Description
This Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired casserole featuring tender potato gnocchi cooked in a rich and flavorful homemade bolognese sauce, layered with creamy milk and topped with melted Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. It’s perfect for a family dinner, combining the savory meat sauce with cheesy goodness for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi and Sauce
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix of both)
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. When the gnocchi float to the top, they are done; remove them from the water and set aside.
- Brown Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or pork and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces for even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned meat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Milk and Gnocchi: Pour in the whole milk to create a creamy texture. Then add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce and stir well to combine everything evenly.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the gnocchi and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting cheesy bolognese gnocchi bake!
Notes
- You can use ground beef, pork, or a combination for the bolognese sauce depending on your preference.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase or omit the red pepper flakes according to taste.
- For a richer sauce, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with plant-based ground crumbles or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
