Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe | Hearty And Delicious Gnocchi Dish

If you love rich, slow-simmered Bolognese sauce paired with pillowy soft gnocchi, this Gnocchi Bolognese recipe is a must-try. This dish combines classic Italian flavors with a hearty, satisfying texture that makes it the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. Whether you're cooking for family or simply craving a cozy meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Why You'll Love This Comforting Dish

• Hearty and Comforting. A rich, meaty sauce paired with tender gnocchi makes this a warm and satisfying meal.
• Easy to Make. While traditional Bolognese sauce takes hours, this version delivers deep flavor in under an hour.
• Restaurant-Quality. This homemade sauce tastes just like an authentic Italian trattoria dish.
• Customizable. You can adjust the ingredients to fit your taste—use beef, pork, turkey, or even a vegetarian alternative.

With a slow-simmered meat sauce, fluffy gnocchi, and plenty of Parmesan cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What Does Gnocchi Bolognese Taste Like?

Gnocchi Bolognese is a delicious Italian dish featuring potato gnocchi tossed in a rich, meaty tomato sauce. The sauce is slow-cooked to perfection with ground meat, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, creating a deep, umami-packed flavor.

While Bolognese sauce is traditionally served with pasta, gnocchi makes for a heartier and more indulgent alternative, soaking up the sauce beautifully.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Ground Beef or Pork- The main protein in the sauce, adding a hearty, meaty depth. Pork provides extra richness, while beef offers a robust, savory flavor. Turkey can be used as a leaner alternative.
• Olive Oil- Used to sauté the aromatics and brown the meat, enhancing the overall richness of the sauce.
• Onion & Garlic- The base of the sauce, bringing layers of sweet, savory, and umami notes to build flavor.
• Carrots & Celery- Traditional in Bolognese sauce, these vegetables add a touch of natural sweetness and balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Tomato Paste- Intensifies the tomato flavor, giving the sauce a deep, concentrated richness.
• Crushed Tomatoes- The main component of the sauce, providing a thick, hearty texture and tangy sweetness.
• Beef or Chicken Broth- Enhances the sauce with depth and umami, making it even more flavorful.
• Red Wine (Optional)- Adds complexity and boldness to the sauce, intensifying the meaty flavors.
• Italian Seasoning- A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme, essential for giving the sauce its signature Italian aroma.
• Salt & Black Pepper- Necessary seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors in the sauce.
• Heavy Cream or Milk (Optional)- A finishing touch that creates a smooth, velvety texture and slightly softens the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Potato Gnocchi- These soft, pillowy dumplings are the perfect vessel for the rich, meaty sauce, soaking up all the flavors beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese- Adds a sharp, nutty finish to the dish, elevating the umami flavors.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley- Provides a fresh, herbaceous contrast that balances the richness of the sauce.

This combination of ingredients results in a hearty, comforting dish with deep, slow-cooked flavors that make Gnocchi Bolognese a true Italian classic!

How To Make Gnocchi Bolognese

1. Prepare the Bolognese Sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the tomato paste, stirring well to coat the meat and veggies. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, broth, and red wine (if using). Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Cook the Gnocchi. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Drain the gnocchi and set aside.
3. Assemble the Dish. Stir the cooked gnocchi into the Bolognese sauce. Toss gently to coat the gnocchi in the sauce. Add a splash of heavy cream or milk (optional) for extra richness. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
4. Serve and Enjoy. Plate the gnocchi Bolognese and serve hot with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Tips And Tricks

Making Gnocchi Bolognese is a rewarding process, but a few expert tips can take it to the next level. Here’s how to achieve the best results:

• Use Fresh Gnocchi for Best Texture. Homemade or store-bought fresh gnocchi cooks faster and absorbs sauce better than shelf-stable varieties.
• Simmer the Sauce Longer for Deeper Flavor. While 30-40 minutes works well, simmering for an hour or more enhances the richness.
• Add a Splash of Cream for a Velvety Finish. A bit of heavy cream or whole milk makes the sauce extra luxurious.
• Use a Mix of Meats. A blend of beef and pork adds more depth and authenticity.
• Deglaze with Wine. Adding red wine enhances the umami flavors in the sauce.

Variations

Gnocchi Bolognese is a comforting and versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Spicy- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Version- Swap the meat for mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground "meat".
• Extra Creamy Sauce- Stir in mascarpone, ricotta, or heavy cream before serving.
• Pesto Twist- Add a spoonful of pesto for extra herbaceous flavor.
• Gluten-Free- Use gluten-free gnocchi and double-check that your broth and tomato paste are gluten-free.

What To Eat With Gnocchi Bolognese

Gnocchi Bolognese is a rich and hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides that complement its bold flavors. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside your meal:

• Garlic Bread- A must-have for scooping up extra sauce.
• Caesar Salad- A crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables- Such as zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers.
• Red Wine- A glass of Chianti, Sangiovese, or Merlot enhances the meal.

How Long Does It Last?

Gnocchi Bolognese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.

Since gnocchi is a delicate pasta, it can become softer over time as it absorbs the sauce, so it is best enjoyed fresh or within the first couple of days.

Can You Freeze It?

If you plan to store leftovers for longer, consider keeping the gnocchi and Bolognese sauce separate to maintain the best texture. For longer storage, you can freeze Gnocchi Bolognese for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.

When reheating, it's best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before warming it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore its consistency.

More Comforting Creations

• Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
• Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
• Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles
• Mashed Potato Casserole
• Instant Pot Butter Chicken

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