Bolognese Gnocchi Bake
A rich, slow-simmered Bolognese sauce tossed with tender gnocchi, topped with melted cheddar, and finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden crust—this hearty bake is the ultimate comfort dish for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 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
- 400 g 14 oz extra lean beef mince (ground beef)
- ½ tablespoon dried mixed herbs
- 400 g 14 oz canned chopped tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste puree
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon 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 cheese, grated
- Olive oil cooking spray
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A few fresh basil leaves torn
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in an oiled pan over medium-high heat until golden and crisp, then set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Add shallots, carrot, and celery; sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened, adding a splash of water or stock if needed.
- Stir in garlic for 30 seconds, then add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Return the bacon and mix in dried herbs, tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, sweetener, and stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.
- Add the gnocchi and simmer uncovered for 5–8 minutes until tender, adding more stock if the sauce thickens too much.
- Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a baking dish, top with grated cheddar, and broil for 4 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.