Gnocchi Bolognese
This Gnocchi Bolognese is a hearty, delicious twist on the traditional Italian favorite. Fluffy potato gnocchi is smothered in a rich, slow-cooked Bolognese sauce that’s bursting with deep, savory flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this dish is easy to make and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a fan of classic pasta dishes or looking for something new, this Gnocchi Bolognese is the perfect comfort meal!
The first time I made this Gnocchi Bolognese, it became an instant hit with my family. My husband, who is a pasta lover, was especially smitten by the fluffy gnocchi that soaked up the rich, flavorful Bolognese sauce. The kids were excited about the little potato dumplings, and we all ended up having seconds! Now, it’s one of those meals we turn to when we want something comforting but still a little different from the usual pasta dishes. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full hearts.
Why You’ll Love Gnocchi Bolognese
•Rich and Hearty: The slow-cooked Bolognese sauce gives the gnocchi an incredible depth of flavor that’s both hearty and satisfying.
•Comfort Food at Its Best: Fluffy potato gnocchi makes this dish a comforting, filling meal perfect for any night of the week.
•Simple but Elegant: With a few key ingredients, you can create a meal that feels like a gourmet Italian dish without all the fuss.
•Perfect for Family Dinners: This dish is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients Notes For Gnocchi Bolognese
•Gnocchi: You can use store-bought gnocchi for convenience, but homemade gnocchi adds a special touch.
•ground Beef: Traditional Bolognese uses a mix of ground beef and pork, but you can stick to just beef for simplicity.
•Tomato Paste: This ingredient adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor to the sauce.
•red Wine: A splash of red wine gives the sauce a deeper, more robust flavor.
•Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan on top adds the perfect finishing touch.
Recipe Steps For Gnocchi Bolognese
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Step 1: Prepare the Bolognese Sauce
•Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
•Add 1 pound of ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
•Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add ½ cup of red wine. Simmer until the wine reduces by half.
•Add 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes, 1 cup of beef broth, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Simmer on low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi
•While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (about 2-3 minutes for store-bought gnocchi).
•Drain the gnocchi and set aside.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
•Stir the cooked gnocchi into the Bolognese sauce, ensuring each gnocchi is coated in the rich sauce.
•Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.
Storage Options
•Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a little splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
•Freezer: You can freeze the Bolognese sauce (without gnocchi) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding fresh gnocchi.
Variations & Substitutions
•Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with finely diced mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian Bolognese sauce.
•Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi or substitute with another gluten-free pasta option.
•Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
Gnocchi Bolognese
Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook PrintIngredients
- For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 carrot finely diced
- 1 celery stalk finely diced
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 can 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup red wine optional
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- For the Gnocchi:
- 1 package 16 oz potato gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
- For Serving:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bolognese Sauce:
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mix) to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. If using, pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a creamier texture.
- Cook the Gnocchi:
- Cook Gnocchi: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes for fresh gnocchi or until they float to the surface). Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Serve:
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Once the sauce is ready, gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the Bolognese sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
- Serve: Divide the Gnocchi Bolognese among serving plates. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
