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Gnocchi Bolognese Bake

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Gnocchi Bolognese Bake Recipe

The addition of milk takes this Gnocchi Bolognese Bake to another level, adding richness and depth and tempering the acidity of the tomatoes. It is rich and full of flavour with a molten cheesy topping, and it’s made with the simplest of ingredients so it’s easy on your budget. The result is a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. And the best part? This recipe is made from start to finish in just one pan!

Can you make Gnocchi Bolognese Bake without milk?

Milk adds richness and depth to bolognese sauce, tenderises the meat and helps remove the acidity from the tomatoes. However, if you prefer not to use it, omit it from the recipe (no substitute is required).

Can you adjust the cooking time of Gnocchi Bolognese Bake?

The longer the cooking time, the more intense and flavourful the dish is. You could leave this on the stovetop for up to 3–4 hours. Just make sure you stir it every 30 minutes and add 60 ml (¼ cup) of water if the sauce sticks to the bottom of the pan.

Can you make Gnocchi Bolognese Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate Gnocchi Bolognese Bake for up to 3 days in an airtight container or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Is Gnocchi Bolognese Bake suitable for leftovers?

Yes, you can refrigerate leftover Gnocchi Bolognese Bake for up to 3 days in an airtight container or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Gnocchi Bolognese Bake Recipe

Gnocchi Bolognese Bake

Author: Nicole
5 from 2 votes
“Delicious. A hit with my whole family. Will definitely make again. Restaurant standard food in your home.”
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Easy and economical, this comforting Gnocchi Bolognese Bake recipe is made in just one pan. A deliciously rich bolognese is prepared on the stovetop in an ovenproof pan, the gnocchi is stirred through, then everything is baked together in the oven, topped with golden and bubbling mozzarella. Even better, the recipe is freezer-friendly.
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 1 hour
Total 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 onions, finely diced
  • 2 carrots, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 500 g (1 lb) minced (ground) beef
  • 1½ tsp sea salt flakes
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 250 ml (1 cup) dry white wine (or substitute with beef stock)
  • 125 ml (½ cup) full-cream (whole) milk (see note 1)
  • 800 g (28 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
  • 125 ml (½ cup) beef stock
  • 500 g (1 lb) fresh potato gnocchi
  • 200 g (7 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
  • 15 g (½ cup) basil, leaves picked
  • 25 g (¼ cup) freshly grated parmesan, to serve

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced).
  • Heat the olive oil in a large, ovenproof pan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables have softened.
  • Turn the heat to high, add the beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the white wine and cook for 2 minutes until it has mostly evaporated.
  • Add the milk, chopped tomatoes and beef stock. Bring the sauce to the boil before reducing the heat to low, so the sauce is simmering gently. Cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes, adding 60 ml (¼ cup) of water if the sauce begins to stick to the bottom of the pan (see note 2 for a slow simmer option).
  • Stir through the gnocchi, top with the mozzarella slices, bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
  • Top with fresh basil and freshly grated parmesan before serving.

Nutrition information

Nutrition Facts
Gnocchi Bolognese Bake
Amount per Serving
Calories
823
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
36
g
55
%
Saturated Fat
 
14
g
88
%
Trans Fat
 
0.4
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
17
g
Cholesterol
 
125
mg
42
%
Sodium
 
2201
mg
96
%
Potassium
 
1229
mg
35
%
Carbohydrates
 
66
g
22
%
Fiber
 
7
g
29
%
Sugar
 
12
g
13
%
Protein
 
49
g
98
%
Vitamin A
 
6014
IU
120
%
Vitamin C
 
26
mg
32
%
Calcium
 
511
mg
51
%
Iron
 
10
mg
56
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes

Recipe notes

Note 1 – Milk adds richness and depth to bolognese sauce, tenderises the meat and helps remove the acidity from the tomatoes. However, if you prefer not to use it, omit it from the recipe (no substitute is required).
Note 2 – The longer the cooking time, the more intense and flavourful. You could leave this on the stovetop for up to 3–4 hours. Just make sure you stir it every half an hour and add ¼ cup (60 ml) of water if the sauce sticks to the bottom of the pan.

MAKE AHEAD

Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

LEFTOVERS

Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Equipment

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Course oven bake
Cuisine Italian

  1. 5 stars
    Extremely delicious

    • So happy to hear you enjoyed this, Anne! Thanks for the rating too. Nic x

  2. 5 stars
    Delicious. A hit with my whole family. Will definitely make again. Restaurant standard food in your home. I think the trick to the lovely rich Bolognese is to give it a good 45 mins simmer. A nice glass of wine and some garlic bread this would be dinner party worthy.

    • Hi Trudy, so happy you all enjoyed this one so much … wow, “restaurant standard”, that’s wonderful feedback! Thanks also for the rating, Nic x

  3. This is on high rotation at our house and this week I tried it with the bechamel sauce for something different and it was sooo good!

    • So happy to hear that this was a hit at your place! Nic x

  4. Easy and delicious! This dish will go on repeat as a family fav. My husband kept saying “this is yum” as he polished off his dinner.- and the smell of the meal cooking goes throughout the house !

    • Hi Lorraine. Wow, that is lovely feedback, thank you! So glad you all enjoyed it. Nic x

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Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes 

For recipes labelled ‘gluten-free’ or ‘dairy-free’, the ingredients included in the recipe are typically gluten- or dairy-free. However, it is the user’s responsibility to carefully check the ingredient panels on the specific brands of products purchased and used. Simple Home Edit cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.