Name: Gnocchi Lasagna with Beef Tomato Sauce, Béchamel, and Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; ½ cup cheddar cheese, grated; ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2–3 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 (14 oz.) can crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup beef stock; 1 pound gnocchi; 1 cup fresh mozzarella, shredded; Fresh parsley, optional for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 10 reviews

If you are searching for a dish that perfectly blends comforting textures with rich, layered flavors, look no further than this Gnocchi Lasagna with Beef Tomato Sauce, Béchamel, and Mozzarella Recipe. This recipe takes the classic concept of lasagna and gives it a playful twist by substituting pasta sheets with pillowy gnocchi that soak up every bit of the savory beef tomato sauce. Topped with a luscious homemade béchamel and bubbling mozzarella, it creates a cozy, indulgent meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black cast iron skillet with red handles sits on a white marbled surface, filled with cooked ground beef that is brown and crumbly, spread evenly across the pan. In the center, there is a large dollop of bright red tomato sauce sitting on top of the beef, with a small pile of dried green herbs or seasoning on the right side of the pan. The textures show the slightly oily surface of the beef mixed with the thick, slightly chunky sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Nothing fancy here, just straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create amazing depth of flavor, silky textures, and gorgeous golden topping. Each one is essential to making this dish sing in harmony.

Butter: The base for the béchamel, giving it that rich, buttery finish.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the béchamel smoothly without lumps.
Milk: Adds creaminess and silkiness to the béchamel sauce.
Cheddar cheese, grated: Gives a tangy richness that enhances the béchamel.
Parmesan cheese, grated: Brings a nutty, savory punch to the béchamel.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasoning to balance and elevate flavors.
Olive oil: For sautéing onions and garlic, adding fruity notes.
Onion, chopped: Provides a sweet aromatic foundation for the sauce.
Garlic cloves, finely chopped: Adds warmth and a fragrant bite to the sauce.
Ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this dish wonderfully satisfying.
Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor keeping the sauce rich and vibrant.
Crushed tomatoes (canned): Forms the body of the beef tomato sauce with freshness and acidity.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that enhances the sauce with herbs like oregano and basil.
Beef stock: Deepens the sauce’s savory layers for full-bodied taste.
Gnocchi: Soft potato pasta that absorbs all the delicious flavors around it.
Fresh mozzarella, shredded: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy topping.
Fresh parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color and mild herbaceousness for garnish.

How to Make Gnocchi Lasagna with Beef Tomato Sauce, Béchamel, and Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce

Start by melting butter in a saucepan to create the rich base of your béchamel. Stir in the flour and cook it just a minute to eliminate any raw taste—this step is key to a smooth sauce. Now comes the meditative part: slowly whisking in the milk until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Once thickened, fold in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, which will melt into velvety goodness, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Set this indulgent béchamel aside and let it work its magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Tomato Sauce

In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic until they soften and release their lovely aroma. Adding the ground beef next, brown it thoroughly while breaking it up, so every bit gets flavorful and tender. Stir in the tomato paste for concentrated tomato intensity, followed by crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning that infuse herbal warmth. Pour in the beef stock and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld into a rich, hearty sauce.

Step 3: Combine Gnocchi with the Sauce

Now, fold the golden gnocchi directly into the simmering beef tomato sauce. This is where the gnocchi adopts all the savory goodness, becoming soft and flavorful with each bite. Make sure every gnocchi piece is coated well; this is the base layer that will shine through beautifully in the finished lasagna.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Spread the creamy béchamel sauce evenly over the gnocchi mixture, creating a luscious blanket. Next, generously sprinkle shredded fresh mozzarella on top to guarantee that bubbly, golden crust we all crave. Cover the skillet with foil and bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a gorgeous golden hue and the dish is bubbling with excitement.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, allow the lasagna a few minutes to settle — this makes it easier to serve and lets all those flavors marry perfectly. A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top adds a pop of color and a breath of fresh herbaceous brightness to this comforting dish.

How to Serve Gnocchi Lasagna with Beef Tomato Sauce, Béchamel, and Mozzarella Recipe

The dish is a white bowl filled with about three layers of soft yellow gnocchi pieces, each one dimpled and slightly browned, mixed with rich red-brown meat sauce that has a thick texture. Lightly sprinkled white cheese powder covers the gnocchi and sauce evenly, and small bright green basil leaves are placed on top of the dish adding a fresh color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface enhancing its clean and bright look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten this rich lasagna with fresh parsley or even torn basil leaves for extra freshness and a visually inviting plate. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving can also add a lovely silky sheen and depth.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty meal with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Roasted seasonal vegetables or sautéed greens like spinach or kale complement the rich sauces wonderfully and add a nutritious balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in small oven-safe ramekins to create personal “gnocchi lasagna” casseroles. It’s perfect for dinner parties and makes each guest feel extra special. Alternatively, layer the gnocchi and sauces in a glass dish so the colors and textures show through the sides—a feast for the eyes before the first bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This gnocchi lasagna keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Transfer cooled lasagna to a freezer-safe container, separating portions with parchment paper if desired. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to retain moisture, baking until warmed through—about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway to ensure even reheating without drying out the sauce and béchamel.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully, saving you preparation time while still soaking up the delicious beef tomato sauce perfectly.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock to keep it vegetarian-friendly without losing flavor.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! Both the béchamel and beef tomato sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just assemble and bake when ready to save time.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh mozzarella?

Shredded low-moisture mozzarella from a bag works as a convenient substitute. For a creamier finish, mixing in some ricotta cheese before baking is also a fantastic option.

How spicy is this Gnocchi Lasagna with Beef Tomato Sauce, Béchamel, and Mozzarella Recipe?

This recipe is mild and comforting by nature. You can always add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce if you want a little heat kicking up the flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Gnocchi Lasagna with Beef Tomato Sauce, Béchamel, and Mozzarella Recipe is a hidden gem that brings together indulgent flavors and comforting textures in every luscious bite. Whether you’re treating family or friends or just craving a cozy solo dinner, it’s guaranteed to delight and satisfy. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite cozy night in!