Description
This hearty Gnocchi Bolognese recipe features tender potato gnocchi seared to golden perfection and combined with a rich, flavorful Bolognese sauce made from ground beef, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a comforting and satisfying Italian-inspired meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound 85/15 ground beef
- 3–4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1 cup water, divided
Garnishes
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook, breaking apart the meat, for about 7-8 minutes. Then, cook undisturbed for an additional 2-4 minutes until the meat is browned and slightly crispy. Transfer the beef to a clean plate and set aside.
- Sear the Gnocchi: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil at a time to the leftover fat in the pan until you’ve coated the bottom with about 1-2 tablespoons. Add the potato gnocchi in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, or until lightly golden. Flip the gnocchi, add 2-3 tablespoons of the water, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender. Turn off the heat and let the gnocchi rest in the skillet.
- Infuse the Oil: In a separate pot or skillet over medium-low heat, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until the flakes begin to release their color into the oil, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Shallots: Increase the heat to medium and add the diced shallot. Cook until the shallot is translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste along with 1/4 cup of the water. Cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or until the paste is no longer bright red. Gradually add the remaining water, a few tablespoons at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes to the sauce and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until they become tender. Once soft, smash the tomatoes with the back of a spatula or spoon until they burst.
- Season and Simmer: Add the minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir and continue simmering for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Combine and Serve: Mix in the crumbled browned beef and seared gnocchi with the sauce. Toss to combine and warm through, then serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Use 85/15 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat content.
- Be sure to brown the beef well for added texture and flavor.
- Searing the gnocchi before combining adds a nice crispy texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste, depending on your spice preference.
- If cherry tomatoes are not in season, canned whole peeled tomatoes can be a substitute.
- Serve immediately for the best texture of gnocchi.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
