Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
If there’s one dish that never fails to bring a smile to my face, it’s this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe. Imagine pillowy soft gnocchi coated in a rich, meaty sauce that’s both rustic and utterly comforting. Each bite marries the heartiness of classic Italian bolognese with the delicate tenderness of gnocchi, making for a spectacular centerpiece to any dinner. Whether you’re inviting friends over for a cozy night in or just spoiling yourself after a long day, this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is guaranteed to deliver warmth and satisfaction in every forkful!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making great flavor doesn’t require a long ingredient list—just a handful of honest, vibrant ingredients coming together beautifully. Each one plays a role in building the savory depth and creamy finish that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Olive oil: This is the starting point for flavor, lifting all the aromatics and meat to new heights.
- Ground beef or mixed beef and pork: The backbone of the bolognese, adding robust heartiness and depth.
- Onion: Sweetens and mellows as it cooks, laying a gentle foundation for the sauce.
- Carrots: Provide a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of tomatoes.
- Celery: Adds aromatic complexity, rounding out the classic soffritto base.
- Garlic: Brings savory notes that make the sauce sing.
- Dried oregano: Gives the dish warmth and a distinctly Italian profile.
- Dried thyme: Lends a woodsy aroma for that slow-cooked feel.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Use these if you want a touch of background heat.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Red wine (optional): A splash will add depth, richness, and a little luxury.
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the bolognese, giving it body and tanginess.
- Beef broth: Builds a more savory, rounded base.
- Bay leaf: Perfumes the sauce with subtle earthiness as it simmers.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into balance.
- Potato gnocchi: These tender little dumplings are perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce.
- Whole milk or heavy cream: Swirls in at the end to make the dish silky and luxurious.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Lends a pop of color and fresh aroma as a finishing touch.
How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Meat
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your ground beef or the mixture of beef and pork, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Let the meat develop some good color—that’s where the flavor begins. You’ll want the cooked bits at the bottom, as those later infuse the sauce with umami magic!
Step 2: Build the Flavors
Next, toss in the finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery. This trio, also called soffritto, is the foundation of any great Italian sauce. Sauté these veggies for around 5 to 6 minutes—they should be soft, aromatic, and just starting to caramelize around the edges.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Tomato Paste
When the vegetables are tender, stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if you desire a little warmth. Cook for about a minute, then add the tomato paste, stirring it through the vegetables and meat. Let it cook for another two minutes; this little extra time intensifies the tomato flavor and sweetens its bite.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the red wine (if using) and use your spoon to scrape up every gorgeous browned bit stuck to the bottom of the pan. Simmer until the wine reduces by about half—you’ll be left with an unmistakable richness and acidity that deepens the Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe’s flavor.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, and season well with salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer gently, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally; the sauce will thicken, the flavors meld, and your kitchen will smell heavenly. If you have more time, simmering even longer only improves the taste.
Step 6: Cook the Gnocchi
While your sauce bubbles away, cook the potato gnocchi according to package directions. They cook quickly—once they float to the top of boiling water, they’re ready! Drain the gnocchi and be sure not to overcook to keep their tender, pillowy texture intact.
Step 7: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Once the sauce is thickened to your liking, remove the bay leaf. Stir in the cooked gnocchi, whole milk or heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan. Gently fold everything together, letting the gnocchi soak up all that wonderful sauce. The cream adds a luscious silkiness, while the parmesan melts right in for added depth.
How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
To make your bowl irresistible, top each serving with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. A little extra grated parmesan is always welcome, too! Their herbal freshness and bright colors beautiful contrast the rich sauce, making each plate pop.
Side Dishes
The Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe truly shines alongside a crisp, lemony arugula salad or classic garlic bread for dunking. You could also serve it with sautéed greens, like spinach or broccolini, to balance the meal with some green goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
While a big family-style platter is always a hit, try serving the sauce and gnocchi nestled in individual ramekins or wide pasta bowls for a special touch. For parties, you could even bake the finished gnocchi in small casserole dishes with more parmesan on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for easy lunches or a second cozy dinner.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a rainy day, freeze the sauce separately from the gnocchi for best results. Place the cooled sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Gnocchi can become a little mushy once frozen, so it’s best to cook them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it’s too thick. For leftovers with gnocchi already mixed in, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the gnocchi from sticking together. Avoid overheating to maintain their soft texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi is convenient and works wonderfully in this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe, saving you lots of prep time while still delivering fantastic flavor and texture.
What’s the best meat to use for this dish?
A blend of ground beef and pork brings extra depth and a melt-in-your-mouth quality to the sauce, but using only ground beef, or even ground turkey or chicken, can still yield delicious results if you prefer a lighter option.
Is it possible to make the sauce in advance?
Yes! The bolognese sauce itself actually tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Simply cool and store it in the fridge, then reheat before stirring in the gnocchi and finishing with cream and parmesan.
Can I leave out the wine?
Definitely. If you don’t have wine or prefer not to cook with it, just skip this step. You can add a splash of extra beef broth or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness if you like.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply choose a gluten-free brand of potato gnocchi and make sure all your other ingredients are gluten-free certified. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set with just that simple substitution.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dinner that’s cozy, satisfying, and absolutely bursting with Italian flavor, give this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe a go. You’ll fall in love with every creamy, hearty, sauce-swirled bite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new staple at your table—happy cooking!
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Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this hearty Gnocchi Bolognese recipe that combines tender potato gnocchi with a rich and savory meat sauce. This Italian-inspired dish is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Gnocchi:
- 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Bolognese Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook the ground meat, then add onion, carrots, and celery. Stir in garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Add tomato paste, deglaze with red wine, then add crushed tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 25–30 minutes.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Prepare gnocchi according to package instructions. Add cooked gnocchi to the sauce.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in milk or cream and Parmesan until creamy. Remove bay leaf. Serve hot, garnished with basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Simmering the sauce longer enhances the flavor.
- Store-bought or homemade gnocchi can be used. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
