Description
This Easy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake combines classic Italian flavors in a comforting, hearty casserole perfect for weeknight dinners. Ground beef is simmered with a medley of sautéed vegetables and tomato sauce, then mixed with soft gnocchi and topped with parmesan and mozzarella cheeses before baking to cheesy perfection.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion (about 1/2 medium onion)
- 1 cup shredded carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
- 1 cup diced celery (about 2 medium celery sticks)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste (approximately ¾ teaspoon salt and a few pinches of pepper)
- 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (not drained)
Pasta & Cheese
- 2 (16-oz) packages gnocchi
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, shredded carrot, and diced celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Cook beef: Add the lean ground beef along with Italian seasoning, dried garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, breaking the beef apart with a spoon, until it browns and crumbles evenly. Once browned, remove from heat.
- Assemble casserole: Stir the canned tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the skillet with the cooked beef and vegetables. Add the gnocchi and mix everything thoroughly. Transfer this mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top followed by shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top has melted and slightly browned. After baking, let the dish sit on the counter for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time by assembling in advance and refrigerating until ready to bake.
- For extra flavor, you may add a splash of red wine when cooking the beef.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes when seasoning the beef.
- Gnocchi can be substituted with small pasta like shells or penne if desired.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
