If you’re craving pure Italian comfort, this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is about to secure a special place at your dinner table. Tender, pillowy gnocchi snuggled in a rich, meaty tomato sauce and finished with a shower of Parmesan and fresh herbs—each bite is hearty, satisfying, and loaded with robust flavor. Whether you’re after a speedy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for friends, you’ll fall in love with how easy and soul-warming this classic meal can be.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is how simple yet bold the ingredients are. Each one adds layers of depth, savory notes, and hearty texture, building the vibrant personality that makes this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe sing.
- Potato gnocchi (1 lb): Fluffy potato dumplings are the perfect base; use fresh for extra tenderness or shelf-stable for convenience.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle richness when sautéing veggies and boosts heart-healthy fats.
- Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Brings sweetness and savory depth to the sauce’s foundation.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Instantly elevates the aroma and overall flavor of your sauce.
- Carrot, grated or chopped (1 medium): Adds a hint of sweetness and beautiful color to balance the tomatoes.
- Celery, finely chopped (1 stalk): Gives the sauce that classic Italian backbone with earthy freshness.
- Ground beef or pork (1 lb, or a mix): Makes your Bolognese hearty and utterly satisfying—use both for complex flavor.
- Dry red wine (1/2 cup, optional): Deepens the sauce with subtle acidity and richness—choose a wine you’d enjoy sipping!
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): Forms the lush base of your sauce; choose good quality for bold tomato flavor.
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Concentrates the savory tomato punch and thickens your sauce beautifully.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Adds the perfect herbal note for Italian authenticity.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Draws out all the savory flavors in every ingredient.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Brings a gentle heat and aroma to balance the sauce.
- Whole milk or cream (1/4 cup): Finishes the sauce with silky richness—cream is extra indulgent!
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, plus more for serving): Adds salty, nutty depth and a finishing flourish.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Delivers a shot of freshness and vibrant color right before serving.
How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables
Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add your chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté everything together for five to six minutes until the vegetables are softened, fragrant, and just beginning to melt into each other—these aromatics create the flavor backbone for the whole Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Toss in your ground beef, pork, or a combo of both. Use a spoon or spatula to break up any big clumps as it browns. You want the meat fully cooked through, deeply caramelized, and mingling with the veggies for extra flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Add Wine and Simmer
If you’re using red wine, pour it in now. Let it bubble and simmer for a couple minutes to deglaze the pan—scraping up all the tasty browned bits stuck on the bottom. This adds wonderful depth and a subtle, sophisticated finish to your Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Now, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Turn the heat to low and let your sauce simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is the stage where all those savory, tangy, and herby flavors meld into one magical sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
While your sauce is bubbling away, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the gnocchi, cooking them just until they float to the top—usually two or three minutes. Once those little clouds rise up, drain them straight away to keep their pillowy texture.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Add the drained gnocchi directly into the sauce. Stir in the milk or cream and the grated Parmesan cheese. Give it all a gentle toss and let it simmer for about two more minutes, so the gnocchi soak up some of that creamy, cheesy sauce. Your Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is now ready for the table—hot, creamy, and wonderfully inviting!
How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese is non-negotiable for me—it adds that salty umami hit every Italian pasta loves. A generous handful of chopped basil or parsley brightens the whole plate with fresh, fragrant green. If you want a gourmet touch, add a swirl of olive oil or a hint of cracked black pepper right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is delightfully filling, but pairing it with a crisp, simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette does wonders for balance. Slices of crusty ciabatta or garlic bread are also fantastic for mopping up every last bit of the luscious sauce. If you want to double down on the Italian flavors, serve with roasted vegetables or a big bowl of marinated olives on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family meal, serve the Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe in a big, rustic bowl at the center of the table and let everyone dig in family-style. For an impressive dinner party, spoon portions into shallow pasta plates and garnish with Parmesan curls and microgreens. Or, for a twist, bake the gnocchi in individual ramekins topped with mozzarella until bubbly and golden—so much fun and so indulgent!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as tasty—or maybe even better—the second day around.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, let the sauce and gnocchi cool to room temperature, then transfer into freezer-safe containers. The sauce freezes beautifully for up to three months, though for best gnocchi texture, you may want to freeze the sauce and boil the gnocchi fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Stir until steamy and smooth, then finish with fresh Parmesan and herbs to revive the flavors of your Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade gnocchi are delightful when you have the time, store-bought (fresh or packaged) makes this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe an easy, approachable meal for any night of the week.
What can I substitute for the meat?
You can swap the ground beef or pork for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based, meatless crumble if you’d like a lighter or vegetarian version. The sauce is still delicious and hearty!
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free gnocchi, available at many grocery stores—just check the ingredients list on the package to be sure. All other components in the Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe are typically gluten-free.
How do I make the sauce extra rich?
For an even richer sauce, simmer it on low heat for an hour or more to deepen the flavors, and use heavy cream instead of milk for ultra-creamy results. You can also sneak in a small pat of butter for added silkiness!
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce for Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge; just reheat it and toss with fresh-cooked gnocchi when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for something cozy, flavorful, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell heavenly, this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is the answer. I can’t wait for you to try it—once you do, I bet it’ll become a staple on your comfort food rotation!
Print
Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this classic Gnocchi Bolognese recipe, where pillowy potato gnocchi are smothered in a rich, meaty sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Ingredients
Gnocchi:
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or packaged)
Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium carrot (grated or finely chopped)
- 1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
- 1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix)
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup whole milk or cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Add meat, cook until browned. Deglaze with wine, then add tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Cook gnocchi according to package instructions, then add to the sauce. Stir in milk or cream, Parmesan, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve: Top with extra Parmesan and herbs before serving hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, simmer the sauce longer or make it ahead.
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Homemade gnocchi can be used for a special touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
