Description
A rich and comforting Italian-inspired dinner featuring pillowy gnocchi tossed in a hearty homemade Bolognese sauce. This recipe is quick enough for weeknight meals, yet elegant enough to serve guests, delivering classic flavors with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 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
Gnocchi and Garnish
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary to prevent greasiness.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, to release their flavors.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and meld the flavors.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to develop.
- Add Milk and Season: Incorporate the whole milk or heavy cream into the sauce, stirring well. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook Gnocchi: Meanwhile, cook gnocchi according to package directions, usually by boiling until they float to the surface. Drain well.
- Toss and Serve: Add cooked gnocchi directly to the sauce and toss gently to coat each piece. Serve immediately topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein alternative.
- For a deeper, richer flavor, simmer the Bolognese sauce longer—30 to 40 minutes works well.
- Using homemade gnocchi can elevate this dish if you want to make it more special.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
