If you have a soft spot for classic Italian comfort food with a luscious twist, this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine pillowy gnocchi soaked in a rich, meaty Bolognese sauce that’s been simmered to perfection with fresh herbs and just the right kick of chili flakes. It’s the kind of meal that feels cozy on a chilly evening but elegant enough to impress anyone at your dinner table. This recipe beautifully balances the tender texture of gnocchi with the hearty, flavorful depth of a traditional Bolognese, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to put together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and satisfying textures. From the fresh aromatics that start the sauce to the fresh herbs that brighten the finish, this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe relies on simple yet essential components to create its irresistible character.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing your veggies, it adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Onion, carrot, and celery: Classic soffritto that creates a flavorful foundation with sweetness and earthiness.
- Garlic cloves: For that unmistakable aromatic punch that elevates the meat sauce.
- Lean ground beef: Provides hearty, meaty substance without excess fat, making the sauce rich but balanced.
- Dry red wine: Adds depth, complexity, and a touch of acidity that brightens the sauce.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a slightly sweet, concentrated body.
- Fresh thyme and rosemary: Fresh herbs that infuse the sauce with earthy and piney notes.
- Red chili flakes: Bring a mild, warming heat that livens up each bite.
- Crushed tomatoes: The sauce’s tomato base, providing texture and sweetness.
- Beef stock: Enhances the meaty flavor and creates a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Bay leaves: Add subtle herbal fragrance during the simmering process.
- Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that pair perfectly with the sauce’s richness.
- Grated Parmesan: Provides salty, nutty brightness when stirred in and sprinkled on top.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn over the dish for a burst of fresh, slightly peppery flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and highlight all the ingredients.
How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Cook Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery. These veggies form the classic Italian soffritto that cooks down into a sweet, tender base for the sauce. Stir occasionally for about 8 to 10 minutes until they soften and their aromas start filling your kitchen.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Beef
Next, toss in the finely chopped garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then add the lean ground beef. Break it up with your spoon and cook it through until nicely browned, usually about 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds the meaty heart of your Bolognese sauce and creates those irresistible browned bits that deepen flavor.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the dry red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful browned pieces from the bottom. Let the wine bubble and cook off for 1 to 2 minutes. This step adds a lovely acidity and rich depth that balances the savoriness of the beef and vegetables.
Step 4: Add Tomato Base and Herbs
Stir in the tomato paste, fresh thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of red chili flakes for warmth. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves. Bring everything to a boil before lowering the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce beautifully.
Step 5: Cook Gnocchi
While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi in and cook according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface. Drain gently and set aside, ready to be enveloped in your glorious Bolognese sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Remove the bay leaves from your sauce, then gently fold in the cooked gnocchi along with grated Parmesan and torn fresh basil leaves. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This final mix coats each pillowy gnocchi piece in tender, herby, saucy goodness, making every bite pure bliss.
How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
For that perfect finishing touch, sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan over the top just before serving. A few more torn basil leaves also add vibrant color and fresh flavor, making the dish look as inviting as it tastes. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can add a glossy sheen and subtle richness, too.
Side Dishes
This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe shines on its own, but you can round out the meal with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crusty garlic bread is another brilliant companion, perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce and adding a satisfying crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, serve the gnocchi and Bolognese in deep pasta bowls for a cozy, rustic vibe. You can even layer the sauce and gnocchi in a baking dish, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and bake it until golden and bubbling for a delightful twist. Another fun idea is to plate the gnocchi with a drizzle of basil pesto on top alongside the Bolognese for a pop of herbaceous brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the Gnocchi Bolognese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to enjoy it later. For best results, keep the sauce separate from the gnocchi when freezing. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if the sauce feels too thick. If reheating in the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep the gnocchi tender and the sauce luscious.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Definitely! Store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully and saves time, making this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe even quicker without sacrificing taste or texture.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground pork, turkey, or even a plant-based meat alternative if preferred. Each choice brings a slightly different flavor but still pairs beautifully with the sauce.
Is it necessary to add red wine?
While red wine adds lovely depth and complexity, you can omit it if you prefer or substitute with extra beef stock. Just be sure to let the sauce simmer long enough to develop rich flavors.
How spicy is this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe?
The red chili flakes add a gentle warming heat that complements the dish without overpowering it. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The sauce tastes even better the next day, so making it a day ahead and reheating before adding the gnocchi is a fantastic way to save time.
Final Thoughts
This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is a wonderful way to bring warmth, comfort, and irresistible flavor to your table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish promises to delight anyone who tries it. I hope you’ll give it a go and enjoy every cozy, comforting bite as much as I do.
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Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and comforting Gnocchi Bolognese recipe featuring tender gnocchi tossed in a rich, flavorful meat sauce made with lean ground beef, aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, and a hint of red wine, finished with Parmesan and fresh basil for a delicious Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon 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) dry red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (250 ml) beef stock
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Gnocchi and Garnish
- 1½ lb (900 g) gnocchi
- â…“ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
Instructions
- Cook Aromatics: In a large, deep pan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for 8-10 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Beef: Stir in finely chopped garlic and cook for another minute. Add lean ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it down with a spoon as it browns evenly.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry red wine and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate, enhancing the depth of the sauce.
- Add Tomato Base and Herbs: Stir in tomato paste, finely chopped thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes. Add crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors.
- Cook Gnocchi: Meanwhile, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Remove bay leaves from the sauce. Stir the cooked gnocchi, grated Parmesan, and torn fresh basil into the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish: Serve the gnocchi bolognese immediately with extra grated Parmesan on top if desired for added richness.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep the sauce rich yet not overly fatty.
- Dry red wine is optional but adds complexity to the sauce.
- Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and basil elevate the flavor; dried herbs can be substituted if fresh aren’t available.
- Be sure not to overcook the gnocchi to maintain their tender texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
