Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake
A comforting and delicious dish combining tender gnocchi with a rich, meaty Bolognese sauce and creamy cheese, perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 stalk celery, 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 cup baby spinach stirred into the sauce before baking
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced added to the Bolognese sauce
For the Gnocchi Bake
- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese layered between the gnocchi and sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Serve and Garnish
- Once baked, take the dish out of the oven.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
- Enjoy your cheesy goodness!
Notes
This dish is perfect on its own but can be paired with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container, or freeze individual portions for longer storage. Reheat in the oven or microwave.