Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining pillowy soft gnocchi with a rich, slow-simmered Bolognese sauce bursting with fresh herbs, tender beef, and vibrant tomato flavor, it’s a dish that brings pure joy with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a surefire way to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role, from the aromatic vegetables that form the sauce base to the tender gnocchi that soak up all those rich flavors.

• Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing your veggies, adding smooth richness and helping to unlock deep flavors.
• Onion, carrot, and celery: The classic soffritto trio that brings sweetness, earthiness, and body to the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Offering a punch of fragrant, savory goodness to enhance every layer.
• Lean ground beef: Providing hearty texture and protein, it’s the star that makes this Bolognese truly satisfying.
• Vegetable broth: Adds moisture and depth to balance the beef and vegetables.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, lending richness and a slightly tangy undertone.
• Fresh thyme and rosemary: These herbs add delightful aroma and complexity with every bite.
• Red chili flakes (optional): A touch of heat to gently wake up the palate.
• Crushed tomatoes: The vibrant base of the sauce, bringing brightness and acidity.
• Beef stock: Deepens the meatiness and enhances savoriness.
• Bay leaves: Infuse subtle fragrance and earthy nuance during the long simmer.
• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully—perfect for this dish.
• Grated Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
• Fresh basil leaves: Bright and refreshing, they provide the perfect herbal contrast at the end.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance every flavor.

How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Base

Start by warming olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add finely diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking them slowly for about 8 to 10 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. This classic soffritto is the heart of your Bolognese sauce.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Once the vegetables have softened, stir in the chopped garlic and let it cook for just 1 minute to release its fragrant oils without burning. This quick step infuses the sauce with a wonderful depth of aroma.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the lean ground beef to the pan and break it up with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the meat is evenly browned, which brings out rich, caramelized flavors essential for a sumptuous Bolognese.

Step 4: Introduce Broth and Tomato Paste

Pour in the vegetable broth and let it simmer for a minute or two to deglaze the pan and lift all those delicious browned bits. Stir in the tomato paste, fresh thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes if you want a hint of warmth. This step builds complexity and depth in your sauce.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Next, add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat. Let the sauce cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer is what transforms the sauce into a luscious, rich masterpiece.

Step 6: Cook the Gnocchi

While your sauce bubbles away, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface—an easy sign they’re done to perfection.

Step 7: Drain and Reserve Cooking Water

Drain the gnocchi carefully, keeping a small cup of the cooking water aside. This starchy water will help marry the gnocchi to the sauce in the next step, ensuring everything stays silky and well-coated.

Step 8: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into your simmered Bolognese sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved cooking water to reach your perfect, velvety consistency. This step ensures every gnocchi pillow is plate-ready and infused with flavor.

Step 9: Stir in Parmesan and Basil

Finish your Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe by mixing in the grated Parmesan and roughly chopped fresh basil. These final touches bring salty richness and fresh herbaceous notes that elevate the dish to a whole new level.

Step 10: Serve Hot and Garnished

Serve your gnocchi Bolognese piping hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil for a beautiful presentation that invites you to dig in and enjoy every luscious bite.

How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan generously over the plated gnocchi for a salty, nutty complement to the rich meat sauce. Adding a few torn or chopped fresh basil leaves on top introduces a burst of color and bright herbal flavor that perfectly balances the richness.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf also pairs beautifully here, giving you a perfect way to scoop up every last bit of the heavenly Bolognese sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, plate the gnocchi Bolognese in shallow bowls and drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top. You can also create small heaps of grated Parmesan and basil off to the side for an elegant touch. Serving with a glass of robust red wine like Chianti will complete the experience wonderfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to keep it sealed well to preserve freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the sauce and gnocchi separately for best results. Pour the cooled Bolognese sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Freeze cooked gnocchi on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a bag or container to prevent sticking. This way, you have ready-made meals waiting anytime.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the sauce in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it becomes too thick. Warm the gnocchi separately in boiling water or sauté briefly in a pan with a touch of olive oil. Combine just before serving to keep the texture perfect.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully and can save prep time, making this recipe quick without sacrificing any flavor or texture.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based mince, and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock to create a delicious vegetarian version of the Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe.

How spicy is the sauce?

The sauce is gently spiced if you include the optional red chili flakes, adding just a subtle warmth. You can easily adjust or omit this to suit your heat preference.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce actually tastes better after resting and can be made a day ahead. Just reheat gently before adding the gnocchi and serving.

What wine pairs best with Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe?

A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the sauce while enhancing the herbs and beef flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a meal that fills your kitchen with tantalizing aromas and your belly with pure comfort. This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and approachable, perfect for sharing or savoring on your own. Give it a try and watch it become one of your cherished favorites in no time!

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