If you are a fan of rich, hearty Italian classics, then this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to comfort meal. Soft, pillowy gnocchi perfectly coated in a slow-simmered, deeply flavorful Bolognese sauce creates a dish that feels both indulgent and wildly satisfying. Every spoonful bursts with layers of sweetness from the tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and the savory presence of lean ground beef, making it a meal as soul-soothing as it is delicious. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved twist on a traditional favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient brings something essential to the flavor, texture, and overall experience. Fresh vegetables add brightness and natural sweetness, herbs provide fragrant depth, and quality gnocchi delivers the perfect tender bite to marry all the tastes.
- Olive oil: A good base for sautéing the vegetables and infusing the sauce with a lovely fruity richness.
- Onion, carrot, and celery: Classic soffritto trio that forms the earthy, aromatic foundation of the Bolognese sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Adds warmth and a subtle pungency to deepen the sauce’s savory character.
- Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a satisfying texture without overwhelming greasiness.
- Vegetable broth: Keeps the sauce moist and adds subtle underlying flavor without overpowering the beef.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds a slight sweetness and thickness.
- Fresh thyme and rosemary: These herbs give the sauce a fragrant herbal lift that is the hallmark of traditional Bolognese.
- Red chili flakes (optional): Just a pinch brightens the sauce with a gentle hint of heat.
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, bringing vibrant acidity and body.
- Beef stock: Adds an extra layer of richness and meaty depth.
- Bay leaves: These infuse the sauce with subtle floral notes during the long simmer.
- Gnocchi: Light, pillowy dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully while providing delightful texture.
- Grated Parmesan: Melts into the sauce for added savory umami and a touch of creaminess.
- Fresh basil leaves: Sprinkle on at the end for fresh, aromatic brightness and color.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor in the dish.
How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Base
Begin by heating olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery—they are the building blocks of flavor here, slowly softening and releasing their natural sweetness over about 8 to 10 minutes. This careful cooking develops a mellow, richly aromatic base without any harshness.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Cook the Beef
Stir in the chopped garlic and let it cook for just a minute until fragrant, careful not to brown it. Then add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Browning the meat until it’s fully cooked and slightly caramelized adds savory depth and a wonderful meaty texture that makes the sauce so satisfying.
Step 3: Build the Flavor with Broth and Herbs
Pour in the vegetable broth and cook for a couple of minutes to deglaze the pan, loosening any flavorful bits stuck on the bottom. Next, stir in tomato paste, freshly chopped thyme and rosemary, and red chili flakes if you like a touch of spice. These ingredients start layering the sauce with bold, herby notes and a rich, slightly sweet tomato base.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Stock
Add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes. This slow simmering melds all the ingredients, thickens the sauce, and intensifies the flavors into that perfect, comforting Bolognese richness.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface—this is a foolproof sign they are perfectly cooked. Drain the gnocchi, saving a little of the cooking water to adjust the sauce’s consistency later if needed.
Step 6: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce
Gently toss the cooked gnocchi into your rich Bolognese sauce. If the sauce feels a bit thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help the sauce coat each tender pillow beautifully. Then stir in the grated Parmesan and fresh basil, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste for that perfect finishing touch.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Serve the dish immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and more fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy. This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe truly shines when enjoyed fresh and warm, each bite delivering pure comfort and satisfying Italian flavor that feels like a warm hug.
How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves are the classic way to finish the dish, adding bursts of salty creaminess and aromatic freshness. You can also sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil to elevate every bite.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve your gnocchi Bolognese alongside a crisp, refreshing green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf also make wonderful companions, perfect for mopping up every last bit of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, mound the gnocchi in the center of warm bowls and spoon extra sauce on top. Try adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch or a few drops of chili oil for a spicy kick. If you want to make it a bit lighter, serve the gnocchi Bolognese over sautéed greens like spinach or kale for a colorful, nutrient-packed twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This recipe stores beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store the sauce and gnocchi together in an airtight container to keep the flavors melding, but be aware that the gnocchi will continue to absorb sauce, so the texture will soften with time.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to two months by placing the cooled gnocchi Bolognese in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave some headspace for expansion and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
Reheat your gnocchi Bolognese gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve the tender texture of the gnocchi and the silky nature of the sauce.
FAQs
Can I make the Bolognese sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the sauce a day ahead actually helps the flavors develop even more. Just store it properly in the refrigerator and reheat gently when ready to serve.
What is the best type of gnocchi to use for this recipe?
Traditional potato gnocchi works best for delicious softness and texture. You can find fresh or frozen varieties, but fresh tends to have a lighter, fluffier bite that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative. Just be sure to brown it well and consider adding a bit more seasoning or a splash of broth to keep the sauce flavorful and moist.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can skip the beef and use a plant-based ground “meat” substitute or a mix of finely chopped mushrooms and lentils to replicate the meaty texture while keeping all the rich sauce flavors intact.
How spicy is the Bolognese with red chili flakes?
The red chili flakes add just a subtle warmth that enhances the sauce’s depth without overpowering it—feel free to adjust or omit based on your personal heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is pure comfort on a plate, marrying tender gnocchi and a robust, flavorful sauce that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Whether cooking for family or friends, this dish promises smiles and second helpings. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you might just find it becomes a treasured classic in your kitchen too!
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Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and hearty Gnocchi Bolognese recipe combining tender gnocchi with a flavorful homemade Bolognese sauce made from lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, herbs, and crushed tomatoes. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this dish brings together classic Italian flavors with a creamy Parmesan and fresh basil topping.
Ingredients
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
Gnocchi
- 1 ½ lb (900 g) gnocchi
Topping
- ⅓ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for 8–10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without burning.
- Cook Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Add Broth & Tomato Paste: Pour in the vegetable broth and let it cook for 1–2 minutes to deglaze the pan. Stir in the tomato paste along with fresh thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes if using.
- Add Tomatoes & Stock: Add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop deep flavors.
- 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 the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they are done.
- Drain the Gnocchi: Drain the cooked gnocchi, reserving a small amount of the cooking water for later use.
- Combine & Serve: Add the cooked gnocchi to the Bolognese sauce and gently toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved gnocchi cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Add Toppings: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and roughly chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Serve Hot: Serve the Gnocchi Bolognese immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of red chili flakes.
- If preferred, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- Vegetarian option: omit meat and increase vegetable broth; add mushrooms for texture.
- Use fresh gnocchi if available for best texture, but frozen or store-bought works well.
- Reserve some gnocchi water to thin out the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
