Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

If you are searching for a hearty and comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, pillowy gnocchi perfectly coated in a rich, slow-simmered Bolognese sauce burst with fresh herbs, tangy tomatoes, and just the right hint of spice. It’s a cozy Italian classic that elevates simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for family dinners or impressing friends. Get ready to savor a recipe that delights every bite and warms your soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe plays a vital role in delivering vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and beautiful colors. From fresh herbs to the perfect gnocchi, every component is essential for creating that iconic balance between tender pasta and robust sauce.

• Olive oil: A fragrant base for sautéing vegetables, adding richness to the sauce.
• Onion: Provides a natural sweetness and depth when finely diced and cooked until soft.
• Carrot: Adds subtle sweetness and color to the sauce, balancing the acidity of tomatoes.
• Celery stalks: Imparts a mild, earthy flavor that enhances the Bolognese foundation.
• Garlic cloves: Offers aromatic intensity and warmth to complement the meatiness.
• Lean ground beef: The hearty heart of the sauce, giving it body and savory richness.
• Vegetable broth: A flavorful liquid that keeps the sauce moist while building layers.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor for a deep, luscious sauce.
• Fresh thyme and rosemary: Herbal highlights that freshen and brighten every mouthful.
• Red chili flakes (optional): A pinch to awaken the palate with gentle heat.
• Crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce, providing juicy acidity and sweetness.
• Beef stock: Adds richness and depth, making the sauce satisfyingly robust.
• Bay leaves: Infuse subtle complexity during the slow simmer.
• Gnocchi: Soft, pillow-like potato dumplings that soak up the savory sauce deliciously.
• Parmesan: Grated cheese for that sharp, nutty topping that finishes the dish beautifully.
• Fresh basil leaves: Adds a fresh burst of color and fragrant brightness at the end.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance flavors perfectly.

How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Base

Start by warming olive oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Add finely diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking gently for about 8 to 10 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This mixture, known as soffritto, builds a wonderfully sweet and aromatic foundation for your sauce.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Stir in chopped garlic and let it cook for just one minute, enough to release its flavor without letting it burn. This quick step infuses the sauce with inviting warmth and ensures your dish has a beautifully rounded taste.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Next, add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns evenly. This should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Browning the meat well adds texture and caramelized flavor that’s key to an authentic Bolognese sauce.

Step 4: Build the Flavor

Pour in vegetable broth and stir for 1 to 2 minutes to deglaze the pan and incorporate all those lovely browned bits. Then, mix in tomato paste, chopped thyme and rosemary, plus red chili flakes if you want a little kick. These ingredients combine to develop a fragrant and robust sauce.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Pour in crushed tomatoes along with beef stock and toss in bay leaves. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat. Let the sauce bubble away uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors and allow the sauce to thicken beautifully.

Step 6: Cook the Gnocchi

While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually just a few minutes until they float to the surface. This fast cooking process yields perfectly tender gnocchi ready to soak up that sauce.

Step 7: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

Drain the gnocchi, keeping a little bit of the cooking water aside. Gently toss the gnocchi with the rich Bolognese sauce, adding reserved water if needed to loosen it up just the right amount. This step ensures every gnocchi pillow is luxuriously coated.

Step 8: Final Touches

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil right before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper for a perfectly balanced dish that sings with every forkful.

How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves makes a lovely finishing touch, adding both texture and freshness to brighten the rich sauce. A small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also elevate the aromas just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with balsamic and olive oil for a refreshing contrast. Warm, crusty bread is another excellent companion, perfect for sopping up every flavorful drop of Bolognese sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, serve the gnocchi in beautiful shallow bowls, garnished with shaved Parmesan curls and a few whole basil leaves on top. You can also drizzle a touch of basil pesto over the dish for an extra herbal punch that impresses visually and in taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so reheating often intensifies the deliciousness.

Freezing

This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze the sauce and cooked gnocchi separately, if possible, to maintain the best texture when thawed. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and label them with the date.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce feels too thick. Avoid high heat to keep the gnocchi from becoming mushy. Alternatively, microwave leftovers covered with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or a mix of beef and pork works wonderfully, each adding a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.

Is it better to make gnocchi from scratch or buy pre-made for this recipe?

While homemade gnocchi adds a personal touch and fresh taste, store-bought gnocchi works excellently for convenience without sacrificing much flavor.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute the ground beef with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock. The tomato and herbs still bring that rich, comforting taste.

What wine pairs well with this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe?

A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato-rich sauce perfectly, enhancing the herbal and meaty notes.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes! The Bolognese sauce can be cooked a day ahead and refrigerated. It often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to deepen.

Final Thoughts

This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and joy to the table with every bite. Its blend of tender gnocchi and flavorful sauce makes for a perfect homemade meal you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients, follow along, and enjoy sharing this timeless dish with those you love.

Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Gnocchi Bolognese recipe features pillowy gnocchi tossed in a rich, homemade Bolognese sauce made with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for a comforting and hearty meal, this dish combines the traditional flavors of Italian Bolognese with tender gnocchi for a satisfying dinner that serves six.

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Ingredients

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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:

• ⅓ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan
• 6–8 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for 8–10 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the beef is browned all over.
4. Add Broth & Tomato Paste: Pour in the vegetable broth and let it cook for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the tomato paste, fresh thyme, rosemary, and optional red chili flakes, combining thoroughly.
5. 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 meld the flavors and thicken the sauce.
6. Cook the Gnocchi: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface, indicating they are done.
7. Drain Gnocchi: Drain the cooked gnocchi, reserving a small amount of the cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
8. Combine & Serve: Add the cooked gnocchi to the Bolognese sauce and gently toss to combine. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little bit of the reserved gnocchi water to loosen it up.
9. Add Toppings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil, then adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
10. Serve: Dish the gnocchi Bolognese hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan and basil leaves if desired for a beautiful and flavorful presentation.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to keep the sauce from becoming too greasy.
• Simmering the sauce uncovered allows it to thicken and develop deep flavor.
• Reserve some gnocchi cooking water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Fresh herbs add brightness — optional dried herbs can be substituted if fresh are not available.
• Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit entirely for a milder taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian