Description
This hearty Gnocchi Bolognese recipe features pillowy gnocchi tossed in a rich, savory homemade Bolognese sauce simmered with fresh herbs and tender ground beef. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this dish combines classic Italian flavors with an easy cooking method that yields a satisfying meal in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 tbsp 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) vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (250 ml) beef stock
- 2 bay leaves
For the Gnocchi:
- 1 ½ lb (900 g) gnocchi
For the Topping:
- â…“ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for 8–10 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the beef is browned evenly.
- Add Broth & Tomato Paste: Pour in vegetable broth and cook for 1–2 minutes to deglaze the pan. Stir in tomato paste, fresh thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes if using.
- Add Tomatoes & Stock: Add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken the sauce and develop flavors.
- Cook the Gnocchi: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook following package instructions, usually until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain Gnocchi: Drain the gnocchi well, reserving a small amount of the cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Combine & Serve: Add the cooked gnocchi to the Bolognese sauce and gently toss to combine. Add reserved gnocchi water if the sauce is too thick to achieve your desired consistency.
- Add Toppings: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve: Serve the gnocchi hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired, for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef stock or broth if available.
- Gnocchi can be homemade or store-bought; cook according to package directions for best results.
- Reserve some gnocchi cooking water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary add bright flavors, but dried herbs can be substituted—use about one-third of the quantity.
- Leftover Bolognese sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.
