Name: Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 1 medium carrot, finely diced; 2 celery stalks, finely diced; 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes; 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) crushed tomatoes; 1 1/4 cups (310 ml) beef stock; 2 bay leaves; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 1/2 lb (900 g) gnocchi; 1/3 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan; 6–8 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving a heartwarming, comforting dish that brings together the pillowy softness of gnocchi with the rich, meaty depth of a traditional Italian sauce, this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe takes the beloved Bolognese sauce and pairs it perfectly with tender gnocchi, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s bursting with fresh herbs, slow-simmered tomatoes, and a touch of spice that elevates every bite, making it a family favorite or an impressive dinner for guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The first image shows a white pot with light blue handles on a white marbled surface. Inside the pot, there is one layer of small chopped vegetables including light green celery, orange carrots, and translucent onions spread evenly around the edges, with a small pile of minced pale yellow garlic in the center. The second image shows the same white pot with light blue handles on the white marbled surface. The bottom layer is the cooked chopped vegetables from before, and on top, there is a thick layer of raw ground meat covering most of the vegetable layer, showing its pinkish-red color and stringy texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, resulting in a dish that’s both rustic and refined.

Olive oil: The foundation of the sauce, it gently cooks the vegetables and adds richness.
Onion, carrot, and celery: Classic soffritto that brings natural sweetness and depth.
Garlic: Adds a fragrant punch that wakes up the sauce.
Lean ground beef: Provides hearty meatiness and a satisfying texture.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the sauce a beautiful color.
Fresh thyme and rosemary: Aromatic herbs that add complexity and freshness.
Red chili flakes: A subtle kick that balances the richness.
Crushed tomatoes: The luscious, saucy heart of this dish.
Beef stock: Adds savory depth and body to the sauce.
Bay leaves: Infuse subtle earthy notes as the sauce simmers.
Gnocchi: Soft, chewy dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Parmesan cheese: Brings saltiness and umami with every sprinkle.
Fresh basil: Adds a bright, herbal finish to the dish.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.

How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Base Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add finely diced onion, carrot, and celery. This mix, known as soffritto, softens gently while releasing natural sweetness and creates the perfect flavor base for your sauce. Cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and just golden.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Brown the Beef

Next, toss in the chopped garlic and cook for another minute until you notice its delicious aroma filling your kitchen. Then, add the ground beef to the pan. Break it apart with your spoon and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until it’s nicely browned, which adds those savory caramelized notes essential to a great Bolognese.

Step 3: Enhance Flavors with Tomato Paste and Herbs

Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sugars to caramelize and deepen the flavor. Now, add fresh thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of red chili flakes for an herbal and mildly spicy kick. Stir everything thoroughly to combine those aromas perfectly.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef stock, then add two bay leaves for subtle Earthy notes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before lowering the heat and letting it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop that hearty, rich flavor you’re aiming for.

Step 5: Cook and Combine Gnocchi

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your gnocchi according to the package instructions. Once tender, drain well and remove the bay leaves from your sauce.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Stir the cooked gnocchi into your thickened Bolognese sauce. Add grated Parmesan and torn fresh basil leaves, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The cheese melts into the sauce creating luxurious creaminess, while the basil adds bursts of freshness in every bite.

How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

The image shows a white shallow bowl filled with a two-layered dish. The bottom layer is small, round, golden gnocchi with a smooth texture, scattered across the whole bowl. On top of the gnocchi is a thick layer of minced meat in a reddish-brown tomato sauce with small bits of herbs sprinkled over. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a red cloth nearby and a block of cheese in the background. A sprinkle of grated cheese is visible on top of the meat sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A scattering of extra grated Parmesan is a simple way to finish the dish, adding a salty, nutty crunch. Fresh basil leaves placed on top add a beautiful color contrast and herbaceous aroma that makes each serving feel special.

Side Dishes

This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness, or some roasted seasonal vegetables that add texture and vibrant color to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant touch, serve the gnocchi in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of microgreens. Alternatively, bake the sauced gnocchi lightly with a topping of mozzarella for a gratin-style twist that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover gnocchi Bolognese keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld, making the second-day meal just as tasty, if not better.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish in portions for up to two months. It’s best to keep the sauce and gnocchi together for convenience, perfectly sealing them to maintain freshness and avoid freezer burn.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or stock if it looks too thick to loosen the sauce and keep the gnocchi tender. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts at medium power to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works great and saves time. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best texture.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock while keeping all other ingredients the same.

How spicy is this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe?

The red chili flakes add only a mild kick that enhances the flavors without overwhelming the dish, but you can adjust or omit them depending on your spice preference.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce is fantastic when made ahead and even better after resting overnight, as it lets all the flavors meld beautifully. Just reheat gently before serving with freshly cooked gnocchi.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot complements the rich meat sauce and herbaceous notes, enhancing your dining experience wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe that blends tradition with comfort so seamlessly. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish promises warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to meals for cozy nights in.