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Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake Recipe

Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake Recipe
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5.2 from 15 reviews

Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake brings together a rich bolognese meat sauce, tender gnocchi, and a melted cheddar cheese topping for a comforting and satisfying meal. A perfect baked dish for any night of the week!

Ingredients

    Meat Sauce:

  • 2 slices of back bacon, fat removed, chopped
  • 3 shallots, finely diced
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 2 small stalks of celery, finely diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 400g (14oz) extra lean beef mince (ground beef)
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried mixed herbs
  • 400g (14oz) chopped tomatoes, canned
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste (puree)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sweetener or sugar (optional)
  • 240ml (1 cup) chicken or beef stock

    • Additional Ingredients:

  • 500g (17.5oz) pack of gnocchi
  • 120g (4.2oz) mature cheddar, grated
  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Few fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meat Sauce: Spray a frying pan over medium-high heat with olive oil spray. Add bacon and fry until golden, then remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add shallots, carrot, and celery, and fry to soften. Add water or stock if needed to prevent sticking.
  3. Cook Beef: Add garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned.
  4. Add Sauce Ingredients: Return the bacon to the pan and stir in mixed herbs, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, sweetener (or sugar), stock, and balsamic vinegar. Simmer for 20 minutes until sauce is thickened.
  5. Incorporate Gnocchi: Stir in gnocchi and simmer until cooked, adding more stock if needed.
  6. Season and Bake: Season the sauce, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheddar cheese, and broil until melted and golden.
  7. Finish and Serve: Scatter with fresh torn basil and serve hot.

Notes

  • If the gnocchi absorbs too much sauce, add extra stock while simmering.
  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh herbs like oregano or thyme.
  • Use any cheese you prefer, but mature cheddar gives a nice sharpness to the dish.
  • This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/cheesy-bolognese-gnocchi-bake-recipe/