Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Introduction
Gnocchi Bolognese is a comforting Italian dish that combines soft potato gnocchi with a rich, savory meat sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 package of gnocchi
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Step 4: Stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning, then reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer until it thickens, about 10–15 minutes.
- Step 5: Serve the meat sauce over the cooked gnocchi and enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers.
- Fresh basil or Parmesan cheese make excellent toppings to enhance the dish.
- Use ground turkey or plant-based meat as a substitute for ground beef for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
Storage
Store any leftover gnocchi and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, homemade gnocchi works wonderfully and can add a fresher taste, but be sure to cook them carefully as they tend to be more delicate.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid, or add a small amount of tomato paste to help thicken it quickly.
PrintGnocchi Bolognese Recipe
A comforting Italian classic, Gnocchi Bolognese features pillowy potato gnocchi topped with a rich and savory ground beef tomato sauce infused with sautéed onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning. This hearty dish combines simple ingredients for a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi
- 1 package gnocchi (about 16 oz)
For the Bolognese Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package directions, usually until they float to the surface, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add tomato sauce and seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Combine and serve: Spoon the prepared Bolognese sauce over the cooked gnocchi. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while simmering can enhance the flavor.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce before serving.
- Fresh gnocchi can be used in place of packaged for an even more authentic texture and taste.
- Leftover Bolognese sauce stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes nicely.
Keywords: Gnocchi Bolognese, Italian gnocchi recipe, ground beef tomato sauce, easy Italian dinner, gnocchi with meat sauce
