Name: Easy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground beef + pork mix); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 carrots, finely diced; 2 celery stalks, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup dry red wine (or beef broth); 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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If you’re craving a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering away in an Italian kitchen all day—but takes less than an hour from start to finish—Easy Gnocchi Bolognese is about to become your new favorite recipe. With pillowy gnocchi swimming in a rich, tomatoey meat sauce, this dish delivers maximum comfort and bold flavors with minimal fuss. There’s nothing quite like the way the gnocchi soaks up the hearty Bolognese, making each bite pure dinnertime bliss. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, Easy Gnocchi Bolognese is the perfect balance of rustic charm and weeknight practicality.

Easy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to Easy Gnocchi Bolognese, every ingredient plays a starring role in building that crave-worthy sauce and pillowy texture. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches, you’ll have everything you need for a meal that tastes straight out of a trattoria.

Ground beef (or beef + pork mix): Gives the sauce its classic depth and heartiness—pork adds even more flavor!
Olive oil: For gently cooking your veggies and building a smooth, rich base for the sauce.
Onion: Diced finely so it melts into the sauce, infusing sweetness and savoriness.
Carrots: Add subtle sweetness and classic Bolognese color—don’t skip these!
Celery: Rounds out the aromatic base (aka soffritto) for true Italian flavor.
Garlic: Key for an unmistakably homey aroma and a gentle kick.
Dried oregano: Brings earthy, fragrant Italian notes to the sauce.
Dried basil: Adds an herby, slightly sweet layer that’s classic in tomato-based sauces.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat—adjust based on your spice preference!
Dry red wine (or beef broth): Deepens and enriches the sauce—you can skip alcohol with the broth substitution.
Crushed tomatoes: Make up the hearty base of the Bolognese, so choose a good brand for best results.
Tomato paste: Concentrates that tomato flavor and gives the sauce a beautiful color.
Whole milk or heavy cream: Stirs in a luxurious finish and balances all the acidity.
Salt & black pepper: Don’t be shy—season as you go to bring everything together.
Potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable): These little dumplings are the true stars—chewy, soft, and absolutely irresistible.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For cheesy umami and a final flourish on top.
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped: A pop of color and freshness to finish just before serving.

How to Make Easy Gnocchi Bolognese

Step 1: Start the Soffritto

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté them together for about 5 to 6 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the veggies are tender and sweet-smelling. This classic mix gives Easy Gnocchi Bolognese its unmistakable savory base—totally worth the few extra minutes!

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Push the veggies to the sides and add your ground beef (or beef and pork mixture) straight into the center. Cook, breaking it apart as you go. The goal is for the meat to be browned and crumbly, not stewed. If there’s any excess fat, go ahead and drain it—this keeps your sauce rich but not greasy.

Step 3: Season and Sauté

Sprinkle in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Sauté everything together for about a minute, just until the spices get fragrant and the garlic mellows out. This little moment is where your kitchen suddenly smells like an Italian trattoria!

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine (or Broth)

Pour in the red wine or beef broth and use your spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors really meld together and the alcohol (if you’re using wine) cooks off completely.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Now stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce gently bubble away for 15 to 20 minutes. The longer you simmer, the deeper the flavor—so if you have time, leave it a little longer!

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Season

When your sauce has thickened a bit, pour in the milk or heavy cream. Stir everything together until the sauce turns a beautiful, rosy shade. Add salt and pepper to taste; this is your moment to balance all those gorgeous flavors.

Step 7: Cook and Combine the Gnocchi

While the sauce is finishing, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package directions. They’re ready when they float! Drain the gnocchi and add them directly to the sauce. Toss well so every dumpling is deliciously coated in that rich Bolognese.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the Easy Gnocchi Bolognese into shallow bowls and top each portion with a shower of grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. Every bite delivers cozy, saucy, cheesy perfection!

How to Serve Easy Gnocchi Bolognese

Garnishes

For this dish, a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a flurry of bright basil or parsley are absolute musts. They bring salty, creamy sharpness and lift the whole meal with freshness and color—don’t be shy when topping your bowls!

Side Dishes

Easy Gnocchi Bolognese is hearty on its own, but I love to serve it alongside crusty bread to swoop up the extra sauce. A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette adds just the right contrast to the richness of the Bolognese, and roasted vegetables or garlicky green beans always get rave reviews.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, serve Easy Gnocchi Bolognese in individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls, then broil with extra cheese for a bubbly, golden finish. You can also arrange the gnocchi and sauce in a baking dish, scatter with plenty of Parmesan, and bake for a cozy casserole-style meal that’s perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious. Just eat within 3 days for best quality.

Freezing

The Bolognese sauce itself is a champ in the freezer—just cool it, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. If you want to freeze everything made, let the gnocchi and sauce cool separately and combine just before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat Easy Gnocchi Bolognese gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or milk if the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally so it heats evenly, and finish with fresh herbs and Parmesan for that first-day magic.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for Easy Gnocchi Bolognese?

Absolutely! Shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi works perfectly and saves a ton of prep time. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade gnocchi makes it extra special, but the store-bought varieties taste fantastic here.

Is there a substitute for red wine?

If you don’t have red wine or prefer to skip alcohol, just use beef broth instead. You’ll still get all the depth and richness that makes Easy Gnocchi Bolognese so irresistible.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the milk or cream for your favorite unsweetened dairy-free milk (like oat or cashew), and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative on top. The Bolognese sauce will still taste wonderfully silky.

What’s the best way to keep the gnocchi from getting mushy?

Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce just before serving and toss gently. Overcooking the gnocchi or letting them sit in the sauce too long can make them soft, so always cook them right before mixing in for perfect texture.

How can I make Easy Gnocchi Bolognese vegetarian?

For a meatless version, swap out the ground meat for finely diced mushrooms and lentils. The sauce stays hearty, satisfying, and just as packed with flavor!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that delivers a hug in a bowl, make Easy Gnocchi Bolognese your next kitchen adventure. It’s cozy, versatile, and truly weeknight-friendly—once you try it, you’ll want to keep the ingredients on hand for whenever a delicious Italian-inspired craving hits.