If you’ve ever dreamed of a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is exactly that and more. Combining pillowy gnocchi with a rich, savory Bolognese sauce, it strikes the perfect balance between comforting and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels special or a dish to impress friends, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. Prepare for tender, golden gnocchi coated in a luscious tomato and beef sauce that’s bursting with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice. This is Italian comfort food at its absolute best.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, contributing to a harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish simply irresistible.
- Olive oil (3-4 tablespoons): The base for sautéing, it adds richness and aids in browning the beef and gnocchi perfectly.
- Ground beef (1 pound, 85/15): Provides hearty texture and deep savory flavor, essential for a classic Bolognese sauce.
- Potato gnocchi (1 pound): Soft and pillowy, these little dumplings soak up the sauce beautifully while offering a delightful bite.
- Water (1 cup, divided): Used to create the perfect consistency for the sauce and help tenderize the gnocchi during cooking.
- Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick that enhances the overall savory profile without overwhelming it.
- Shallot (1, finely chopped): Gentle and sweet, it builds depth in the sauce alongside garlic and tomatoes.
- Tomato paste (3 tablespoons): Concentrates the tomato flavor for that rich, slightly sweet backbone of the Bolognese.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 pint): Fresh and bursty, they bring juiciness and natural sweetness, brightening the sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves, finely minced): Infuses the sauce with its pungent, aromatic soul, absolutely essential for Italian cooking.
- Dried oregano (¾ teaspoon): Adds earthy, herbaceous notes that lift the sauce to a new level.
- Salt (1 teaspoon, to taste): Enhances all the flavors and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides subtle warmth and complexity.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A finishing touch offering salty, nutty richness for those who want an extra layer of indulgence.
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional): Adds freshness and vibrant color to brighten up the finished dish.
How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating some olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes until the meat loses its pink color, then let it cook without stirring for another 2 to 4 minutes. This step helps the beef develop a slight crispness that adds irresistible texture. Once browned and flavorful, transfer it to a clean plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Gnocchi
Using the same skillet, drizzle in one tablespoon of olive oil at a time until the bottom is coated—usually 1 or 2 tablespoons total. Spread the gnocchi in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes until golden and slightly crispy on one side. Flip the gnocchi, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water, and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until tender. Turn off the heat and let the gnocchi rest gently in the pan.
Step 3: Heat Pepper and Shallot
While the gnocchi cooks, grab another pot or skillet and warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the red pepper flakes and cook for about a minute, stirring occasionally, to release their vibrant color and flavor into the oil. Turn the heat up to medium and toss in the chopped shallot. Let it cook until translucent, about 2 minutes, forming the aromatic base of your Bolognese sauce.
Step 4: Add Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste along with ¼ cup of water and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the paste loses its bright red color and starts to caramelize slightly. This step deepens the flavor. Slowly add the remaining water a few tablespoons at a time, stirring well after each addition to create a smooth, rich sauce.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they soften. Use the back of a spatula or spoon to gently smash the tomatoes so their juices meld into the sauce. Then, add the minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes to marry the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
Step 6: Stir in Beef and Gnocchi
Return the browned beef and tender gnocchi to the sauce, folding everything together gently until each bite is coated in the luscious Bolognese. If you like, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and a handful of freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley just before serving to add that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of a Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe isn’t just in the main components—it’s in the little extras that elevate it. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously for a salty, nutty finish and fresh parsley for a pop of green and fresh aroma. A small drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can also brighten the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve this hearty dish alongside a simple mixed green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Crunchy garlic bread or a crusty baguette are perfect companions that help soak up every last bit of the savory sauce. Roasted or steamed seasonal veggies also balance the richness and add color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating individual portions in wide, shallow bowls and topping with a sprig of fresh herbs to impress your guests. You can also layer this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe in a baking dish with mozzarella, then broil it briefly for a bubbly, browned finish. For a casual meal, serve family-style in a large skillet right at the table inviting everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe makes excellent leftovers. Transfer cooled portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after a day, making your second serving taste even better.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the cooled Bolognese sauce separately from the gnocchi for best results. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing gnocchi after it’s cooked to maintain its soft, pillowy texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce feels too thick or the gnocchi need softening. You can also microwave, but keep it covered and use short intervals to warm evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully and saves time. Just make sure to follow the searing step to get that delightful golden crust before combining with the sauce.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you prefer, ground turkey, pork, or even a mix of mushrooms and lentils can be great alternatives that maintain a rich, meaty texture and complement the sauce beautifully.
Is this dish spicy because of the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a subtle hint of heat that enhances flavor without making the dish overly spicy. You can adjust or omit them depending on your heat preference.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The Bolognese sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to let flavors deepen. Just reheat gently before tossing with the freshly seared gnocchi for the best texture.
How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked perfectly?
The gnocchi should be tender and pillowy inside with a lightly golden and slightly crispy exterior. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the brand, so keep an eye out while searing to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that feels like home yet sparks excitement every time you make it. This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe combines simple ingredients in a way that’s approachable but impressive, delicious but comforting. Whether you’re indulging solo or sharing with loved ones, I promise this recipe will bring smiles and warmth around your table. Dive in and make this one a new family favorite!
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Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Gnocchi Bolognese recipe features tender potato gnocchi pan-seared to a golden crisp and combined with a rich, homemade beef and tomato sauce seasoned with garlic, shallots, and herbs. Finished with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley, it’s a comforting and satisfying Italian-inspired dish that can be prepared in just 40 minutes, perfect for a family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Gnocchi
- 1 pound 85/15 ground beef
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
Oils and Liquids
- 3–4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 cup water (divided)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
Optional Garnishes
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Break the meat apart and cook for about 7-8 minutes, then leave it undisturbed for an additional 2-4 minutes until the beef is browned and slightly crispy. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside.
- Sear the Gnocchi: In the same skillet with leftover grease, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil at a time until the bottom is well coated (usually 1-2 tablespoons total). Place the gnocchi in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until lightly golden. Flip the gnocchi, add 2-3 tablespoons of water, and cook another 2-3 minutes until tender. Turn off the heat and let the gnocchi rest in the skillet.
- Heat Pepper and Shallot: In a separate pot or skillet over medium-low heat, add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until the oil is infused and the flakes release color. Increase heat to medium, add the finely chopped shallot, and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste along with ¼ cup of water. Cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until the paste darkens and loses its bright red color. Gradually add the remaining water in a few tablespoons at a time, stirring well after each addition to incorporate.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-6 minutes until they soften. Use the back of a spatula or spoon to gently smash the tomatoes until they burst, releasing their juices into the sauce. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, then simmer for an additional 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Stir in Beef and Gnocchi: Combine the browned beef and seared gnocchi into the tomato sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly and heat through. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh potato gnocchi and sear them in a single layer to achieve a nice golden crust.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the sauce to your preference.
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based ground meat for a leaner or vegetarian version.
- Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley are optional but add wonderful flavor and garnish.
- Serve immediately after combining all elements to enjoy the gnocchi at its best texture.
