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Cheesy Gnocchi Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 58 reviews

This Cheesy Gnocchi Bake is a hearty, comforting dish combining tender gnocchi with a rich, flavorful beef and vegetable tomato sauce, topped with golden melted cheddar cheese and fresh basil. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an easy weeknight meal, it brings together simple ingredients into a delicious baked pasta bake with a cheesy crust.

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

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1/2 tablespoon dried mixed herbs
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Few fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sweetener or sugar (optional)

Tomato and Liquids

  • 400g (14oz) canned chopped tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste (puree)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 240ml (1 cup) chicken or beef stock

Pasta and Cheese

  • 500g (17.5oz) pack of gnocchi
  • 120g (4.2oz) mature cheddar, grated

Others

  • Olive oil cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare and cook bacon: Spray a frying pan over medium-high heat with olive oil spray. Add the chopped back bacon and fry until golden and crisp. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and set aside to use later.
  2. Sauté vegetables: In the same pan, add the finely diced shallots, carrot, and celery. Fry the vegetables over medium heat until they soften, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to prevent sticking.
  3. Add garlic and beef mince: Stir in the crushed garlic cloves and the extra lean beef mince. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbly, ensuring it is fully cooked through.
  4. Combine sauce ingredients: Return the cooked bacon to the pan. Add dried mixed herbs, canned chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, optional granulated sweetener or sugar, chicken or beef stock, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pan and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together.
  5. Cook gnocchi in sauce: Stir the gnocchi into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the gnocchi is cooked through and tender. If the gnocchi absorbs too much liquid, add a little more stock to maintain a saucy consistency.
  6. Season and transfer: Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Then transfer the gnocchi and sauce mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  7. Add cheese and broil: Sprinkle the grated mature cheddar evenly over the top. Place the dish under the broiler or grill for about 4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden and bubbly.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and scatter fresh torn basil leaves on top for a fragrant finish. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Notes

  • You can substitute beef mince with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace beef and bacon with mushrooms and use vegetable stock.
  • Adjust the seasoning and sweetness according to your taste preference; the sweetener is optional.
  • For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of cream before adding the gnocchi.
  • Keep an eye on the cheese under the broiler to avoid burning.

Keywords: Cheesy Gnocchi Bake, baked gnocchi, beef mince recipe, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake

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