If you are looking for a deliciously hearty and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining pillowy potato gnocchi with a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce infused with fresh herbs, smoky spices, and a touch of cream, this dish delivers comfort and elegance in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is a wonderful way to bring everyone around the table for a memorable, flavor-packed experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple but essential ingredients that each play a vital role in building the deep flavors, silky texture, and vibrant colors that make this Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe truly special.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté vegetables and meats, providing a smooth base and enhancing flavor.
- Carrots, celery, and yellow onion: The classic mirepoix combination adds subtle sweetness and texture.
- Diced pancetta: Brings a smoky, salty depth to the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a punch of aromatic warmth.
- Lean ground beef and ground pork: The meaty foundation for a rich, hearty sauce.
- Seasonings (kosher salt, black pepper, chipotle powder, oregano, smoked paprika): Balance heat, smokiness, and herbal notes perfectly.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce’s tomato essence with concentrated richness.
- Dry red wine: Adds acidity and complexity while deglazing the pan.
- Diced fire roasted tomatoes: Provides smoky tomato chunks and body to the sauce.
- Fresh rosemary and thyme, bay leaves: Infuse the sauce with fragrant herbaceous layers.
- Chicken or beef broth: Keeps the sauce moist and flavorful during the long simmer.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty notes and creaminess once stirred in.
- Heavy whipping cream: Smooths the sauce and balances acidity.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft and pillowy, perfect for soaking up every bit of the sauce.
How to Make Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Mirepoix
Start by heating olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped carrots, celery, and roughly chopped onion, then cook gently until everything softens and begins to release its natural sweetness. This foundational step creates a flavorful base for the sauce that carries through every bite.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Agents
Next, stir in the diced pancetta and cook until it turns golden and crispy. This little addition packs a big punch in flavor, lending smoky savoriness that beautifully complements the vegetables and meats that follow.
Step 3: Garlic and Meat Browning
Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, toss in the ground beef and pork, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns evenly. This is the moment your kitchen starts to smell heavenly as the meat crisps and caramelizes, locking in those meaty flavors essential for the sauce.
Step 4: Season and Enrich
Season the meat mixture with salt, freshly ground black pepper, chipotle powder for gentle heat, dried oregano for herby brightness, and smoked paprika to boost smokiness. Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for a minute or two to deepen its flavor before moving to the next stage.
Step 5: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the dry red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up all those caramelized bits stuck to the bottom, which add incredible richness. Allow the wine to mostly absorb before stirring in the diced fire roasted tomatoes, fresh herb sprigs, bay leaves, and broth. Bring everything to a simmer, then lower the heat, cover, and let it cook slowly for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. This slow braising develops all those layers of cozy, complex flavors that define this Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe.
Step 6: Finish the Bolognese Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, skim off any excess fat, remove herb stems and bay leaves, then stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and heavy cream. These final ingredients add luscious creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the hearty meatiness perfectly.
Step 7: Cook and Combine the Gnocchi
Boil salted water and cook the potato gnocchi just shy of fully done — undercook by about one minute to keep them tender but firm. Reserve half a cup of the cooking water before draining the gnocchi. Toss the gnocchi into the warm Bolognese sauce, gently mixing to coat every fluffy dumpling. If needed, use the reserved cooking water or extra parmesan to adjust the sauce’s consistency to silky perfection.
Step 8: Serve
Dish out the gnocchi and sauce into bowls and top generously with extra parmesan cheese. Now it’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh basil, parsley, or additional parmesan on top not only enhances the presentation but also adds fresh, bright notes that contrast wonderfully with the sauce’s richness. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a pinch of chili flakes can kick things up a notch.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, garlic bread to soak up the leftover sauce, or oven-roasted vegetables for a wholesome accompaniment. These sides complement the full-bodied flavors without overpowering the Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in rustic bowls for a charming, homestyle vibe or dress up your serving platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and edible flowers for a touch of elegance. Individual ramekins topped with a parmesan crisp also make a delightful presentation for dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the remaining Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day meals or unexpected guests.
Freezing
You can freeze the Bolognese sauce (without the gnocchi) for up to 3 months in a sealed freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge. Cook fresh gnocchi and combine right before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
Reheating
Reheat the sauce gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, and adding a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick. Gently warm the gnocchi separately or toss both together in a pan to heat through evenly, taking care to avoid overcooking the gnocchi.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully and saves time. Just be careful not to overcook it to maintain a tender, pillowy texture that complements the rich sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
You can swap the meat for minced mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Adjust the seasoning and broth accordingly to keep the same depth of flavor.
What wine is best for the red wine in this recipe?
Choose a dry red wine like Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot. These wines add acidity and depth without overpowering the sauce and are perfect for cooking or sipping alongside your meal.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The Bolognese sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make it a day ahead, then gently reheat and toss with freshly cooked gnocchi before serving.
How spicy is this Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe?
The chipotle powder provides a mild smoky heat, but you can adjust according to your preference by adding more or less, or skipping it altogether for a milder flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a culinary warm blanket, filling your kitchen and table with irresistible aromas and unforgettable flavors. Whether it’s a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner, give yourself the gift of this homemade classic that brings people together. I promise once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire!
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Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese recipe combines a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce with tender potato gnocchi for a hearty and comforting Italian classic. Featuring a blend of ground beef and pork, pancetta, aromatic vegetables, and a touch of cream and parmesan, this dish offers deep, layered flavors perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 4 ounces diced pancetta
- 8 cloves of garlic, minced or 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 lb lean ground beef (grass-fed)
- 1 lb ground pork
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine (Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced fire roasted tomatoes
- 3–4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Gnocchi
- 32 ounces potato gnocchi (shelf-stable)
Instructions
- Sauté the Mirepoix: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped carrots, celery, and roughly chopped onion. Cook the mixture until the vegetables become tender and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the Flavor Agents: Add the diced pancetta to the softened vegetables and cook until the pancetta is golden and crisp, releasing its flavorful fat. Stir regularly to ensure even cooking.
- Incorporate Garlic: Add minced or pressed garlic to the pot and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
- Brown the Meat & Season: Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Break the meat up into small pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until it is browned all over, about 7-10 minutes. Season the meat with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, chipotle powder, dried oregano, and smoked paprika, blending the spices evenly throughout.
- Add Tomato Paste and Cook: Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly to develop a rich flavor base.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the dry red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let the wine reduce until it is mostly absorbed, intensifying the sauce’s depth.
- Build the Braise: Add the diced fire roasted tomatoes, fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and broth to the pot. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Slow Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the sauce simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld and the sauce will thicken.
- Finish Bolognese Sauce: After simmering, remove excess fat from the surface if necessary. Discard the herb stems and bay leaves. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and heavy whipping cream to enrich and smooth the sauce.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook them just until they begin to float and are still slightly firm (undercook them by about one minute). This prevents them from becoming mushy when added to the sauce.
- Reserve Gnocchi Water: Remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon, reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
- Assemble Gnocchi Bolognese: Transfer the cooked gnocchi to the Dutch oven with the Bolognese sauce. Gently toss to coat the gnocchi completely in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it by stirring in reserved gnocchi water or more parmesan cheese to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Divide the Gnocchi Bolognese among bowls and top generously with additional freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning during long simmering.
- The slow simmering time is key to developing a deep, savory flavor in the Bolognese sauce.
- If you prefer, substitute ground veal or turkey for pork for a leaner option.
- Reserve gnocchi cooking water is useful for adjusting sauce thickness without diluting flavor.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash more cream or finish with a knob of butter just before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
