Description
A rich and comforting Italian-inspired dinner featuring pillowy potato gnocchi tossed in a hearty homemade Bolognese sauce made from ground beef, vegetables, and tomatoes. This recipe is quick enough for weeknight meals yet elegant enough to impress guests, combining classic Italian flavors with a creamy finish.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground beef + pork mix)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Spices
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids and Sauces
- 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
Other
- 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)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add finely diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5–6 minutes.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Herbs and Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry red wine (or beef broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15–20 minutes to develop flavors.
- Finish Sauce: Add the whole milk or heavy cream to the sauce, stirring to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook Gnocchi: Meanwhile, cook the potato gnocchi according to the package directions until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. Drain well.
- Toss and Serve: Add the cooked gnocchi directly to the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly. Serve garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil or parsley.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- Simmer the Bolognese sauce longer (30–40 minutes) if you prefer a deeper, richer flavor.
- For an elevated version, use homemade potato gnocchi instead of store-bought.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
