Description

Gnocchi Bolognese combines tender, pillowy gnocchi with a rich, savory Bolognese sauce made with aromatic herbs, ground beef, and tomatoes. This comforting dish offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it an ideal meal for cozy evenings or special occasions.

Ingredients

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:

⅓ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan

6–8 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat the Oil: 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.
- Add Garlic: Stir in chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes until browned.
- Add Broth & Tomato Paste: Pour in vegetable broth and cook for 1–2 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes (if using).
- Add Tomatoes & Stock: Add crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Gnocchi:
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, typically until they float to the surface.
- Drain the gnocchi, reserving a small amount of cooking water.
Combine & Serve:
- Add cooked gnocchi to the Bolognese sauce and toss gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved gnocchi water to reach the desired consistency.
- Stir in grated Parmesan and chopped basil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve the dish hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and basil if desired.

Notes

Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.

Spicy Kick: Add more red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat in the sauce.

Herb Variations: Try adding oregano or extra bay leaves for different flavor notes.

Customizations: Add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian