Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is a delicious dish that the whole family will love. It combines tender gnocchi with a rich, meaty sauce and creamy cheese, creating a comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this bake is easy to prepare and fills your home with warm, inviting scents.

Why You Will Love This Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and super simple to make. It requires everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it great for those hectic evenings. Everyone in your family will enjoy this flavorful dish, from kids to adults.

How to Make Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

Making this baked pasta dish is straightforward. You’ll cook a delicious Bolognese sauce, combine it with cooked gnocchi and cheese, then bake it until golden and bubbly. The whole process is beginner-friendly, so you’ll feel like a pro in no time!

What You Need

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
• 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 cup baby spinach (stirred into the sauce before baking)
• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced (added to the Bolognese sauce)
• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (layered between the gnocchi and sauce)

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make the Bolognese Sauce

Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until soft. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Season with oregano, basil, smoked paprika (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer.

Step 2: Prepare the Gnocchi

While the sauce simmers, cook the gnocchi. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package directions until they float to the top. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Gnocchi Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the cooked gnocchi with the Bolognese sauce. In a baking dish, spread half of the gnocchi and sauce mixture, then layer the ricotta or cottage cheese on top. Add the remaining gnocchi mixture, and top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Step 4: Bake the Gnocchi

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once baked, take the dish out of the oven. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your cheesy goodness!

How to Serve Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

This dish is perfect on its own but can be paired with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Serve it at family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy weeknight dinner. Everyone will appreciate the comforting, cheesy flavors.

How to Store Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze individual portions. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave until hot.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh vegetables for added flavor.
• Feel free to swap light ground turkey for beef.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes.
• To save time, purchase pre-made gnocchi.
• Stir in cooked vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Variations & Swaps

• Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a different texture.
• For a vegetarian option, use lentils instead of meat.
• Add cooked sausage for a different flavor twist.
• Incorporate different cheeses like cheddar or fontina for richness.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Bolognese sauce and cook the gnocchi a day before. Assemble everything, cover, and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s in an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.

Can I use different pasta shapes instead of gnocchi?
Definitely! This recipe works well with other pasta shapes. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.

What common mistakes should I avoid?
Make sure not to rush the simmering time for the sauce; this enhances the flavors. Also, be careful not to overcook the gnocchi before baking.