Ingredients
Scale
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
For the Gnocchi Bake:
- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup baby spinach (stirred into the sauce before baking)
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced (added to the Bolognese sauce)
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (layered between the gnocchi and sauce)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Bolognese Sauce
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Cook the Garlic and Ground Beef: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease, if necessary.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Gnocchi
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface).
- Drain the gnocchi and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Gnocchi Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe baking dish, spread a thin layer of the Bolognese sauce on the bottom.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Pour the remaining Bolognese sauce over the gnocchi, ensuring all the gnocchi are coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake the Gnocchi
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden-brown crust, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying meal with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g