Name: Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 1 medium carrot, finely diced; 2 celery stalks, finely diced; 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef; ½ cup (100 ml) dry red wine; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped; ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes; 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup (250 ml) beef stock; 2 bay leaves; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 ½ lb (900 g) gnocchi; ⅓ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan; 6-8 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped; Extra grated Parmesan for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting Italian classic with a cozy twist, you’re in for a treat. This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe takes the rich, meaty flavors of a traditional Bolognese sauce and pairs them with the pillowy softness of gnocchi. Trust me, once you try this, it quickly becomes one of your go-to weeknight dinners — it’s hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to pull together!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Comfort Food: The rich meat sauce pairs beautifully with gnocchi’s tender texture for a soul-warming meal.
Balanced Flavors: Fresh herbs, wine, and a touch of chili flakes bring depth without overpowering.
Simple Yet Elegant: No fancy ingredients here, just honest cooking that’s approachable for all skill levels.
One-Pot Ease: Minimal cleanup thanks to cooking your sauce and gnocchi together towards the end.

Gnocchi Bolognese, Italian gnocchi recipes, easy Bolognese sauce, comfort food dinner, hearty pasta dishes - The image shows a blue pot filled with a rich brown meat sauce mixed with soft, yellow-orange gnocchi. The top layer is scattered with pieces of fresh green herbs, adding a bright contrast to the warm colors of the sauce and gnocchi. The pot's handle is visible on the right side, resting on a white marbled surface. The texture of the gnocchi looks smooth and tender, while the meat sauce appears thick and hearty, covering all pieces evenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe plays a crucial role — from the veggies that build flavor to the herbs that add that fresh, fragrant note. I always recommend using good-quality crushed tomatoes and fresh herbs if possible; they really make the sauce sing.

Gnocchi Bolognese, Italian gnocchi recipes, easy Bolognese sauce, comfort food dinner, hearty pasta dishes - Flat lay of a small pool of golden olive oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, a medium yellow onion finely diced forming a neat pile, a medium orange carrot finely diced in a small mound, two fresh celery stalks cut into small pieces arranged in a neat cluster, two large whole garlic cloves unpeeled and clean, a small heap of raw lean ground beef shaped naturally, a small white bowl filled with deep red dry red wine, a small dollop of vibrant red tomato paste on a white plate, a few sprigs of fresh green thyme finely chopped, a sprig of fresh rosemary finely chopped, a small pinch of red chili flakes scattered delicately, two bright red ripe crushed tomatoes showing natural texture in a white bowl, a small white bowl filled with rich brown beef stock, two dried bay leaves whole and unblemished, a pile of light, pillowy potato gnocchi, a small heap of finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, and several bright green fresh basil leaves roughly arranged—all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, it adds a smooth, fruity base without overpowering the other flavors.
Onion, carrot, and celery: This classic soffritto combo creates a natural sweetness and umami that’s essential in good Bolognese sauce.
Garlic: Just the right amount to bring warmth and aromatic depth.
Lean ground beef: Keeps the sauce meaty but not greasy — you’ll want to brown it well for that caramelized flavor.
Dry red wine: Adds acidity and richness, helping to deglaze the pan and deepen the sauce’s complexity.
Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor, lending body and a subtle sweetness.
Fresh thyme and rosemary: These herbs bring woody, earthy notes that balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Red chili flakes: Just a pinch to wake up the palate with a gentle kick.
Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, offering that classic tomato taste and texture.
Beef stock: Adds savory depth and layers the flavors beautifully.
Bay leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal aroma as the sauce simmers.
Gnocchi: Pillowy dumplings that soak up all the lovely sauce — I like store-bought for convenience or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty goodness and helps bind the sauce with gnocchi.
Fresh basil: Stirred in at the end for bright, fresh notes that lift the whole dish.
Salt & freshly ground black pepper: To season perfectly—always taste and adjust!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to spice it up, make it herbier, or even swap the beef, there’s plenty of room to make it your own.

Variation: I’ve tried using ground turkey or pork for a lighter version and honestly, it still tastes amazing with the right seasoning.
Vegetarian Twist: Replacing the meat with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms creates a satisfying meatless sauce that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Heat it Up: If you’re into spicy food, adding more red chili flakes or a dash of hot paprika can really make this pop.
Herb Swap: Experimenting with oregano or sage instead of thyme and rosemary can give your sauce a slightly different aromatic profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven. Add your finely diced onion, carrot, and celery, and cook them over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes. Watch for them to soften and turn slightly golden—this brings out their natural sweetness and forms the foundation of our sauce. Don’t rush here! Patience pays off.

Step 2: Brown That Beef with Garlic

Next up, toss in the chopped garlic and let it cook for just about a minute until fragrant. Then add the ground beef. Use your spoon to break it apart and stir as it browns evenly, around 5 to 6 minutes. You’ll notice the color shifting to a rich brown—that’s flavor developing. Don’t skip browning; it’s key to a deep sauce.

Step 3: Wine, Herbs & Tomato Magic

Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to burn off the alcohol, leaving behind a subtle complexity. Stir in tomato paste, fresh thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of red chili flakes. Combine everything well before adding crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer uncovered to let the sauce thicken for about 15 minutes. Give it a stir now and then so it doesn’t stick.

Step 4: Cook Gnocchi While Sauce Simmers

While your sauce is bubbling away, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your gnocchi and cook according to the package directions—typically they’ll float to the top when done, which is your cue to scoop them out. This is one of my favorite parts because fresh gnocchi has such a beautiful, tender texture.

Step 5: Marry It All Together

When your sauce has thickened and tastes rich and savory, stir in the cooked gnocchi, grated Parmesan, and torn basil leaves. Season with salt and fresh black pepper to your liking. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for that perfect finishing touch. This moment always feels a little magical.

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Pro Tips for Making Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Soffritto Patience: Don’t rush softening the vegetables—they create the base flavor that makes this dish so comforting.
Brown Meat Thoroughly: Proper browning adds a caramelized taste that you just can’t skip.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Adding fresh thyme and rosemary at just the right time boosts the aroma and layers of flavor.
Gnocchi Timing: Cook gnocchi last and add it straight into the sauce to soak up all that delicious flavor without getting mushy.

How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Gnocchi Bolognese, Italian gnocchi recipes, easy Bolognese sauce, comfort food dinner, hearty pasta dishes - A white bowl filled with a rich, chunky dish made of two layers: the base layer is soft, yellow gnocchi with a smooth texture, and the top layer is a thick, reddish-brown meat sauce with small bits of meat and tomato sauce mixed evenly, both layers covered with bits of grated white cheese and small green herb pieces scattered on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface next to a red cloth with a pattern, a piece of pale yellow cheese block, and scattered green leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few more fresh basil leaves. If you’re feeling zesty, a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds a lovely shine and richness. Sometimes, I even add a little cracked black pepper to sharpen the flavors.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I often pair gnocchi Bolognese with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. Garlic bread or focaccia on the side is always a hit too — great for scooping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this in shallow bowls with a small basil sprig perched on top. If you’re hosting, try layering the gnocchi and sauce in individual ramekins, topped with extra Parmesan and broiling briefly for a bubbly golden crust. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels a little upscale but stays simple.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Gnocchi Bolognese is fantastic. I store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because gnocchi can sometimes absorb sauce and get a bit soft, I recommend stirring in a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen things back up.

Freezing

I’ve had decent luck freezing just the sauce without the gnocchi — it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat the sauce, then cook fresh gnocchi separately to maintain that perfect pillowy texture.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm the sauce and gnocchi together in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if it feels thick. This keeps the gnocchi from drying out or sticking, giving you a meal that’s as delicious as day one.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly well here and really cuts down on prep time. Just cook them according to the package instructions and toss them in the sauce right before serving.
What can I substitute for red wine if I don’t cook with alcohol?

You can replace the red wine with extra beef stock or a mix of beef stock and a splash of balsamic vinegar to maintain some acidity and depth without the booze.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the ground beef for lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock, and you’ll still get a hearty, flavorful sauce.
How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?

Gnocchi typically floats to the surface of the boiling water when done, usually within 2-3 minutes. Once they rise, give them another 30 seconds, then scoop them out gently.

Final Thoughts

This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is one of those meals I always feel proud to serve because it brings together simple ingredients into something deliciously satisfying. It’s perfect for cozy dinners but fancy enough to impress friends or family. So next time you want a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and uncomplicated, give this a try — I promise you’ll end up making it over and over.