Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially fresh gnocchi and a rich, flavorful bolognese sauce. I always opt for quality ground beef or a mix of beef and pork to deepen the flavour, but feel free to use turkey or plant-based mince for a lighter or vegetarian twist. The cheese topping is crucial—using a blend of mozzarella and parmesan gives you both that gooey stretch and a nutty finish. And don’t skimp on the onions, garlic, and a splash of red wine if you have it; these little touches elevate the sauce beautifully.
- 1 pound (450g) potato gnocchi, store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound (225g) ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or passata
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional, but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While the gnocchi cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, roughly 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper as you go.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and red wine, then stir in oregano and basil. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked gnocchi until evenly coated in the sauce.
- Transfer the gnocchi and sauce mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top. For an extra golden crust, you can broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
