Easy Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi

When Theo and Liz showed up with their twins on a breezy Thursday evening, dinner needed to be something that could stretch, please everyone, and leave the house smelling like a warm hug. Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi was already bubbling on the stovetop, and the timing couldn’t have been better.

The kids were coloring at the table, a bottle of red was open on the counter, and I was stirring a rich pot of sauce that had slowly pulled itself together over the past hour.

A few days before that, I’d made the same Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi for my neighbor Ava, who’d just returned from a hospital stay. She came over in slippers, still groggy but smiling, and we sat on the porch with bowls in our laps and a folded blanket between us. The gnocchi was soft, the sauce savory with just the right punch of herbs and balsamic, and the cheese browned at the edges like the corner piece of lasagna.

Now it’s in steady rotation. When I made it again last week while helping my niece prep for her college entrance interview, she took one bite and sighed like she’d been waiting all day for something to make sense. Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi doesn’t ask for fancy, just care and in return, it offers cozy, crave-worthy comfort.

Short Description

Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi is a rich, hearty one-pan meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, slow-simmered beef bolognese, and bubbly golden cheese.

Key Ingredients

• 2 slices back bacon, chopped, fat removed
• 3 shallots, finely diced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 2 small celery stalks, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 400 g (14 oz) extra lean beef mince
• ½ tbsp dried mixed herbs
• 400 g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp granulated sweetener or sugar (optional)
• 240 ml (1 cup) chicken or beef stock
• 500 g (17.5 oz) gnocchi
• 120 g (4.2 oz) mature cheddar, grated
• Olive oil cooking spray
• Salt and black pepper
• Few fresh basil leaves, torn

Tools Needed

• Large skillet or deep pan
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Cheese grater
• Oven-safe baking dish
• Broiler or grill for finishing

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly spray with olive oil. Fry the chopped bacon until golden and slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the diced shallots, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes, adding a splash of stock or water if the pan gets too dry.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Beef
Stir in the crushed garlic, then add the minced beef. Cook until browned and crumbly, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Step 4: Build the Sauce
Return the bacon to the pan. Add dried herbs, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, sweetener (if using), and stock. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add Gnocchi
Stir in the gnocchi and simmer uncovered for 5–8 minutes until the gnocchi is soft and the sauce thickens. Add extra stock if the mixture becomes too dry.

Step 6: Bake with Cheese
Preheat the broiler. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle the grated cheddar evenly over the top. Broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with torn fresh basil leaves and serve hot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan meal with minimal cleanup

Hearty and filling with balanced flavors

A crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids

Easy to prep ahead

Great for leftovers and meal planning

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overcooking the gnocchi
Gnocchi can turn mushy if left in sauce too long.
Solution: Add gnocchi only during the last few minutes of simmering.

Dry sauce
Too little liquid can cause sticking or burning.
Solution: Add more stock gradually to maintain a saucy consistency.

Undercooked veggies
Rushing the sauté step makes the sauce less flavorful.
Solution: Cook vegetables until soft and aromatic before adding beef.

Too much cheese on top
Excess cheese can overwhelm the sauce.
Solution: Stick to 120 g cheddar for balance.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve as a main dish with a side of roasted green beans or garlic bread

Pair with a crisp green salad and balsamic vinaigrette

Wine pairing: a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Pinot Noir

Style: Serve family-style in a large dish or plated individually

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes covered with foil

For quick reheating, microwave in short bursts with a splash of stock to loosen the sauce

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe.

2. Is there a vegetarian version?
Swap the beef and bacon for lentils and add extra veggies like mushrooms.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze before baking. Thaw and reheat with cheese topping added fresh.

4. What cheese alternatives can I try?
Mozzarella or provolone for stretch, or Parmesan for sharpness.

5. Can I make it in advance?
Yes, prepare the sauce ahead and add gnocchi and cheese just before baking.

Tips & Tricks

Use pre-chopped mirepoix mix to save time

Simmer the sauce low and slow for richer depth

Let gnocchi sit for a minute after simmering to soak up flavor

Grate cheese fresh for better melting

Recipe Variations

Spicy Bolognese Gnocchi: Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili to the sauce.

Creamy Version: Stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream before baking for extra richness.

Turkey Gnocchi Bake: Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.

Mushroom Gnocchi: Swap beef for finely chopped mushrooms and a splash of soy sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s a rhythm to Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi that brings calm to a loud kitchen. It shows up on hectic evenings with its easy flow and savory aroma, filling the air before anyone even asks what’s for dinner. The first spoonful always lands warm, nostalgic, and grounding like you’ve come in from the cold and someone already knows what you need.

I like dishes that offer more than just flavor, and this one does that in quiet, generous ways. It gives us the space to gather, to eat without rushing, and to feel fed beyond the plate. If you keep mature cheddar in the fridge and a bag of gnocchi in the pantry, you’re already halfway there.