There is something utterly comforting and irresistible about a hearty plate of Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe. This dish marries the pillowy soft texture of gnocchi with a rich, slow-simmered Bolognese sauce that’s bursting with fresh herbs and robust tomato flavors. Whether you’re craving a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish to share with friends, this recipe comes together beautifully, making every bite a celebration of Italian home cooking at its finest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the fresh herbs giving a fragrant lift to the tomatoes that provide depth and richness. Let’s dive into the essentials that will bring this dish to life.
- Olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds a lovely fruity base for sautéing the vegetables.
- Onion, carrot, and celery: These finely diced aromatics build a classic soffritto, the flavor foundation of the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly chopped garlic gives the sauce a warm, savory punch.
- Lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein and richness without excess fat.
- Vegetable broth: Enhances moisture and depth while keeping the sauce balanced.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor intensifies the sauce’s body and richness.
- Fresh thyme and rosemary: These herbs add fragrant earthiness and a subtle pine-like note.
- Red chili flakes (optional): For a gentle background heat that awakens the palette.
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of any Bolognese, providing sweet acidity and vibrant color.
- Beef stock: Deepens the meaty flavors while balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Bay leaves: Infuse the sauce with a delicate herbal aroma as it simmers.
- Gnocchi: Light, fluffy potato dumplings that soak up every ounce of the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan: For a salty, nutty finish that brings the whole dish tastefully together.
- Fresh basil leaves: Add a bright, fresh note just before serving.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential to enhance and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Soffritto
Begin by heating olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery, and gently cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture is softened and aromatic. This soffritto is the aromatic backbone of your sauce, releasing natural sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Stir in the chopped garlic and let it cook for just 1 minute to release its flavor without burning. This step infuses the base with a subtle warmth that complements the meat and tomatoes perfectly.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the lean ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the meat is nicely browned. This not only locks in flavor but also adds a satisfying texture that will make your Bolognese unforgettable.
Step 4: Add Broth and Tomato Paste with Herbs
Pour in the vegetable broth and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. Then stir in the tomato paste along with the fresh thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes if you’re using them. These ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a rich, fragrant sauce base.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Beef Stock, Simmer
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef stock, and add bay leaves. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking melds the flavors until the sauce is thick, luscious, and full of depth.
Step 6: Cook the Gnocchi
While the sauce gently simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface, signaling they’re perfectly cooked and tender.
Step 7: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce
Drain the gnocchi, reserving a bit of the cooking water. Add the gnocchi to the simmered Bolognese sauce and toss gently to combine. Use the reserved cooking water to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick, ensuring each gnocchi is luxuriously coated.
Step 8: Finish with Parmesan and Basil
Stir in grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves, then season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This finishing touch elevates the entire dish with a creamy, herbal freshness that’s simply divine.
How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated Parmesan and torn basil leaves make for classic garnishes that add a burst of flavor and color. For a little extra flair, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red chili can invigorate the plate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are also perfect to mop up any of that delicious sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls or rustic terracotta dishes to keep it warm longer. Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme on top makes it look as inviting as it tastes, perfect to impress guests at dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe to cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and delicious meal to revisit.
Freezing
You can freeze the sauce separately to preserve its flavors and texture best. Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze gnocchi fresh each time, as cooked gnocchi can become mushy when defrosted.
Reheating
Reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If you want to reheat the combined gnocchi and sauce, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and keep the gnocchi tender and soft.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly well for this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe and saves you prep time while still delivering that tender, pillowy texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for lentils or finely chopped mushrooms and use vegetable stock for a delicious vegetarian Bolognese twist.
How spicy is the sauce with the red chili flakes?
The red chili flakes add a gentle warmth rather than overwhelming heat. You can always adjust the amount to suit your preferred spice level or omit them entirely.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the Bolognese sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Prepare it ahead, refrigerate, and reheat gently before adding the gnocchi.
What’s the best way to cook gnocchi without them sticking?
Boil gnocchi in plenty of salted water and remove them as soon as they float to the surface. Stir gently and drain carefully, reserving some cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Final Thoughts
Making and sharing this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is like giving yourself and your loved ones a warm hug on a plate. It’s approachable, full of character, and incredibly satisfying. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to one of Italy’s most comforting dishes—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
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, homemade meat sauce simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and spices. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish combines classic Italian flavors with a satisfying texture.
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:
- â…“ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: 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 and translucent, creating a flavorful base.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute, allowing its aroma to infuse the vegetables.
- Cook Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the meat is thoroughly browned and no longer pink.
- Add Broth & Tomato Paste: Pour in the vegetable broth and cook for 1–2 minutes to deglaze the pan. Stir in the tomato paste along with fresh thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes if using, mixing well to distribute flavors.
- Add Tomatoes & Stock: Add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and deepen the sauce flavor.
- Cook the Gnocchi: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, typically until they float to the surface, indicating they’re done.
- Drain Gnocchi: Drain the cooked gnocchi in a colander, reserving a small amount of the cooking water for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.
- Combine & Serve: Add the cooked gnocchi directly into the Bolognese sauce and toss gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved gnocchi water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Add Toppings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil to the sauce and gnocchi mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the Gnocchi Bolognese hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and basil leaves if desired, for an extra burst of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant and aromatic sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red chili flakes.
- Reserve some gnocchi cooking water to adjust sauce consistency as gnocchi absorbs sauce quickly.
- For a richer sauce, you can substitute ground beef with a mix of ground pork and beef.
- Leftover Bolognese sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
