Description
Gnocchi Bolognese is a comforting Italian main course featuring tender potato gnocchi tossed in a rich, creamy meat sauce made with ground beef, vegetables, tomatoes, and a touch of cream. This hearty dish combines classic Bolognese flavors with the pillowy texture of gnocchi for an indulgent yet satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring often, for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Add garlic and meat: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute to release its aroma. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Create the base of the sauce: Mix in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors. Pour in the red wine, if using, and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced and most of the alcohol has evaporated.
- Simmer with tomatoes and seasonings: Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the milk or heavy cream and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes to create a rich, creamy texture.
- Cook the gnocchi: While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually until the gnocchi float to the surface (about 2–3 minutes). Drain gently.
- Combine gnocchi and sauce: Toss the cooked gnocchi gently into the Bolognese sauce, stirring carefully to coat evenly.
- Serve: Plate the gnocchi with sauce, topping with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley for garnish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a pat of butter stirred in just before serving.
- This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, making it ideal for preparing ahead.
- Use cauliflower gnocchi or gluten-free gnocchi to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
