Name: Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 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) extra lean beef mince (ground beef); 120g (4.2oz) mature cheddar, grated; 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; Olive oil cooking spray; Salt and black pepper

Jump to Recipe

This Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender gnocchi with a rich, meaty sauce topped with melted cheddar. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner when you want something easy yet satisfying.

Ingredients

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 over medium-high heat with olive oil spray. Add the diced shallots, carrot, and celery, frying until softened. Add a little water or stock if the vegetables start to stick to the pan.
Step 2: Add the crushed garlic and beef mince to the pan. Cook until the beef is browned all over.
Step 3: Stir in the dried mixed herbs, canned chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and sweetener or sugar if using. Pour in the stock, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes until the sauce is rich and thickened.
Step 4: Add the gnocchi to the sauce and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is cooked through. If the gnocchi absorbs too much liquid, add a little more stock to keep the sauce saucy.
Step 5: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to your taste.
Step 6: Transfer the gnocchi and sauce mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the grated mature cheddar evenly over the top.
Step 7: Place the dish under a hot grill or broiler for about 4 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and golden brown.
Step 8: Scatter torn fresh basil leaves over the top and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, stir a splash of cream into the sauce before baking.
You can substitute turkey or pork mince for a different flavor profile.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the meat for cooked lentils and use vegetable stock.
Adding a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce gives a gentle heat that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To keep the cheese topping crispy, reheat uncovered in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

A white plate with a serving of baked gnocchi covered in a rich, brown meat sauce. The gnocchi are soft and rounded with a golden-brown crust on top, mixed with visible chunks of browned ground meat and small pieces of vegetables like onions and herbs. The sauce looks thick and slightly oily, coating each gnocchi piece well. A silver fork rests on the edge of the plate. The background shows a white marbled surface with a casserole dish full of the same baked gnocchi in the distance, slightly blurred. The scene is naturally lit, showing the warm colors of the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time when simmering in the sauce to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the sauce and gnocchi mixture the day before, then top with cheese and bake right before serving. This helps the flavors meld nicely.