If you’re craving a dish that bursts with comforting flavors and delightful textures, you have to try this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe. It combines pillowy, golden gnocchi seared to perfection with a rich, savory Bolognese sauce packed full of juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and hearty ground beef. Every bite offers a perfect balance of tender meatiness and soft, melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi, all tied together with a bright pop of fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This dish feels like a warm hug from the inside, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is surprisingly simple yet each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a fabulous depth of flavor and texture. From the earthy shallots to the spicy red pepper flakes, every component adds a little magic to make this dish unforgettable.
- 1 pound 85/15 ground beef: Provides rich, juicy meatiness that forms the heart of the sauce.
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Adds a fruity, silky base to sear and infuse flavors.
- 1 pound potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy bites that soak up the savory sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup water, divided: Helps loosen the sauce and cook the gnocchi tenderly.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle, warming kick to brighten the dish.
- 1 shallot, finely chopped: Brings a mild, sweet onion flavor that gently layers the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato base with a rich, concentrated taste.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes: Bursting with juiciness and sweetness for fresh, balanced acidity.
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced: Provides aromatic depth and a touch of pungency.
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a subtle herbal note to complement the meat and tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste: Enhances all the existing flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and earthiness.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: For that irresistible cheesy finish and umami boost.
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped: Brightens the dish with fresh, green flavor and color.
How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, leave it undisturbed for a couple more minutes so the meat crisps up slightly and develops deep, caramelized flavor. Once browned, transfer the beef to a clean plate and set it aside to rest while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Sear the Gnocchi
In the same skillet with the leftover beef fat, pour in 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil to coat the bottom. Arrange the potato gnocchi in a single layer and allow them to cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes until the bottoms turn a lovely golden brown. Flip each one over, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to create steam, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until tender. Once done, turn off the heat and let the gnocchi rest in the skillet to absorb all those wonderful flavors.
Step 3: Infuse the Oil
While the gnocchi rests, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a separate pot or skillet over medium-low heat. Add the red pepper flakes and cook for about one minute, stirring frequently, until the oil takes on a subtle reddish hue and becomes fragrant. This step unlocks the pepper flakes’ heat and gives the sauce subtle complexity.
Step 4: Cook Shallots and Add Tomato Paste
Turn the heat up to medium and toss in the finely chopped shallot. Cook until translucent and tender, about 2 minutes, releasing its delicate sweetness into the oil. Next, stir in the tomato paste with 1/4 cup of water and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the paste to lose its bright red color and develop a deeper tomato flavor. Slowly add the rest of the water, a few tablespoons at a time, blending well after each addition to build a smooth sauce base.
Step 5: Cook Cherry Tomatoes
Add the cherry tomatoes to the sauce and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and start to burst. Use the back of a spatula or spoon to gently mash the tomatoes, releasing their juicy goodness and thickening the sauce with a luscious texture. This fresh tomato burst is key to balancing the hearty beef with vibrant acidity.
Step 6: Season and Simmer
Mix in the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for another 5 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to marry beautifully, creating a rich and aromatic sauce that clings perfectly to the gnocchi.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Return the browned beef and seared gnocchi to the sauce skillet. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to combine, ensuring every bite bursts with that signature Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe flavor. Warm through for a couple of minutes, then dish out immediately, topping with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if you like. The result is a truly comforting and impressive meal that feels like a celebration on a plate.
How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches matter with this dish. A shower of grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty saltiness that elevates every bite, while fresh flat-leaf parsley brightens the heaviness of the sauce with a quick burst of herbal freshness. If you enjoy a little heat, extra red pepper flakes sprinkled on top make a lovely finishing kick.
Side Dishes
Serve this gnocchi with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for a healthy contrast. A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up any extra luscious sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, plate the gnocchi in individual shallow bowls and garnish with a sprig of parsley and a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil. You can also serve it family-style in a beautiful rustic skillet for a cozy, communal feel. Don’t shy away from adding a dollop of creamy ricotta on top for additional decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making the next-day meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked Bolognese sauce and gnocchi separately for up to 2 months. Freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container and the gnocchi on a parchment-lined tray before transferring to a bag to prevent clumping. This way, you can quickly reheat and combine for a fast, comforting meal anytime you please.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat until simmering. Gently reheat the gnocchi in a nonstick skillet with a touch of olive oil or in the microwave. Then toss both together and serve immediately. Avoid overheating gnocchi to keep them tender and fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought potato gnocchi work wonderfully, offering convenience without sacrificing that pillowy texture so essential to this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe.
Is ground beef the only meat option?
Nope! While ground beef provides classic flavor, you can also try ground pork, turkey, or even a mix of beef and pork for a slightly different but delicious twist.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms or lentils to mimic the meaty texture and keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, not overwhelming heat, making it approachable for most palates—you can always adjust the amount to your spice preference.
What’s the best way to store leftover gnocchi and sauce?
Keep the gnocchi and sauce separate in airtight containers and refrigerate. This helps maintain the gnocchi’s texture better and makes reheating more flexible.
Final Thoughts
This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is one of those soul-satisfying meals that feels like a little celebration every time you eat it. The marriage of seared gnocchi and rich, tomato-laden beef sauce is pure comfort and a true crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen repertoire. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this cozy, irresistible dish!
Print
Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This comforting Gnocchi Bolognese recipe combines tender potato gnocchi with a rich, flavorful beef and tomato sauce. Seared gnocchi add a delightful golden crust, while a fragrant sauce made with shallots, garlic, tomato paste, cherry tomatoes, and red pepper flakes infuses every bite with depth and warmth. Ready in just 40 minutes, this hearty Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Gnocchi
- 1 pound 85/15 ground beef
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
For Searing and Sauce
- 3–4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 cup water, divided
- 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
For Garnish
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Break apart the meat as it cooks for about 7-8 minutes, then allow it to cook undisturbed for an additional 2-4 minutes to achieve a browned and slightly crispy texture. Transfer the beef to a clean plate and set aside.
- Sear the Gnocchi: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil at a time to the leftover fat in the pan until the bottom is coated with about 1-2 tablespoons. Place the gnocchi in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, or until they develop a light golden crust. Flip the gnocchi, add 2-3 tablespoons of water, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender. Turn off the heat and let the gnocchi rest in the skillet.
- Infuse the Oil: 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, stirring occasionally, until the pepper flakes release their color into the oil.
- Cook Shallots: Increase the heat to medium and add the finely chopped shallot to the infused oil. Cook until the shallot becomes translucent, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste along with 1/4 cup of water. Cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until the tomato paste loses its bright red color. Gradually add the remaining water in a few tablespoon increments, mixing well after each addition.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes to the sauce and cook for 5-6 minutes, allowing them to soften. Once tender, mash the tomatoes with the back of a spatula or spoon until they burst, creating a chunky sauce.
- Season and Simmer: Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir well and continue simmering for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Combine and Serve: Return the browned beef and seared gnocchi to the sauce. Toss gently to combine and heat through. Serve the dish hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh flat-leaf parsley, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine while cooking the tomato sauce.
- Use fresh gnocchi for the best texture, but frozen gnocchi can also be used—adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste based on your spice preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
