Description
This classic Gnocchi Bolognese recipe combines pillowy gnocchi with a rich and hearty homemade Bolognese sauce made from lean ground beef, fresh herbs, and crushed tomatoes. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this dish is balanced with savory flavors and topped with Parmesan and fresh basil for a satisfying Italian meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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
For the Gnocchi:
- 1 ½ lb (900 g) gnocchi
For the Topping:
- â…“ 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 olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for 8–10 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma without burning.
- Cook Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes until browned evenly 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, fresh thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes if using.
- Add Tomatoes & Stock: Add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken and develop 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 they float to the surface, indicating they are done.
- Drain the Gnocchi: Drain the cooked gnocchi, reserving a small amount of the cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Combine & Serve: Add the drained gnocchi to the Bolognese sauce and gently toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved gnocchi water to loosen it to the desired consistency.
- Add Toppings: Stir in grated Parmesan and chopped basil. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil leaves if desired for an added burst of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute beef stock with vegetable stock for a lighter flavor.
- For a spicier sauce, increase the red chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer, use homemade gnocchi for a fresh, tender texture.
- Reserve some gnocchi cooking water to easily adjust the sauce thickness.
- Make sure to brown the beef properly to develop a deeper flavor in the sauce.
