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Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

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4.2 from 13 reviews

A hearty and comforting Gnocchi Bolognese recipe featuring tender gnocchi tossed in a rich, flavorful beef and tomato sauce made with fresh herbs and aromatic vegetables. This classic Italian dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, combining the rustic taste of Bolognese with the soft texture of gnocchi.

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
  • 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

Pasta Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lb (900 g) gnocchi

Finishing Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan
  • 6–8 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 8–10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute to release its aroma without burning.
  3. Cook the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  4. Add Flavorings: Stir in the tomato paste, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, and red chili flakes, mixing thoroughly to combine and deepen the flavor.
  5. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and add the bay leaves. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken the sauce.
  6. Cook the Gnocchi: While the sauce simmers, cook the gnocchi in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain well.
  7. Combine and Finish: When the sauce has thickened, remove the bay leaves and stir in the cooked gnocchi, grated Parmesan, and torn fresh basil leaves.
  8. Season and Serve: Taste and season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side if preferred.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or pork for a different flavor.
  • For a spicier dish, add more red chili flakes according to your heat preference.
  • Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary can be replaced with 1 teaspoon dried versions if fresh aren't available.
  • Make sure to not overcook the gnocchi; they should be tender and just floating when ready.
  • If desired, garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/gnocchi-bolognese-recipe/