Description
A delicious and comforting dish combining gnocchi, a rich Bolognese sauce with extra-lean ground beef, and melted mature cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 garlic, crushed
- 400g (14 oz) extra-lean ground beef (mince)
- ½ tablespoon dried mixed herbs
- 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (puree)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sweetener or sugar (optional)
- 240ml (1 cup) chicken or beef stock
- 500g (17.5 oz) pack of gnocchi
- 120g (4.2 oz) mature cheddar, grated
- Olive oil cooking spray
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- A few fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Spray a frying pan with olive oil cooking spray and heat over medium-high. Add chopped bacon and fry until golden, then set aside.
- In the same pan, add more olive oil spray. Add shallots, carrot, and celery, and cook until softened. Add a little water or stock to prevent sticking, if needed.
- Stir in garlic and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned.
- Add the cooked bacon back into the pan, along with mixed herbs, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, sweetener (or sugar), stock, and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the gnocchi, stirring to combine. Cover and simmer for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent gnocchi from sticking. Add extra stock if needed.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with grated cheddar cheese. Place under the broiler (grill) for about 4 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Scatter with fresh torn basil leaves. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure to use extra-lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Feel free to substitute chicken stock for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 35mg