Gnocchi Bolognese is a hearty and comforting Italian dish that pairs pillowy potato gnocchi with a rich, slow-cooked meat sauce. This dish combines the tender texture of gnocchi with the robust flavors of a traditional Bolognese, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or special occasions. With its satisfying layers of flavor, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry red wine
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef or chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of spice)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Gnocchi

• 1 lb (450 g) store-bought or homemade gnocchi

For Garnish

• 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1: Make the Bolognese Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
4. Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi

6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions until they float to the top, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

7. Add the cooked gnocchi to the Bolognese sauce and gently toss to coat them evenly. Let the gnocchi simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 4: Serve

8. Serve the Gnocchi Bolognese hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Notes

• Homemade gnocchi: If you prefer, you can make your own gnocchi for an authentic touch.
• Vegetable boost: Add finely chopped zucchini or mushrooms to the Bolognese sauce for extra nutrition.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

Conclusion

Gnocchi Bolognese is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the best of Italian cuisine. With its hearty meat sauce and tender gnocchi, this recipe is perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to a restaurant-quality meal. Try it today and savor the delicious blend of textures and flavors!