Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake (Printable Format)
Bolognese-loaded gnocchi finished with golden cheddar for a filling and comforting dish.
# Needed Ingredients:
→ Meat and Protein
01 -
2 slices back bacon, fat removed, chopped
02 -
14 ounces extra lean ground beef
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
03 -
3 shallots, finely diced
04 -
1 carrot, finely diced
05 -
2 small celery stalks, finely diced
06 -
3 cloves garlic, crushed
→ Tomatoes and Sauces
07 -
14 ounces canned chopped tomatoes
08 -
3 tablespoons tomato paste
09 -
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
→ Herbs and Seasonings
10 -
1/2 tablespoon dried mixed herbs
11 -
1 teaspoon granulated sweetener or sugar (optional)
12 -
Salt
13 -
Freshly ground black pepper
14 -
Few fresh basil leaves, torn
→ Base and Dairy
15 -
1 cup chicken or beef stock
16 -
17.5 ounces gnocchi
17 -
4.2 ounces mature cheddar cheese, grated
→ Other
18 -
Olive oil cooking spray
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Lightly coat a large frying pan with olive oil cooking spray and heat over medium-high. Add chopped bacon and sauté until golden, then remove and set aside.
02 -
In the same pan, add diced shallots, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, adding a splash of water or stock as needed to avoid sticking.
03 -
Add crushed garlic followed by ground beef. Cook, breaking up meat, until thoroughly browned.
04 -
Return bacon to pan. Stir in dried mixed herbs, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sweetener or sugar if using, chicken or beef stock, and balsamic vinegar. Bring mixture to a boil.
05 -
Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until sauce is thickened and flavors have developed.
06 -
Stir gnocchi into sauce. Allow to simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi are tender. Add extra stock if needed to maintain a saucy consistency.
07 -
Season sauce generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
08 -
Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Place under a broiler or grill for approximately 4 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden brown.
09 -
Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
# Supplementary Details:
01 -
For best results, use a broiler-safe baking dish to ensure an even golden topping.