Gnocchi 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.
- Author: Lara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
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
- 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