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
Scale
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.
