Beef cannelloni
Freeze these in individual portions, or layer up two or three large dishes. Serves 12 Prep 45 mins Cook 1 hr 20 mins unbaked 1kg lean minced beef 1 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, crushed 2 x 660g jars passata with basil large pinch caster sugar 400g dried cannelloni tubes FOR THE TOPPING 50g butter 50g plain flour 600ml whole milk 140g soft cheese with garlic & herbs 140g parmesan, grated
1 For the filling, dry-fry the beef in a non-stick pan on a medium-high heat, breaking up with a wooden spoon until browned (about 10 mins). Remove and set aside. Add the oil and cook the onion for 5 mins until soft. Add the garlic for 1 min more, then tip in the beef, one and a half jars of the passata sauce and the sugar. Simmer for 20 mins while you make the white sauce.
2 Heat the butter in a small pan. When foaming, add the flour and stir for about 1 min. Pour in the milk gradually, stirring all the time to achieve a lump-free sauce, then bubble for 2 mins while stirring. Remove from the heat and stir in the soft cheese with some seasoning until it has dissolved. Set aside, covered with cling film to stop a skin forming.
3 To assemble, pour the remaining tomato sauce into the base of two or three large baking dishes or 12 individual ovenproof dishes or foil containers. Spoon the beef into the cannelloni tubes using a teaspoon and lay on top of the sauce. Pour on the white sauce, then sprinkle with the parmesan.
4 If freezing, allow to cool, then freeze wrapped well in cling film. To eat straight away, heat oven to 200C/ 180C fan/gas 6 and cook for 40- 45 mins until the pasta is tender and topping golden. Defrost frozen cannelloni thoroughly, then cook as above for 50-55 mins.
5 To cook from frozen cover with foil and cook at 180C/160C fan/gas 4 for 1 hr 15 mins (it should be defrosted at this stage). Remove the foil, turn the oven up to 200C/180C fan/ gas 6 and cook for 30 mins more until piping hot. If you froze single portions, check 15 mins before the end of each stage, as they may cook quicker. PER SERVING 479 kcals, fat 23g, saturates 12g, carbs 39g, sugars 9g, fibre 2g, protein 31g, salt 1.3g