Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake
Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate comfort food — soft potato gnocchi smothered in a rich, meaty Bolognese sauce, layered with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan, and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s cozy, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 500g potato gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ lb 225g ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup tomato sauce or passata
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup water as needed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually 2–3 minutes or until they float. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Bolognese:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Brown the beef:
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Add tomato components:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine gnocchi and sauce:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl or directly in a greased baking dish, combine cooked gnocchi with the Bolognese sauce. Stir in half the Parmesan and half the mozzarella.
- Bake:
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve:
- Let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Add chopped spinach or zucchini to sneak in extra veggies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.
- Great for meal prep — assemble and refrigerate unbaked, then bake when ready to eat.