If you are looking for a hearty yet wholesome meal that bursts with comforting flavors, look no further than this Baked Gnocchi with Ground Turkey, Spinach, and Mozzarella Recipe. It’s a beautiful one-pan dish that brings together pillowy gnocchi, lean ground turkey, vibrant spinach, and melty mozzarella cheese all baked to golden perfection. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying dinner that feels special but is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a new favorite for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Let me share the magic behind this delicious bake and how you can bring it to life in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering both flavor and texture, yet the list remains refreshingly simple. From the savory spices that infuse the turkey to the fresh spinach adding a pop of green, every component is essential to making this dish a winner.
- Yellow onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic base that complements the ground turkey perfectly.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and turkey while imparting a subtle richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Garlic powder: Offers a warm, savory note that melds beautifully with the herbs.
- Dried basil and oregano: Classic herbs that give the dish its Italian-inspired character.
- Ground turkey: A lean protein that keeps this dish lighter while delivering satisfying flavor and texture.
- Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color, nutrition, and a mild earthy note to the bake.
- Gnocchi: No need to cook ahead; these tender potato dumplings soak up the sauce and provide delightful softness.
- Marinara sauce: Brings tangy tomato goodness that ties all ingredients together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a bubbly, golden topping that crowns the dish deliciously.
How to Make Baked Gnocchi with Ground Turkey, Spinach, and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Prepare the Turkey
Start by heating olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add your finely diced yellow onion and cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step creates a flavorful foundation that the ground turkey will build upon.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey and Season
Add the ground turkey to the skillet and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. After about 3 minutes, sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. These spices transform simple turkey into a flavorful meat base that’s full of Italian flair.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Next, toss in the fresh spinach and stir it together with the turkey and onions until the spinach wilts down. This quick sauté ensures your greens soften just enough to blend seamlessly into the dish without losing their vibrant color.
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi and Marinara Sauce
Turn off the heat and pour your uncooked gnocchi along with the marinara sauce into the skillet. Toss everything together carefully so every piece of gnocchi gets coated while mixing evenly with the turkey and spinach. No need to pre-cook the gnocchi; it will soften beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Top with Mozzarella and Bake
Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the top of the combined mixture. Transfer your skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 28 to 30 minutes. The cheese should melt into a golden bubbly crust while the gnocchi becomes tender and juicy.
How to Serve Baked Gnocchi with Ground Turkey, Spinach, and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves make a perfect finishing touch, adding a bright herbal aroma that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan for an extra punch of umami.
Side Dishes
This baked gnocchi pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf makes fantastic companions to scoop up any extra sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the gnocchi bake right from the skillet for a rustic, cozy vibe that’s perfect for family dinners. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins for a charming presentation that’s ideal for entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover baked gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
To enjoy this meal later, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just make sure the gnocchi bake cools completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave for faster results, but the oven will help keep the cheese bubbly and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use another type of meat instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, beef, or even Italian sausage work wonderfully in this dish. Just adjust cooking times as needed and season accordingly.
Do I really not need to cook the gnocchi before baking?
No need at all. The gnocchi softens perfectly while baking with the marinara sauce, saving you a step without sacrificing texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground turkey and add extra spinach or mushrooms for heartiness. Using plant-based ground meat is also a great option.
What can I substitute for spinach if I don’t have any?
Kale, swiss chard, or even frozen spinach work well as alternatives. Just be sure to wilt or drain excess moisture before adding.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. It reheats beautifully and can be divided into portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Gnocchi with Ground Turkey, Spinach, and Mozzarella Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes when I want something comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free. The way the tender gnocchi embraces the rich sauce and melty cheese is pure magic, and the lean turkey plus fresh spinach keep it feeling fresh and balanced. I really hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how joyfully simple it is to bring a little Italian-style soul food into your own kitchen. Once you do, I bet it’ll become a beloved staple at your dinner table too!
Print
Baked Gnocchi with Ground Turkey, Spinach, and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Baked Gnocchi Recipe is a comforting and healthy one-pan meal featuring tender gnocchi baked with ground turkey, spinach, and marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Ready in under an hour, this dish combines simple ingredients for a flavorful, hearty bake that’s perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 a yellow onion – finely diced
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 large handfuls spinach
- 1 lb gnocchi – no need to cook or boil before using in this recipe
- 28 oz marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Sauté Onions: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and diced onions, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Turkey and Seasonings: Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up as it browns. After about 3 minutes, season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil, stirring to combine.
- Add Spinach: Place the spinach in the skillet with the turkey and onions, toss to combine, and sauté until the spinach wilts.
- Add Gnocchi and Sauce: Turn off the heat, then add the uncooked gnocchi and marinara sauce to the skillet. Toss all the ingredients together to ensure even mixing.
- Top with Cheese and Bake: Cover the top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, allow it to cool slightly, and serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- No need to pre-cook the gnocchi; it cooks during baking.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef as preferred.
- Fresh basil makes a great garnish to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated.
