Description
Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese is a comforting Italian main dish featuring tender potato gnocchi tossed in a rich, flavorful Bolognese sauce made with ground beef or a plant-based alternative, aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and herbs. This hearty and creamy meal combines the rustic depth of a traditional meat sauce with the pillowy texture of gnocchi, perfect for an inviting family dinner or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bolognese Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef or plant-based alternative
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup whole milk or dairy-free alternative
For the Gnocchi and Garnish
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan or vegan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- Cook the meat: Add the ground beef (or plant-based alternative), salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Incorporate tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This step helps deepen the flavor of the sauce.
- Add wine and reduce: Pour in the red wine, if using, and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the wine has mostly reduced, intensifying the sauce’s richness.
- Add tomatoes and herbs, simmer: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop deep flavors.
- Finish sauce with milk: Stir in the whole milk or dairy-free alternative and cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce is creamy and rich in texture.
- Cook gnocchi: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface, about 2–3 minutes. Drain well.
- Combine and serve: Gently toss the cooked gnocchi with the Bolognese sauce ensuring each piece is well coated. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan or vegan cheese.
Notes
- This sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To make a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat and use non-dairy milk and vegan cheese options.
- Gnocchi is best paired with thick, hearty sauces like this Bolognese to balance its soft texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
