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
Scale
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
- 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 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.
