If you love hearty, comforting meals that bring a touch of Italy right to your kitchen, this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is an absolute treasure. The pillowy gnocchi paired with a rich, slow-simmered Bolognese sauce creates a perfect harmony of tender textures and deep, savory flavors. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it a fantastic dish for family dinners or impressing guests with a rustic yet refined meal. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for satisfying, soul-warming dining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Each component plays a vital role: fresh vegetables provide body and sweetness, herbs add aromatic depth, and quality beef and gnocchi ensure a hearty meal. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe truly spectacular.
- Olive oil: The foundation for cooking your aromatics, bringing out their natural flavors with a subtle fruitiness.
- Onion: Finely diced, it adds sweetness and depth to the sauce base.
- Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and color, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
- Celery stalks: Provide aromatic earthiness that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Garlic cloves: Finely chopped to release their pungent, savory essence.
- Lean ground beef: Brings hearty richness without overwhelming fat.
- Dry red wine: Adds complexity and helps deglaze the pan for maximum flavor extraction.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a luxurious thickness.
- Fresh thyme and rosemary: Bright, woodsy herbs that infuse the sauce with Italian authenticity.
- Red chili flakes: Just a pinch for a gentle kick of warmth.
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of your sauce, offering vibrant color and tang.
- Beef stock: Deepens the meaty notes and keeps the sauce luscious.
- Bay leaves: Add subtle herbal undertones as the sauce simmers.
- Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the sauce like a dream.
- Grated Parmesan: Adds nutty saltiness and a creamy finish.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn and stirred in for bright, fragrant freshness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Cook Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery. Let them cook gently for about 8 to 10 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This slow cooking builds a sweet and savory flavor foundation that makes all the difference in a great Bolognese.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Beef
Next, stir in the chopped garlic and cook for another minute until it releases its wonderful aroma. Then, add the lean ground beef, breaking it up as it browns evenly for about 5 to 6 minutes. Browning the beef properly gives the sauce rich, meaty depth and texture.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the dry red wine and allow it to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. This quick deglazing lifts all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan and enhances the complexity of the sauce. The alcohol cooks off, leaving just the rich taste behind.
Step 4: Add Tomato Base and Herbs
Stir in the tomato paste along with fresh thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of red chili flakes. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves next. Bring everything to a boil before reducing to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer melds the herbs and tomatoes together, thickening the sauce into the perfect consistency.
Step 5: Cook Gnocchi
In the meantime, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions – usually just a few minutes until they float to the top. Drain them and set aside, ready to soak up that glorious sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Remove the bay leaves from the Bolognese, then gently fold in the cooked gnocchi, grated Parmesan, and torn fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The gnocchi will absorb the sauce, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors you won’t want to miss!
How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds a lovely salty richness and beautifully melts into the warm sauce. Fresh basil leaves scattered across the plate provide a pop of color and fragrant brightness that lift every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own, but a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil is an excellent side, adding refreshing crunch that contrasts with the richness of the Bolognese. Crusty garlic bread or a warm, toasted baguette slices make fantastic companions for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the gnocchi in individual shallow bowls, garnished with a basil sprig and a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil. You can also bake the combined gnocchi and sauce with a layer of mozzarella and extra Parmesan until golden and bubbling for an irresistible baked variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal longer, freeze the sauce separately from the gnocchi to maintain the best texture. Freeze the sauce in a sealed container for up to 3 months. The gnocchi freeze less well once cooked, so it’s better to cook fresh when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
Reheat the sauce gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. If combined with gnocchi, warm slowly to avoid mushiness, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to loosen the sauce back to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative. Just be mindful that the sauce may need a slightly longer simmer to develop the full depth of flavor since those meats are leaner.
Do I need to make gnocchi from scratch for this recipe?
Not at all. Store-bought gnocchi tastes great and saves time, especially for busy weeknights. Just follow package instructions, and you’ll have tender gnocchi ready to soak up that rich Bolognese sauce.
How do I know when the gnocchi are cooked?
Gnocchi cook quickly; they’re done when they float to the surface of the boiling water. Once they rise, give them another 30 seconds to a minute, then drain immediately to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the ground beef for lentils or finely chopped mushrooms to create a vegetarian version. The sauce will still be hearty and flavorful, especially with the herbs and spices included.
Is it possible to make this sauce in advance and just cook gnocchi before serving?
Yes! The Bolognese sauce actually tastes better after sitting overnight in the fridge, giving the flavors time to meld. Simply reheat the sauce while cooking fresh gnocchi before serving.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe enough. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy, tender gnocchi and a slow-simmered, flavorful sauce that feels like a celebration of home-cooked Italian goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers comfort and joy in every mouthful. Give it a go and watch how quickly it becomes a cherished staple in your kitchen!
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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 classic Italian-inspired Gnocchi Bolognese featuring tender gnocchi tossed in a rich, savory ground beef and tomato sauce infused with fresh herbs and a splash of red wine. This hearty dish offers a comforting blend of flavors perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon 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) dry red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (250 ml) beef stock
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Gnocchi and Garnish
- 1½ lb (900 g) gnocchi
- â…“ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
- Extra grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Aromatics: In a large, deep pan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for 8-10 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Beef: Stir in chopped garlic and cook for one more minute. Then add the ground beef, cooking for 5-6 minutes while breaking it down with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry red wine and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate and to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add Tomato Base and Herbs: Stir in tomato paste, fresh thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Cook Gnocchi: While the sauce simmers, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface, then drain and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Remove bay leaves from the sauce. Stir in the cooked gnocchi, grated Parmesan, and torn basil leaves. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing gently to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the gnocchi bolognese immediately, topped with extra grated Parmesan if desired for an added savory finish.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep the sauce rich without excess grease.
- Dry red wine enhances the depth of flavor but can be omitted or substituted with extra beef stock if preferred.
- Be careful not to overcook gnocchi; they cook quickly and will become mushy if left too long.
- Fresh herbs bring brightness to the dish, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch—use about one-third the quantity if dried.
- This recipe can be made vegetarian by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles and using vegetable stock.
