Family-Style Rustic Cannelloni Bake with Tender Beef, Swiss Chard and Creamy Corn Gratin

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 190 °C / 375 °F. Lightly grease a large baking dish.

2. 2

   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add half of the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

3. 3

   Add the ground beef, 1 teaspoon of the salt, the black pepper, sweet paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking it up, until the beef is fully cooked.

4. 4

   Stir in the chopped Swiss chard and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Pour in the beef broth and cook 3 minutes to concentrate the flavor. Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

5. 5

   In a bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, fresh parsley, and 40 g / 1/3 cup of the shredded Manchego cheese. Fold in the warm beef and Swiss chard mixture until evenly combined.

6. 6

   Fill the dried cannelloni tubes with the beef, Swiss chard, and ricotta mixture using a small spoon or piping bag. Arrange them in the baking dish in a single layer.

7. 7

   For the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and cook for 20 seconds. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

8. 8

   Gradually add the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Add the corn kernels, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and the remaining salt. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

9. 9

   Carefully blend half of the corn sauce, then stir it back into the remaining half to create a creamy texture with some small corn pieces. Pour the sauce over the cannelloni, making sure they are well covered.

10. 10

    Sprinkle the remaining shredded Manchego cheese over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes at 190 °C / 375 °F.

11. 11

    Remove the foil and bake 15 minutes more at 220 °C / 425 °F, until the pasta is tender and the top is golden and bubbling.

12. 12

    Let rest for 10 minutes before serving so the bake can set and slice more neatly.