Description
This Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is comfort food at its finest—pillowy gnocchi smothered in a rich, herby beef and veggie Bolognese, topped with golden bubbling cheddar. Perfect for cozy nights and guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite! #gnocchibake #cheesybolognese #comfortfood #familydinner #easybake
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 slices back bacon, fat removed and chopped
- 3 shallots, finely diced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 2 small celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 400 g (14 oz) extra lean beef mince
- ½ tbsp dried mixed herbs
- 400 g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp granulated sweetener or sugar (optional)
- 240 ml (1 cup) chicken or beef stock
- 500 g (17.5 oz) gnocchi
- 120 g (4.2 oz) mature cheddar, grated
- Olive oil cooking spray
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and spray a baking dish with olive oil cooking spray.
- In a large pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until starting to crisp.
- Add shallots, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add the beef mince, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in the dried mixed herbs.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, sweetener (if using), and stock. Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Stir the gnocchi into the Bolognese sauce until fully coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- Substitute bacon with pancetta or omit for a leaner version.
- Swap cheddar with mozzarella or a cheese blend for extra gooeyness.
- Use whole-wheat or cauliflower gnocchi for a healthier twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg