There is something utterly magical about the harmony of soft potato gnocchi, bursting cherry tomatoes, and that irresistible savory crunch of crispy ground beef. This Gnocchi Bolognese with Crispy Ground Beef and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe perfectly balances texture and flavor, making it a standout weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between tender pillow-like gnocchi and the rich, vibrant sauce that’s both comfort food and a celebration of fresh ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the heart of this recipe, each chosen to enhance taste, texture, or color without overwhelming the dish. From the savory ground beef to the bright cherry tomatoes, every element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor you’ll love.
- 85/15 ground beef: Provides a perfect balance of leanness and fat for crispy, flavorful meat.
- Olive oil: Used in stages for cooking beef, searing gnocchi, and developing the sauce’s richness.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully while offering a comforting texture.
- Water: Added gradually to the sauce to keep it smooth and well-balanced in consistency.
- Red pepper flakes: Bring a subtle heat and deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- Shallot: Offers a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes: Burst with fresh, juicy sweetness that brightens the sauce.
- Garlic: Adds a warm, pungent punch that’s essential in Bolognese.
- Dried oregano: Lends an earthy, herbal note that complements the tomatoes.
- Salt and black pepper: These seasonings bring out all the flavors perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated on top for that ultimate finishing touch of savory richness.
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley: Adds a bright, herbaceous freshness to balance the richness.
How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese with Crispy Ground Beef and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Crisping the Ground Beef
Start by heating the ground beef in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Breaking it apart lets all those meaty flavors release. Once it’s cooked through, let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes so it browns and gets that irresistible crispy texture. This step truly elevates the dish beyond ordinary Bolognese, giving each bite delightful crunch.
Step 2: Searing the Gnocchi
After removing the beef, add olive oil to the skillet, ensuring the bottom is coated well. Place the potato gnocchi in a single layer and leave them untouched while they form a delicate golden crust. Adding a splash of water helps steam them to tender perfection. This dual cooking creates gnocchi that’s soft inside with a slight crisp outside — pure comfort.
Step 3: Flavoring the Oil with Red Pepper Flakes
In a separate pan, warm olive oil with red pepper flakes to infuse the oil with a gentle spicy aroma. This little technique pulls out more personality from the flakes, subtly warming the whole sauce with just the right amount of kick.
Step 4: Softening Shallots
Next, add finely chopped shallots into the infused oil. Cook them gently until translucent, their natural sweetness creating a beautiful foundation for the tomato layers that follow.
Step 5: Building the Tomato Base
Stir in tomato paste with a little water to dilute and toast it slightly, deepening its flavor and mellowing its brightness. Then, add more water gradually, stirring to achieve a luscious, silky sauce consistency—this is the heart of your Bolognese.
Step 6: Cooking and Bursting Cherry Tomatoes
Add fresh cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook until tender. The magic happens when you smash them gently—the juices blend into the sauce, lending it a fresh, light texture with bursts of sweetness that perfectly contrast the meaty flavors.
Step 7: Seasoning and Simmering
Introduce garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the sauce, stirring everything together. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to marry all these rich, vibrant flavors in perfect harmony.
Step 8: Bringing It All Together
Finally, add back the crispy ground beef and seared gnocchi into the sauce. Toss everything carefully to coat and warm through. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and parsley to add that gorgeous finishing touch that elevates the entire dish.
How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese with Crispy Ground Beef and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top is an absolute must for this recipe. It melts slightly into the warm sauce, adding creamy umami notes. Finely chopped flat-leaf parsley contributes a bright, fresh pop of color and herbaceous flavor that beautifully balances the richness of the beef and gnocchi.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every bit of the luscious sauce, making your meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try plating the gnocchi Bolognese family-style in a rustic cast iron skillet right at the table. This invites everyone to dig in and keeps the gnocchi perfectly warm. You can also garnish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a few shavings of aged Parmesan for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This recipe’s flavors actually deepen overnight, so you might find it even better the next day.
Freezing
Freezing is possible, but the gnocchi’s texture changes slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze the sauce and ground beef mixture separately from the gnocchi, and combine them fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving directly to keep the gnocchi’s texture intact and the beef crispy notes vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! While ground beef gives that classic heartiness and crisp, lean turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind that the crispy texture may be less pronounced due to lower fat content.
What can I substitute for potato gnocchi?
If you can’t find potato gnocchi, fresh or dried pasta like gnocchetti or small dumplings work well. However, the pillowy texture that gnocchi brings is truly special, so it’s worth tracking it down.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes offer a gentle warmth but aren’t overwhelmingly spicy. Feel free to adjust the amount to your personal heat preference or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils to replicate the texture and earthiness. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added depth in the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing and meal prep?
Yes! The separate freezing method for sauce and gnocchi makes meal prep convenient. Prepare components in bulk, then thaw and combine when you’re ready to eat for a quick and delicious meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that feels cozy, indulgent, and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors, give this Gnocchi Bolognese with Crispy Ground Beef and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe a try. It’s a perfect blend of textures and tastes that really brings joy to the dinner table, guaranteed to become one of your favorite comfort meals. Let yourself savor every bite and share it with loved ones—cooking and eating like this always feels like a celebration!
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Gnocchi Bolognese with Crispy Ground Beef and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This delicious Gnocchi Bolognese recipe combines tender potato gnocchi with a rich and flavorful homemade tomato and ground beef sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it features crispy browned beef, sautéed gnocchi, and a savory sauce infused with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a hearty Italian-inspired dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound 85/15 ground beef
Gnocchi
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 3–4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 cup water, divided
Sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook, breaking apart the meat, for about 7-8 minutes. Then, cook undisturbed for an additional 2-4 minutes until the meat is browned and slightly crispy. Transfer the beef to a clean plate and set aside.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil at a time to the leftover fat in the pan until you’ve coated the bottom with about 1-2 tablespoons. Add the gnocchi in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, or until lightly golden. Flip the gnocchi, add 2-3 tablespoons of the water, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender. Turn off the heat and let the gnocchi rest in the skillet.
- Infuse Oil with Red Pepper Flakes: In a separate pot or skillet over medium-low heat, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until the flakes begin to release their color into the oil, stirring occasionally.
- Sauté Shallot: Increase the heat to medium and add the diced shallot. Cook until the shallot is translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste and Water: Stir in the tomato paste along with 1/4 cup of the water. Cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or until the paste is no longer bright red. Gradually add the remaining water, a few tablespoons at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Cook and Smash Cherry Tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes to the sauce and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until they become tender. Once soft, smash the tomatoes with the back of a spatula or spoon until they burst.
- Season the Sauce: Add the minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir and continue simmering for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Combine and Serve: Mix in the crumbled browned beef and seared gnocchi with the sauce. Toss to combine and warm through, then serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh or high-quality potato gnocchi.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for milder or spicier heat.
- To make the sauce richer, you can add a splash of red wine during step 5 before adding water.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture; gnocchi can become soggy if left sitting in the sauce too long.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 2 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
