If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines comforting textures with bold, savory flavors, you simply must try this Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake Recipe. It’s a mouthwatering celebration of tender gnocchi bathed in a rich, homemade Bolognese sauce, all smothered under a golden blanket of melted mature cheddar. This bake is the perfect cozy meal that brings a little cheesy indulgence and rustic charm to your weeknight dinners, making it quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully simple yet essential for crafting the rich layers of flavor and satisfying textures in the Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake Recipe. Each one plays a key role—from the smoky back bacon to the sweet balsamic vinegar—combining to create a perfectly balanced dish.
- Back bacon (2 slices): Adds a smoky, salty depth that enhances the Bolognese.
- Shallots (3, finely diced): Offer a mild onion flavor that softens the sauce beautifully.
- Carrot (1, finely diced): Brings natural sweetness and texture to the sauce.
- Celery (2 small stalks, finely diced): Adds an earthy bite and subtle crunch.
- Garlic (3 cloves, crushed): Imparts a warm, aromatic kick.
- Extra lean beef mince (400g): The protein-packed base for the hearty sauce.
- Dried mixed herbs (1/2 tablespoon): A fragrant mix that lifts the sauce with herbaceous notes.
- Chopped tomatoes (400g canned): The rich, chunky tomato foundation of the Bolognese.
- Tomato paste (3 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor with deep umami.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds acidity and a subtle sweetness to balance the sauce.
- Granulated sweetener or sugar (1 teaspoon, optional): Tames any tomato acidity for a smoother taste.
- Chicken or beef stock (240ml): Keeps the sauce juicy and flavorful while cooking the gnocchi.
- Gnocchi (500g pack): Pillowy soft, the perfect vessel for soaking up the sauce.
- Mature cheddar (120g, grated): Melts to a luscious golden crust that’s irresistible.
- Olive oil cooking spray: Helps with sautéing without extra grease.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
- Fresh basil leaves (few, torn): A fresh, fragrant finish that brightens the bake.
How to Make Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Step 1: Fry the Bacon
Start by spraying a frying pan with olive oil spray over medium-high heat. Add the chopped back bacon and cook until it turns golden and crispy. Once ready, remove the bacon and set it aside. That smoky crunch will be a star in your sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Give the pan another quick spray with olive oil and add the diced shallots, carrot, and celery. Fry these gently until they soften and start to release their natural sweetness. If the pan gets too dry, splash in a little stock or water to keep everything from sticking.
Step 3: Brown the Meat and Garlic
Next, toss in the crushed garlic and lean beef mince. Cook until the beef is nicely browned, stirring to break it up evenly. This cooking step builds the deep, rich flavor foundation your sauce needs.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients for the Sauce
Return the bacon to the pan, then stir in the dried mixed herbs, canned chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and optional sweetener. Pour in the stock and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, cover and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously rich.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi in the Sauce
Drop the gnocchi directly into the bubbling sauce, stirring well to coat every pillowy piece. Pop the lid back on and let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes until the gnocchi are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking and add a bit more stock if necessary. This step makes the dish wonderfully hearty.
Step 6: Season and Bake with Cheese
Taste your sauce and season with salt and black pepper to suit your preference. Transfer everything into a baking dish, then generously sprinkle the grated mature cheddar cheese on top. Place the dish under the broiler or grill for around 4 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden crust.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by scattering fresh torn basil leaves over your cheesy masterpiece. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fragrant herbaceous note that brightens the whole dish. Now, it’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh basil leaves is a brilliant way to boost both the look and flavor. You could also sprinkle on some freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil for an extra touch of indulgence. A pinch of red chili flakes can give a subtle kick if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This bake is quite rich and filling, so pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon juice or balsamic vinegar works wonderfully to balance the meal. Garlic bread or a simple crusty loaf also complement the luscious sauce perfectly, soaking up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or family gathering, serve the Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a small basil sprig for an elegant touch. Alternatively, add a layer of grilled vegetables underneath the gnocchi for an extra veggie boost and vibrant presentation. It’s a versatile bake that’s sure to impress no matter how you plate it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days, allowing you to savor the flavors all over again without losing any of that signature cheesiness and richness.
Freezing
This dish freezes superbly! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep best for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for a hassle-free, delicious meal anytime you crave it.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your portion into a microwave or oven until warmed through. If using an oven, cover it loosely with foil to prevent the cheese topping from over-browning. You might want to add a splash of water or stock before reheating to keep the gnocchi tender and saucy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi work just as well as fresh, just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly and keep an eye on the sauce moisture levels as frozen gnocchi may release extra water during cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the beef mince and bacon for plant-based meat alternatives or use finely chopped mushrooms for a deliciously hearty vegetable version. Make sure to use vegetable stock instead of chicken or beef stock as well.
What type of cheese works best?
Mature cheddar is ideal because it melts beautifully and gives that rich, tangy flavor. You can also mix in mozzarella for extra stretchiness or Parmesan for an added salty punch.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You sure can! The Bolognese sauce tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded together. Just cook the gnocchi and bake it all fresh when you’re ready to serve.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild by default, focusing on savory and cheesy flavors. If you enjoy spice, feel free to add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while it simmers.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—hearty, cheesy, and simply unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s sure to become a beloved classic. Give it a try and watch it quickly become your go-to comfort meal that always delivers satisfaction and smiles.
Print
Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking (Broiling/Grilling)
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting and hearty Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake featuring a rich beef and vegetable bolognese sauce combined with tender gnocchi, topped with melted mature cheddar cheese and fresh basil for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 slices of back bacon, fat removed, chopped
- 3 shallots, finely diced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 2 small stalks of celery, finely diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 400g (14oz) extra lean beef mince (ground beef)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1/2 tablespoon dried mixed herbs
- 400g (14oz) canned chopped tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (purée)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sweetener or sugar (optional)
- 240ml (1 cup) chicken or beef stock
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil cooking spray
Main Ingredients
- 500g (17.5oz) pack of gnocchi
- 120g (4.2oz) mature cheddar, grated
- Few fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Spray a frying pan over medium-high heat with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Bacon: Add the chopped bacon to the pan and fry until golden brown. Remove the bacon and set it aside for later use.
- Sauté Vegetables: Spray the pan again with olive oil spray. Add the finely diced shallots, carrot, and celery. Fry these vegetables until softened, adding a little water or stock if needed to prevent sticking.
- Add Garlic and Beef: Stir in the crushed garlic and extra lean ground beef. Cook thoroughly until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Simmer the Sauce: Return the cooked bacon to the pan. Add dried mixed herbs, canned chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, granulated sweetener or sugar (if using), stock, and balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become rich in flavor.
- Cook the Gnocchi in Sauce: Add the gnocchi to the simmering sauce and stir well to combine. Cover and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more stock if the sauce becomes too thick as the gnocchi cooks.
- Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce, then season with salt and black pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the gnocchi and bolognese mixture into a baking dish. Evenly top with the grated mature cheddar cheese.
- Bake Under the Grill: Place the baking dish under a preheated broil/grill for approximately 4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and turned golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the grill and scatter fresh torn basil leaves over the top for added freshness and aroma.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy this hearty and cheesy comfort dish!
Notes
- Use extra lean beef mince to keep the dish lower in fat while maintaining rich flavor.
- If preferred, substitute beef stock with chicken or vegetable stock for a different flavor nuance.
- To avoid sticking when frying vegetables, adding a splash of water or stock helps if the pan gets too dry.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding the sugar or omitting it depending on personal preference and tomato acidity.
- Keep stirring the gnocchi during simmering to prevent it from sticking to the pan bottom.
- The broiler/grill step is crucial for achieving a golden, bubbly cheese topping, enhancing texture and flavor.
- Fresh basil adds a vibrant herbal note, but you can substitute with parsley or oregano if desired.
