Print

Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake Recipe

Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 26 reviews

This Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is a comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines a rich and flavorful bolognese sauce with tender gnocchi, topped with melted mature cheddar cheese and fresh basil. Perfect as a hearty family meal, this bake offers a delicious twist on classic bolognese by incorporating soft gnocchi and a crispy cheesy topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 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)

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 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
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Main and Topping

  • 500g (17.5oz) pack of gnocchi
  • 120g (4.2oz) mature cheddar, grated
  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • Few fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

  1. Fry the Bacon: Spray a frying pan with olive oil cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chopped back bacon and fry until golden and crispy, then remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the diced shallots, carrot, and celery. Cook gently until softened, adding a splash of water or stock if the pan gets too dry to prevent sticking.
  3. Cook Garlic and Beef: Add the crushed garlic and extra lean beef mince to the pan. Brown the mince thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  4. Combine Ingredients for Sauce: Return the cooked bacon to the pan. Stir in dried mixed herbs, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, sweetener or sugar (if using), and chicken or beef stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes until the sauce has thickened and developed a rich flavor.
  5. Add Gnocchi: Stir the gnocchi into the sauce and simmer gently for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more stock as needed if the gnocchi absorb too much liquid during cooking.
  6. Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
  7. Bake with Cheese: Transfer the bolognese and gnocchi mixture into a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the grated mature cheddar cheese over the top. Place under a preheated broiler or grill for about 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and scatter torn fresh basil leaves over the top. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your comforting cheesy bolognese gnocchi bake.

Notes

  • You can substitute the back bacon with pancetta or streaky bacon for a smokier flavor.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace beef mince with plant-based mince and use vegetable stock.
  • For a creamier sauce, a splash of cream or milk can be added before baking.
  • Keep an eye on the gnocchi while simmering to prevent overcooking as they cook quickly.
  • This dish freezes well—store in an airtight container and reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • Using extra lean mince helps keep the fat content lower while retaining flavor.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste especially if using store-bought stocks which may vary in saltiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy Bolognese, Gnocchi Bake, Italian Dinner, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/cheesy-bolognese-gnocchi-bake-recipe/