Description
A comforting and cheesy baked dish featuring tender potato gnocchi smothered in a rich and flavorful Bolognese sauce, layered with creamy milk and topped with melted Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a hearty family meal that comes together easily in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
Sauce
- 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
Cheese & 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)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, typically until they float to the top. Remove them from the water using a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Brown Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or pork and cook until browned, breaking the meat 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 onions turn translucent and fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Add Milk and Combine: Stir the whole milk into the sauce to create a creamy texture. Then add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the gnocchi and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly, indicating it’s fully melted and slightly crisped.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot for a delicious, cheesy meal.
Notes
- You can use ground beef, ground pork, or a combination of both depending on your preference.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer a dairy-free alternative, replace milk and cheeses with vegan substitutes, but adjust baking time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For extra freshness, add chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving.
