Gnocchi Bolognese

Meet your new favorite dinner hack – this one-skillet Gnocchi Bolognese. It's insanely delicious and the ultimate comfort food. I chose cauliflower gnocchi to keep it Whole30 compatible, but you can sub your favorite gnocchi here. The bolognese sauce is rich and hearty, and even makes incredible leftovers for lunch the next day.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This gnocchi bolognese is such a winner because it's EASY - it's the kind of dinner magic that happens all in one skillet. Easy to prep and easy to clean up. What could be better? The bolognese sauce keeps on giving because it'll be ready for round two the next day. It's a win-win for a laid-back, tasty dinner that ticks all the boxes for you and your family.

Ingredients You Will Need

Ground Beef: Ground beef works wonders in a bolognese recipe, imparting a hearty flavor and juicy texture that perfectly complements the rich, savory notes of the sauce.

Cauliflower Gnocchi: The cauliflower gnocchi from Trader Joe's is available in the freezer section and happens to be a personal favorite. Of course, any gnocchi you enjoy can be used for this recipe!

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil stands out as an excellent choice for sautéing, adding richness and enhancing the natural flavors of foods with its versatility.

Onion: I prefer yellow onion for this recipe as it has a bolder flavor than sweet onions but you can certainly use sweet if you prefer.

Tomato Basil Sauce: Rao's tomato basil sauce is a standout for its rich flavor, but feel free to substitute it with any favorite sauce for a personalized twist on this recipe.

Salt and Pepper: Salt enhances and balances flavors, while pepper adds a gentle heat, improving the overall flavor of a dish.

Garlic Powder: Using garlic powder over minced garlic is best in this recipe as it easily dissipates into the sauce for a better overall texture.

Dried Oregano: Dried oregano adds a subtle herbal note to a bolognese, imparting depth without overpowering, for a well-balanced and flavorful touch.

Dried Basil: This herb seamlessly blends into this gnocchi bolognese recipe, particularly complementing the tomato basil sauce, offering a subtle enhancement to the overall flavor.

Nutritional Yeast: Different from regular yeast, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor to dishes without the need for dairy, making it a popular choice in dairy-free recipes. While this is optional, I highly recommend adding a sprinkle in to your sauce!

Instructions

Cook the gnocchi: Prepare the gnocchi according tot he package directions. If using a cauliflower gnocchi, I like to brown it in 2 tablespoons of ghee until golden, then transfer it to a plate.

Cook the beef: In the same pan, heat the oil. Add the ground beef and onion and cook until the beef is no longer pink.

Add the sauce: Once there is no more pink left on the beef, add the sauce and seasonings, then stir to combine everything.

Add the nutritional yeast: If you choose to add the nutritional yeast (highly recommend!), add it in now.

Bring it all together: Transfer the gnocchi back to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Perfectly cooked gnocchi: Sometimes, the instructions provided for cooking cauliflower gnocchi might yield a different end result than what you're looking for. Achieve optimal texture by pan-frying the cauliflower gnocchi until slightly crispy before tossing it in the bolognese sauce. This step adds a delightful crunch to the gnocchi, preventing them from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.

Keep the meat tender: When cooking the ground beef for your gnocchi bolognese, ensure it stays tender by browning it gently over medium heat. Avoid overcooking, which can lead to toughness.

Recipe Variations

Switch up the protein: Consider switching out the beef in your bolognese sauce for ground pork or chicken, offering a different twist. While the classic bolognese recipe typically calls for beef, feel free to adapt based on what's available to you.

Make it meatless: For a vegetarian take, skip the meat and sauté a mix of sliced mushrooms, carrots and spinach. Sprinkle in some parmesan or nutritional yeast for a veggie-packed spin on the bolognese sauce.

Storage Tips

The bolognese sauce can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days when placed in a sealed airtight glass container, and it's freezer-safe for up to 6 months.

FAQs About Gnocchi Bolognese

What is gnocchi bolognese made of?

This gnocchi bolognese is made with a sauce of ground beef, onion, tomato basil sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and nutritional yeast - then tossed together with cauliflower gnocchi.

What does gnocchi taste best with?

Gnocchi's mild and slightly starchy flavor makes it a versatile and neutral canvas for a variety of pairings. It shines best with rich and robust sauces like bolognese, brown butter and sage, a creamy pesto or a simple tomato basil sauce. Consider it a playful alternative to traditional pasta.

What makes bolognese taste different than spaghetti sauce?

Bolognese sauce stands out with its rich blend of tender meats, while traditional spaghetti sauce is often simpler, focusing on tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The difference lies in the complexity and depth achieved through the ingredients used in each.