If you’ve ever craved a comforting Italian classic with a twist, then this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Tender, pillowy gnocchi paired with a rich, hearty Bolognese sauce creates a symphony of flavors that feels like a warm hug from the inside. It’s a dish that beautifully balances the rustic charm of a traditional meat sauce with the delightful chew of soft gnocchi, making every bite utterly satisfying and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From fresh herbs to aromatic vegetables, every component plays a starring role in crafting that deeply comforting sauce and perfectly tender gnocchi.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing, bringing richness and helping to soften the aromatics.
- Onion, carrot, and celery: Classic soffritto mix that adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic: Gives a fragrant punch that enhances the meaty base.
- Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a robust flavor foundation.
- Dry red wine: Adds acidity and complexity, lifting the sauce beautifully.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor to enrich and thicken the sauce.
- Fresh thyme and rosemary: Aromatic herbs that infuse the sauce with earthy, piney notes.
- Red chili flakes: A subtle kick to balance the sweetness.
- Crushed tomatoes: The core of the sauce, lending freshness and vibrant color.
- Beef stock: Boosts deep, meaty flavor and helps create a luscious sauce consistency.
- Bay leaves: Infuse a gentle, herbal aroma during simmering.
- Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan: Adds savory umami and creaminess when stirred in and sprinkled on top.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn and added last for a fresh, peppery lift.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring it all together.
How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Cook Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add finely diced onion, carrot, and celery, then cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes. This slow sauté softens the vegetables and releases their natural sweetness, laying the foundation for a richly flavored sauce.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Beef
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant. Then, add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon as it browns for about 5 to 6 minutes. This step is crucial for developing that deeply savory, meaty base that makes the Bolognese so satisfying.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the dry red wine and cook for a couple of minutes. This allows the alcohol to evaporate while the wine deglazes the pan, lifting all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom and intensifying the sauce’s complexity.
Step 4: Add Tomato Base and Herbs
Mix in the tomato paste along with fresh thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves, then bring everything to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This medium simmer develops the sauce’s rich, layered flavors and thickens it perfectly.
Step 5: Cook Gnocchi
While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and gently cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Once they float to the surface, they’re ready. Drain them and set aside, keeping them warm and tender for when you combine with the sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Remove the bay leaves from your luscious sauce, then gently fold in the cooked gnocchi, grated Parmesan cheese, and torn fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The cheese melts into the warm sauce, while the basil adds a fresh brightness that’s irresistible.
How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning finish, scatter extra grated Parmesan on top and add a few more fresh basil leaves. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also give an elegant touch and elevate each serving.
Side Dishes
This dish loves good company. Serve your Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe alongside a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or garlic-rubbed toasted bread to soak up the glorious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also create a balanced, wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating gnocchi in shallow wide bowls to showcase the sauce generously coated on each dumpling. For a cozy dinner party, serve this in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with extra Parmesan and broil briefly for a bubbling golden crust to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, so it’s perfect for a ready-made meal later in the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind that gnocchi may soften slightly when thawed, but the richness of the sauce remains fantastic. It can be frozen for up to two months without losing flavor.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, gently reheat the sauce and gnocchi on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving if possible for the best texture, but if you do, reheat in short bursts and stir often.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully for the Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe and saves time without compromising on taste. Just cook according to package instructions and combine with the sauce.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this dish?
You can swap the ground beef with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms to create a vegetarian version. Adjust the beef stock to vegetable stock, and you’ll still have a rich, satisfying sauce.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red chili flakes add only a gentle warmth. If you prefer it milder, feel free to reduce or omit them – the sauce’s depth comes mostly from the herbs and slow cooking.
Can I make the Bolognese sauce in advance?
Yes! The sauce tastes even better the next day once the flavors have fully melded. Prepare it ahead and simply reheat gently before adding the gnocchi.
What kind of wine is best for the sauce?
A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works nicely. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with extra beef stock and a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
Final Thoughts
This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, savor, and enjoy simple ingredients elevated into something truly special. Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat or a centerpiece for entertaining, it’s guaranteed to warm hearts and satisfy hungry appetites. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own delicious tradition!
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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 classic Italian-inspired dish featuring tender gnocchi tossed in a rich, hearty Bolognese sauce made with lean ground beef, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a touch of red wine. This comforting one-pot meal is perfect for a satisfying family dinner and comes together in just 50 minutes.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 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 cheese
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
- Extra grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Aromatics: In a large, deep pan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Beef: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma. Add the lean ground beef to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns evenly.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry red wine and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld.
- Add Tomato Base and Herbs: Stir in the tomato paste, fresh thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes. Then add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook Gnocchi: While the sauce simmers, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain the gnocchi and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the sauce. Gently fold in the cooked gnocchi, grated Parmesan, and torn fresh basil leaves. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish: Serve the gnocchi Bolognese immediately, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, use homemade beef stock instead of store-bought.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable stock.
- Adjust red chili flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs; use one-third of the quantity when using dried.
- Gnocchi can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
