Gnocchi Bolognese

Name: Gnocchi Bolognese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 1 medium carrot, finely diced; 2 celery stalks, finely diced; 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef; ½ cup (100 ml) dry red wine; 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) crushed tomatoes; 1½ lb (900 g) gnocchi; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Published: May 6, 2025

by Emilia

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Gnocchi Bolognese is the ultimate cozy dinner. This delightful dish combines soft, pillowy gnocchi with a rich and savory tomato sauce made from lean ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a splash of red wine. Perfect for weeknights or special gatherings, Gnocchi Bolognese offers both comfort and flavor in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Satisfying: Gnocchi Bolognese provides a filling meal that warms you up from the inside out.
Quick Preparation: With just 50 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for busy evenings.
Versatile Dish: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it suits any occasion.
Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of herbs, red wine, and tomatoes creates a deliciously complex sauce.
Easy to Customize: You can easily adapt the recipe by adding vegetables or using different proteins.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Gnocchi Bolognese, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large deep pan or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board
Pot for boiling gnocchi
Strainer

Importance of Each Tool

Large deep pan or Dutch oven: This ensures even cooking of your meat and sauce without splattering.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without damaging your cookware.
Knife and cutting board: Essential for efficiently chopping vegetables to enhance flavor.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 medium carrot, finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef
½ cup (100 ml) dry red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) crushed tomatoes
1 cup (250 ml) beef stock
2 bay leaves

For the Gnocchi

1½ lb (900 g) gnocchi
⅓ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan
6–8 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese

Step 1: Prepare Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 8–10 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Cook Ground Beef

Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then stir in the ground beef. Cook for 5–6 minutes while breaking apart the meat with a spoon until browned.

Step 3: Add Wine

Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.

Step 4: Build Flavors

Add tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Simmer Sauce

Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Cook Gnocchi

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package directions. Drain once cooked and set aside.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, remove bay leaves. Stir in cooked gnocchi along with grated Parmesan and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately while hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.

Enjoy this comforting Gnocchi Bolognese as an easy weeknight dinner or as a treat when entertaining friends!

How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese

Gnocchi Bolognese is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will help elevate your Gnocchi Bolognese.

With Fresh Herbs

Basil – Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
Parsley – A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness and vibrancy to the dish.

With Cheese

Parmesan – Grate extra Parmesan on top just before serving for a rich, cheesy finish.
Mozzarella – Melt shredded mozzarella over the gnocchi for an indulgent twist.

Accompanied by Bread

Garlic Bread – Serve warm garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
Breadsticks – Crunchy breadsticks make for a fun and easy way to enjoy every bite.

As Part of a Complete Meal

Salad – Pair with a light green salad drizzled with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Roasted Vegetables – Add roasted seasonal vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.

How to Perfect Gnocchi Bolognese

Creating the perfect Gnocchi Bolognese requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

Use High-Quality Ingredients – Opt for fresh tomatoes and quality ground beef for depth of flavor.
Balance the Flavors – Adjust seasoning gradually; taste as you go to find the perfect balance.
Simmer Slowly – Allow the sauce to simmer longer for richer flavors; patience is key!
Don’t Overcook Gnocchi – Cook gnocchi until they float; this means they’re ready without becoming mushy.
Add Extra Veggies – Incorporate diced bell peppers or mushrooms into the sauce for added texture and nutrition.
Experiment with Herbs – Try adding oregano or bay leaves for different flavor profiles in your sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Gnocchi Bolognese

To round out your meal, consider serving these delightful side dishes alongside Gnocchi Bolognese. Each complementing dish brings its own unique flair to the table.

Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese provides a crunchy contrast.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Seasoned and roasted Brussels sprouts add a nutty flavor that pairs well with the richness of Bolognese.
Garlic Spinach – Sautéed garlic spinach offers a healthy side that balances the heavy pasta dish perfectly.
Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing starter.
Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables makes for an impressive appetizer.
Grilled Asparagus – Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus provides a nice crunch and earthy flavor that complements the sauce well.
Minestrone Soup – A hearty vegetable soup can serve as an excellent starter before diving into your main course.
Polenta Fries – Crispy polenta fries offer an exciting twist as they are perfect for dipping into the sauce!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Gnocchi Bolognese, some common pitfalls can affect the outcome. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

Skipping fresh ingredients: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can dull the flavor. Always opt for fresh herbs when possible.
Overcooking the gnocchi: Cooking gnocchi too long can make them mushy. Follow package instructions closely for perfect texture.
Neglecting to season properly: Under-seasoning the sauce can lead to blandness. Taste and adjust salt and pepper during cooking.
Not allowing the sauce to simmer: Rushing the cooking process prevents flavors from developing fully. Be patient and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes.
Ignoring the wine’s role: Skipping the red wine can result in a less robust flavor. Use it to enhance the sauce’s depth.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 3–4 days for best quality.

Freezing Gnocchi Bolognese

Freeze in a suitable freezer-safe container or bag.
Can be stored for up to 2–3 months.

Reheating Gnocchi Bolognese

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover; heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gnocchi Bolognese?

Gnocchi Bolognese is an Italian dish made with soft potato gnocchi served in a rich meat sauce, typically featuring ground beef and tomatoes.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! Ground turkey or pork can be excellent substitutes for lean ground beef in your Gnocchi Bolognese.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.

Can I prepare Gnocchi Bolognese ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the sauce ahead and store it separately from the gnocchi until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Gnocchi Bolognese is not only comforting but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. You can customize it by adding vegetables or trying different meats. Give this delightful recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!

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