Name: Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 slices of back bacon, fat removed, chopped; 400g (14oz) extra lean beef mince (ground beef); 3 shallots, finely diced; 1 carrot, finely diced; 2 small stalks of celery, finely diced; 3 cloves of garlic, crushed; Few fresh basil leaves, torn; 400g (14oz) canned chopped tomatoes; 3 tablespoons tomato paste (puree); ½ tablespoon dried mixed herbs; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon granulated sweetener or sugar (optional); 240ml (1 cup) chicken or beef stock; 500g (17.5oz) pack of gnocchi; 120g (4.2oz) mature cheddar, grated; Olive oil cooking spray; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Introduction

This Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Combining tender gnocchi with a rich, flavorful bolognese sauce and topped with melted cheddar, it’s a delicious twist on a classic favorite.

A dark gray bowl filled with gnocchi covered in a thick layer of red meat sauce mixed with crumbled ground meat, topped with melted white cheese sprinkled with grated cheese, and bright green fresh basil leaves spread on top and among the gnocchi. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a dark cloth napkin nearby and scattered green basil leaves around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 slices of back bacon, fat removed, chopped
3 shallots, finely diced
1 carrot, finely diced
2 small stalks of celery, finely diced
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
400g (14oz) extra lean beef mince (ground beef)
½ tablespoon dried mixed herbs
400g (14oz) chopped tomatoes, canned
3 tablespoons tomato paste (puree)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sweetener or sugar (optional)
240ml (1 cup) chicken or beef stock
500g (17.5oz) pack of gnocchi
120g (4.2oz) mature cheddar, grated
Olive oil cooking spray
Salt and black pepper
Few fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

Step 1: Spray a frying pan with olive oil cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and fry until golden. Remove the bacon and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pan, add the diced shallots, carrot, and celery. Fry gently until softened, adding a little water or stock if needed to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Add the crushed garlic and ground beef to the pan. Cook until the meat is browned all over.
Step 4: Return the cooked bacon to the pan. Stir in the dried mixed herbs, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, sweetener or sugar (if using), stock, and balsamic vinegar. Bring the sauce to a boil, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes until thick and rich.
Step 5: Stir in the gnocchi and continue to simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is cooked through. Add more stock if the gnocchi absorbs too much liquid.
Step 6: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the grated cheddar evenly on top, then place under the broiler or grill for about 4 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Step 8: Scatter fresh torn basil leaves over the top and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef and bacon with chopped mushrooms or a plant-based mince.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili flakes with the mixed herbs.
Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan for a different cheese topping.
Make extra sauce and use it as a pasta topping on another day.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or in an oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through. Adding a splash of stock or water can help keep the gnocchi moist during reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a layered gnocchi dish. The bottom layer is chunky red tomato sauce mixed with browned ground meat, giving a rich, textured base. On top of this is a thick layer of melted, golden-brown cheese that covers most of the gnocchi and sauce beneath. Scattered fresh green basil leaves are placed on and around the cheese, adding a pop of color. The gnocchi are oval-shaped, plump, and light yellow, peeking through the sauce and cheese. The bowl sits on a cloth with a black-and-white checkered pattern, all on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of gnocchi?

Yes, you can substitute gnocchi with small pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. Cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the pasta is fully cooked before baking.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely. You can prepare the sauce and gnocchi mixture ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and add the cheese topping right before baking to keep it fresh and melty.