sauce over the cannelloni tubes, ensuring they're completely covered. Sprinkle with mozzarella and remaining parmesan cheese.
7. Bake the cannelloni
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Rest and serve
   Allow the cannelloni to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.