Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 26 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious dinner that packs all the cozy vibes of Italian cooking, you’ve got to try this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe. It’s a hearty, saucy dish that combines pillowy gnocchi with a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce — seriously, it’s one of those meals that makes you want to dig in with your hands. Ready to learn my go-to method for a foolproof Bolognese that’s bursting with flavor? Let’s dive in!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balance of Flavors: The mix of fresh herbs, red wine, and a touch of chili flakes creates a deeply savory sauce with just enough kick.
  • Perfect Gnocchi Pairing: Soft, pillow-like gnocchi soak up the sauce beautifully, making each bite comforting and hearty.
  • Simple Yet Impressive: Despite its rich taste, this recipe uses straightforward ingredients and steps that anyone can follow.
  • Time-Saving Technique: Simmering the sauce uncovered helps thicken and concentrate flavors quickly without hours of cooking.
Gnocchi Bolognese, Italian gnocchi recipes, hearty pasta dishes, easy Bolognese sauce, comforting Italian dinner - The image shows a blue pot filled with a rich brown meat sauce mixed with soft, yellow-orange gnocchi. The top layer is scattered with pieces of fresh green herbs, adding a bright contrast to the warm colors of the sauce and gnocchi. The pot's handle is visible on the right side, resting on a white marbled surface. The texture of the gnocchi looks smooth and tender, while the meat sauce appears thick and hearty, covering all pieces evenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe plays a part in building layers of flavor and texture — from the classic soffritto veggies that start the sauce to the fresh herbs that add brightness. When shopping, I always recommend picking the freshest produce and a good-quality ground beef to maximize taste.

Gnocchi Bolognese, Italian gnocchi recipes, hearty pasta dishes, easy Bolognese sauce, comforting Italian dinner - Flat lay of a small pool of golden olive oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, a medium yellow onion finely diced forming a neat pile, a medium orange carrot finely diced in a small mound, two fresh celery stalks cut into small pieces arranged in a neat cluster, two large whole garlic cloves unpeeled and clean, a small heap of raw lean ground beef shaped naturally, a small white bowl filled with deep red dry red wine, a small dollop of vibrant red tomato paste on a white plate, a few sprigs of fresh green thyme finely chopped, a sprig of fresh rosemary finely chopped, a small pinch of red chili flakes scattered delicately, two bright red ripe crushed tomatoes showing natural texture in a white bowl, a small white bowl filled with rich brown beef stock, two dried bay leaves whole and unblemished, a pile of light, pillowy potato gnocchi, a small heap of finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, and several bright green fresh basil leaves roughly arranged—all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Olive oil: Adds a silky base for sautéing with a fruity richness.
  • Onion, carrot, celery: The classic soffritto trio creates a sweet, aromatic flavor foundation for the sauce.
  • Garlic: Brings a punch of savory warmth, but be gentle not to burn it!
  • Lean ground beef: Provides hearty, meaty depth without too much fat.
  • Dry red wine: Adds acidity and richness that elevate the sauce beyond simple tomato flavor.
  • Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Fresh thyme and rosemary: These herbs infuse earthy and piney notes, balancing the meatiness.
  • Red chili flakes: Just a pinch adds subtle heat, giving the sauce a lively finish.
  • Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, providing sweetness and body.
  • Beef stock: Enhances umami and keeps the sauce luscious.
  • Bay leaves: A secret flavor booster that simmers slowly into the sauce.
  • Gnocchi: Soft, chewy pillows that soak up the sauce perfectly.
  • Grated Parmesan: A salty finishing touch that ties everything together beautifully.
  • Fresh basil: Adds bright, fresh herbal notes right at the end.
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors into harmony.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe as is, but it’s also a fantastic canvas for your own tweaks. Whether you want it spicier, veggie-packed, or made with a different protein, there’s plenty of room to make it yours.

  • Variation: I once swapped ground beef for ground turkey to lighten it up—still delicious, just a bit milder in flavor but perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Vegetarian twist: Try mushrooms or lentils in place of meat for a rich, earthy version that won’t sacrifice umami.
  • Spice level: For a bolder kick, add a pinch more chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika—it’s amazing how a little heat can brighten the sauce.
  • Herbs: If you don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme, dried versions work well, just use about half the amount.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Step 1: Soften the soffritto with love

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery, stirring occasionally for about 8-10 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This slow softening releases the sweet flavors that build the base of your sauce—don’t rush this part!

Step 2: Brown the beef and deepen flavor

Add the chopped garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Toss in the ground beef and use your spoon to break it up. Cook for 5-6 minutes until it’s wonderfully browned all over. This browning (called the Maillard reaction) brings intense, meaty flavor that’s key to great Bolognese.

Step 3: Deglaze and enrich with wine

Pour in the red wine and give everything a good stir, scraping up those brown bits stuck on the pan’s bottom. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol—this step adds acidity and depth that make your sauce sing.

Step 4: Build the sauce with herbs and tomatoes

Stir in the tomato paste, fresh thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes until everything is evenly combined. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and add the bay leaves. Bring the mix to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until it thickens beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the gnocchi perfectly

While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions—usually just a few minutes until they float to the surface. Drain them gently and set aside.

Step 6: Combine and serve fresh

Remove bay leaves from the sauce, then fold in the cooked gnocchi, grated Parmesan, and torn basil leaves. Give it a final good stir, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan sprinkled over the top.

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Pro Tips for Making Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

  • Take Your Time with Soffritto: Softening your onions, carrot, and celery slowly really unlocks their sweetness and builds a flavorful base.
  • Brown Meat in Batches: If your pan is crowded, meat steams instead of browns. Do it in batches for a more intense flavor.
  • Simmer Uncovered: Letting the sauce reduce without a lid concentrates flavors and thickens the sauce naturally.
  • Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: They cook fast—once they float, drain immediately to keep their pillowy texture perfect.

How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Gnocchi Bolognese, Italian gnocchi recipes, hearty pasta dishes, easy Bolognese sauce, comforting Italian dinner - A white bowl filled with a rich, chunky dish made of two layers: the base layer is soft, yellow gnocchi with a smooth texture, and the top layer is a thick, reddish-brown meat sauce with small bits of meat and tomato sauce mixed evenly, both layers covered with bits of grated white cheese and small green herb pieces scattered on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface next to a red cloth with a pattern, a piece of pale yellow cheese block, and scattered green leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with an extra good handful of freshly grated Parmesan because it melts slightly into the warm gnocchi. A few torn basil leaves scattered on top add that fresh herbal pop that brightens each bite—trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

Side Dishes

Simple is best here. I usually pair this with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus to add a fresh, crunchy contrast. Crusty bread is also great for mopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes plate individual portions in shallow bowls and drizzle a bit of basil oil or balsamic glaze around the edges for a restaurant-style touch. It makes an impressive, cozy dinner when friends come over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually separate the gnocchi and sauce if I know I’ll be reheating later, but if you’re short on time, just keep them together.

Freezing

I recommend freezing the sauce on its own if you want to meal prep ahead. It freezes beautifully and can be thawed quickly in a pan over low heat. Gnocchi doesn’t freeze as well after cooking, so it’s best to cook fresh when ready.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a pan over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. If reheating gnocchi and sauce together, stir often to avoid sticking and keep the gnocchi tender.

FAQs

  1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe?

    Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly here and saves time, making this recipe even more accessible for weeknight meals. Just be sure to cook them according to package instructions, usually boiling until they float to the top.

  2. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

    You can find gluten-free gnocchi at many supermarkets or specialty stores. Just make sure your beef stock and any other packaged ingredients are gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor.

  3. Is it okay to use dried herbs if I don’t have fresh ones on hand?

    Yes! Use about half the amount of dried herbs (so one teaspoon instead of one tablespoon) since they’re more concentrated. Adding them earlier while the sauce simmers will allow their flavors to develop fully.

  4. Can I make the sauce ahead and just cook gnocchi before serving?

    Definitely a smart move! Making the sauce ahead lets the flavors marry even more, and then you can boil the gnocchi fresh right before serving for the best texture and warmth.

Final Thoughts

This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe has become a staple for me whenever I want something that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and surprisingly quick to pull together even on busy nights. I really hope you give this a try—it’s one of those dishes that’s sure to become a favorite, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 26 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
Print Recipe

Description

A classic Italian dish featuring tender gnocchi tossed in a rich, flavorful Bolognese sauce made with ground beef, aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef
  • ½ cup (100 ml) dry red wine
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup (250 ml) beef stock
  • 2 bay leaves

Main

  • 1 ½ lb (900 g) gnocchi
  • ⅓ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan
  • 6-8 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for 8-10 minutes until softened.
  2. Add garlic and beef: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Then add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
  3. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the red wine and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
  4. Add herbs and tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste, fresh thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes, mixing well.
  5. Add tomatoes and stock: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and add bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
  6. Cook gnocchi: While sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface.
  7. Combine and finish: Drain the cooked gnocchi and stir them into the thickened sauce along with the grated Parmesan and chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Serve: Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan on top if desired.

Notes

  • If red wine is unavailable, substitute with additional beef stock or grape juice for depth.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace beef with textured vegetable protein and use vegetable stock.
  • Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs at half the quantity.
  • Use gluten-free gnocchi to make the dish gluten free.
  • To enhance flavor, prepare the sauce a day ahead and reheat before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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