Name: Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound potato gnocchi (fresh or packaged); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 carrots, finely diced; 2 celery stalks, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1/2 cup dry red wine; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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If you’re longing for a bowl of pure Italian comfort, Gnocchi Bolognese is the answer you’ve been searching for. Imagine pillowy-soft potato gnocchi nestled in a luxuriously rich, meaty tomato sauce that clings to every bite and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This dish strikes that perfect balance between being simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner and impressive enough to dazzle guests. Whether you’re already a gnocchi devotee or just want to switch up your pasta routine with something hearty and soul-warming, this recipe delivers on every front.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Gnocchi Bolognese recipe is built on accessible, vibrant ingredients, each contributing an essential layer of flavor, texture, or color. Gather these simple staples and get ready for a dinner that’ll steal the show.

Potato Gnocchi: Fluffy, tender gnocchi are the dreamy base for soaking up the robust Bolognese sauce.
Olive Oil: Adds depth and helps bring out the flavors in your aromatics and meat.
Ground Beef (or Beef and Pork Mix): Provides hearty, savory notes for a truly satisfying sauce; using both meats boosts richness.
Onion: Finely chopped to blend seamlessly into the sauce and add subtle sweetness.
Carrots: Diced small, they bring color and a gentle, earthy sweetness to the dish.
Celery: Delivers fresh, aromatic undertones essential to a classic Bolognese flavor profile.
Garlic: Mincing ensures it melts right into the sauce with a beautiful punch of flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: Seasoning is key; these two are the backbone that ties everything together.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Add a gentle warmth if you enjoy a little heat without overpowering the sauce.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps create a rich, balanced sauce.
Dry Red Wine: Deglazes your skillet and adds a deep, luscious complexity to the Bolognese.
Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, providing body and robust tomato flavor.
Dried Oregano and Basil: Timeless Italian herbs that lift the sauce with brightness and fragrance.
Whole Milk: Balances acidity and brings a luxurious creaminess to the final sauce.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Umami boost and melty finish that ties everything together—don’t skimp on the extra for serving!
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle on top for color and fresh herbal contrast.

How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your ground beef (or the classic beef and pork combo), followed by the onions, carrots, and celery. Let them sauté together for 7 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks. You want the beef browned and the vegetables softened, creating those first layers of savory depth.

Step 2: Build Fragrance and Flavor

Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) into the sizzling mixture. Stir for about a minute—just long enough for the aroma to bloom. Then, add the tomato paste and cook for two minutes so it deepens into a rich, sweet backbone for your Gnocchi Bolognese sauce.

Step 3: Deglaze and Create the Sauce

Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—those little bits are packed with flavor. Once the wine has bubbled away most of its alcohol, stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Partially cover your pan and let the sauce gently simmer on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Finish with Creaminess

Pour in the whole milk and let the sauce simmer for another five minutes. The milk tames the tomatoes’ acidity and makes your Bolognese velvety and luscious, giving it that irresistible, creamy finish.

Step 5: Cook Gnocchi and Combine

Meanwhile, cook your gnocchi according to package directions in salted boiling water. As soon as those little dumplings float to the top, they’re done! Drain them and immediately add to your simmering sauce. Gently fold to coat each gnocchi in Bolognese, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and lightly toss to melt everything together. Serve right away for the best texture and warmth.

How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese

Garnishes

A flourish of extra grated Parmesan and a handful of fresh chopped parsley on top brings color and a wonderful burst of freshness to your Gnocchi Bolognese. If you like, a quick drizzle of good olive oil or even a dusting of black pepper can up the flavor ante even more.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy Italian vinaigrette, or a platter of simply roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. And, of course, you can’t go wrong serving Gnocchi Bolognese alongside some crusty bread for sopping up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Gnocchi Bolognese in individual gratin dishes and broil with extra Parmesan for a bubbly top, or plate it up family-style in a rustic bowl for everyone to dig in. For a dinner party twist, spoon the gnocchi onto small plates as an appetizer, topped with a single basil leaf for color and elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Gnocchi Bolognese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to cool it to room temperature first, and keep the gnocchi and sauce together, as separating can dry out the dumplings.

Freezing

You can freeze the Bolognese sauce by itself before you add the gnocchi for up to three months. If you want to freeze the whole dish, it’s best to undercook the gnocchi just a bit before adding to the sauce—this prevents them from turning mushy when reheated.

Reheating

Warm leftover Gnocchi Bolognese gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the gnocchi tender and the sauce creamy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi or do I need to make it from scratch?

Absolutely, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly for Gnocchi Bolognese and takes a lot of time and effort out of the process. If you want to flex your culinary muscles, homemade gnocchi will make the dish extra special, but both options deliver fantastic results.

What’s the best meat to use for the Bolognese sauce?

A mix of ground beef and pork gives classic richness to the sauce, but you can stick to just beef if you prefer. You could even use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version—just expect a slightly different, but still delicious, flavor profile.

Can I make this dish ahead for a dinner party?

Yes, you can make the Bolognese sauce up to two days in advance—just cool and refrigerate it. Wait to cook the gnocchi until just before serving, then toss it all together and finish with cheese and parsley for the freshest texture.

Is there a dairy-free version of Gnocchi Bolognese?

If you need to keep things dairy-free, swap the whole milk for your favorite, unsweetened dairy-free milk (like oat or almond) and use a vegan Parmesan substitute, or skip the cheese altogether. You’ll still get a great, comforting sauce!

Can I add extra vegetables to the sauce?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach toward the end of simmering for extra nutrients, color, and flavor. It’s a fantastic way to tailor the meal to your taste and make it a little healthier.

Final Thoughts

There’s something delightfully heartwarming about gathering around the table with a big, generous bowl of Gnocchi Bolognese. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary meal into a mini celebration. If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to true Italian comfort, give this recipe a try—you’re going to fall in love with every saucy, cheesy bite!

Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

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4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of this comforting Gnocchi Bolognese dish. Pillowy potato gnocchi smothered in a hearty meat sauce with a touch of creaminess and a sprinkle of Parmesan, creating a perfect Italian meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 pound potato gnocchi (fresh or packaged)
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Bolognese Sauce:

1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Bolognese Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until browned. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add tomato paste, red wine, crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Simmer.
Finish the Sauce: Pour in milk and simmer until creamy. Meanwhile, cook gnocchi according to package directions; drain and add to the sauce. Stir in Parmesan.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy!