Easy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe - Hint of Healthy (2024)

This flavorful gnocchi bolognese is a quick and simple one skillet dish that you can prepare in only 10 minutes. A filling and flavorful dish, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

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If you're looking for a really simple one skillet dinner recipe, this gnocchi bolognese is it. It's incredibly easy to make, tastes great, and popular with kids and adults.

This recipe is really easy to customize, and you can use store bought pasta sauce and gnocchi to save time.

Love bolognese sauce? Check out my Slow Cooker Bolognese and Healthy Bolognese recipes!

Why you'll love it

• Made in only 10 minutes
• Really simple recipe
• Easy to customize to suit your preferences
• Tastes absolutely amazing
• Kid friendly, and loved by the whole family
• Great for meal prep

Ingredients

Ground beef: Ground beef, or beef mince, is the main protein used in bolognese sauce. You can also use other types of minced meat, like ground turkey, pork or chicken.

Canned diced tomatoes (tinned chopped tomatoes): Creates the base of the sauce. You can use tomato sauce, pasta sauce or tomato passata instead if you prefer.

Gnocchi: Use store bought potato gnocchi for convenience, or your favorite homemade variety.

Onion: White, yellow or red onion will all work great.

Carrot: The carrot is grated, and will add flavor and fiber to the dish. This is a great way to add hidden vegetables that nobody will notice!

Tomato paste (tomato puree): Adds more depth to the tomato flavor. Can be omitted.

Garlic: Use garlic cloves, garlic paste or garlic powder.

Parmesan: Adds flavor and texture to the dish. This is an optional ingredient, and can be omitted.

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning add amazing flavor to the dish.

Instructions

You can find full instructions + ingredient measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page

One: Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Some gnocchi must be boiled on the stove top for a few minutes, and other brands can be pan fried in a skillet or frying pan.

Two: Heat up olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat, and add ground beef and diced onions. Sauté while breaking up the beef until the meat is browned. Then, add finely grated or diced garlic, tomato paste and seasoning, and sauté for another minute.

Three: Add canned diced tomatoes and a crated carrot to the skillet. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly, and leave the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine cooked gnocchi and bolognese sauce, and serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

See Also

50 Vegan Christmas Dinner Recipes That ImpressElderflower Syrup Recipe | A Delicious Homemade Treat – The Happy Herbal HomeRoast Squash and Feta Couscous - Super Easy Recipe - Daisies & PieYotam Ottolenghi’s recipes for a five-ingredient feast | Food

Top tips

• Make sure that you cook the gnocchi according to the instructions on the package. Some types must be boiled, while others should be pan fried.
• Sauté the seasoning before you add the tomato based ingredients. This will bring out more flavor in the dish.
• Use a large frying pan that will fit the beef and gnocchi combined.
• Keep an eye on the food while it cooks. It only takes a few minutes to prepare.

Serving suggestions

Serve gnocchi bolognese as an easy entree for lunch or dinner. You can serve the meal alone, or pair it with a tasty side dish.

Here are some of my favorite sides to enjoy with gnocchi and bolognese sauce:

• Air Fryer Garlic Bread
• Sauteed Spinach
• Lemon Kale Salad
• Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli
• Mediterranean Roast Vegetables

Variations

Extra vegetables: You can add more hidden vegetables to the dish by grating or very finely chopping them. The veggies will add fiber, nutrients and flavor to the meal, but since they are hidden in the sauce, picky eaters will not notice! Try adding celery, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, zucchini or mushrooms.

Vegetarian: Use a vegetarian ground beef alternative. These can be found in most supermarkets, from a variety of brands.

Spicy bolognese: Add some red pepper flakes or finely diced chili to the bolognese sauce. You can adjust the amount to suit your preferences, but this is a great way to add some heat to the dish.

Baked gnocchi casserole: Prepare the dish as instructed in an oven safe skillet, like a cast iron skillet. Top with shredded cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 400 F / 200 C for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.

Equipment

To make this recipe, you will need a frying pan or skillet. I like to use a large pan to make sure that the gnocchi and meat sauce will both fit. If your gnocchi require boiling, you will also need a small pot.

Additionally, you will need a knife and a cutting board, along with a vegetable peeler and grater to prepare the vegetables.

Storage

You can store leftover gnocchi bolognese in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Reheat it in a microwave or skillet, and serve it warm.

Alternatively, you can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Thaw in a refrigerator overnight, and reheat as described above.

This recipe is great for meal prep, as it's quick to prepare, stores well, and is easy to reheat.

Frequently asked questions

You might also like these recipes

• Broccoli Gnocchi
• Salmon Gnocchi
• Pesto Gnocchi
• Slow Cooker Bolognese
• Healthy Bolognese
• Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
• Chorizo Shakshuka (Baked Eggs)
• Lemon Chicken with Orzo

If you make this recipe, make sure to post a photo to Instagram with#hintofhealthy!

Recipe

Food safety tips

• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.