Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A hearty one-pan meal that’s rich and satisfying
- Combines Italian flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness
- Quick to assemble and perfect for weeknights
- Family-friendly and guaranteed to please a crowd
Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty, comforting Italian-inspired bake made with pillowy gnocchi tossed in a rich, meaty Bolognese sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup whole milk or cream
- 1 pound (500g) potato gnocchi
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Stir in milk or cream to create a rich, smooth sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Combine the gnocchi with the Bolognese sauce in a large baking dish and mix well.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the Bolognese sauce ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- For extra cheesiness, add ricotta or béchamel between layers.
- Try using spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for more flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Potato gnocchi – The star of the dish. Use store-bought or homemade gnocchi. I prefer the shelf-stable version for convenience, but fresh gnocchi gives an even lighter texture.
Ground beef – The base of the bolognese sauce. Choose lean ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for deeper flavor.
Olive oil – Helps brown the meat and adds richness to the sauce.
Onion – Finely diced for a subtle sweetness that complements the tomatoes.
Garlic – Adds aromatic depth and enhances the savory flavor of the sauce.
Tomato paste – Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the sauce beautifully.
Crushed tomatoes – Forms the bulk of the sauce, creating that rich, hearty texture.
Italian seasoning – A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme that brings authentic Italian flavor.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Heavy cream – Adds a touch of luxurious creaminess that elevates the sauce.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible cheesy pull when baked.
Parmesan cheese – Adds sharpness and depth to the cheesy topping.
Fresh basil (optional) – A bright, fragrant finish that adds freshness to the dish.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.
- Stir in the heavy cream and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Add the gnocchi directly into the sauce (no need to boil it first). Stir well to coat the gnocchi evenly.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
The result is a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that delivers all the flavors of a slow-cooked Italian dinner in half the time.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. You can also freeze the baked dish for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Vegetable Boost – Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
Sausage Swap – Replace the ground beef with Italian sausage for a more robust, spiced flavor.
Four-Cheese Delight – Mix in ricotta and fontina cheese along with the mozzarella and Parmesan for extra creaminess.
White Sauce Version – Replace the tomato sauce with a creamy Alfredo sauce for a rich, indulgent twist.
Turkey Gnocchi Bake – Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version without losing flavor.
Pesto Layer – Add spoonfuls of basil pesto between layers of sauce and cheese for a vibrant, herby punch.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free gnocchi and confirm your tomato products are certified gluten-free.
Bacon Lover’s Edition – Add cooked, chopped bacon into the sauce or sprinkle over the top before baking for a smoky finish.
Make-Ahead Casserole – Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate; bake when ready to serve for an easy weeknight meal.
FAQs
Do I need to boil the gnocchi before baking?
No, the gnocchi cooks perfectly in the sauce as it bakes.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, both shelf-stable and fresh gnocchi work beautifully.
What type of meat can I use instead of beef?
You can use pork, turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely—replace the meat with lentils or chopped mushrooms.
What cheeses melt best for this recipe?
Mozzarella for stretch and Parmesan for flavor make the best combination.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How can I make it creamier?
Add a bit more heavy cream or a spoonful of ricotta before baking.
What side dishes pair well with it?
A crisp green salad and garlic bread complement this dish perfectly.
Can I freeze it after baking?
Yes, freeze in portions and reheat directly in the oven or microwave.
Why did my gnocchi turn mushy?
Overbaking or boiling beforehand can make gnocchi too soft—bake it directly in the sauce for best texture.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is the kind of comforting, soul-warming meal that never fails to impress. With its creamy, rich bolognese sauce and perfectly baked gnocchi topped with melted cheese, it’s both hearty and irresistible. It’s an ideal make-ahead dish that turns simple ingredients into a cozy, restaurant-quality dinner. I’ve made it countless times for family and friends, and it always earns rave reviews—it’s everything you want in a baked pasta dish, only better.
Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share