Print

Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 92 reviews

This Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese recipe is a hearty, comforting Italian classic made with a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce featuring ground beef, pork, pancetta, and a blend of savory herbs and spices. The sauce is perfectly paired with tender potato gnocchi, finished with cream and Parmesan for a luscious, creamy texture. Ideal for a satisfying dinner to warm you up on cooler nights.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 4 ounces diced pancetta
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced or 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (grass-fed preferred)
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry red wine (Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced fire roasted tomatoes
  • Herb blend: 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary & thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Gnocchi

  • 32 ounces potato gnocchi (shelf-stable recommended)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the mirepoix: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the finely chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté, stirring often, until the vegetables are tender and golden, about 6-7 minutes.
  2. Add the flavor agents: Add diced pancetta to the pot and cook with the mirepoix until golden and pancetta fat renders, about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Brown the meat & season: Create a well in the center of the pot and add ground beef and pork. Break the meat with a wooden spoon and combine with the vegetables. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 8-9 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, chipotle powder, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1-2 minutes more to meld flavors.
  4. Deglaze the pot: Increase heat to medium-high, pour in red wine to deglaze, scraping bottom of pot to loosen browned bits. Cook until wine mostly absorbs, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Build the braise: Add diced fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and broth. Stir well to combine.
  6. Slow simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover with lid, and let sauce simmer and braise gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Finish bolognese sauce: After braising, skim excess fat from the top as needed. Remove herb stems and bay leaves. Stir in Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until fully combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
  8. Cook gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package directions but undercook by about 1 minute since it will cook further in sauce. Reserve 1/2 cup of gnocchi cooking water before draining.
  9. Assemble gnocchi bolognese: Using a slotted spoon, transfer gnocchi directly into the pot with bolognese sauce. Gently toss to coat. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved gnocchi water if too thick, or add more Parmesan to thicken.
  10. Serve: Dish gnocchi bolognese into serving bowls and top with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Use good quality dry red wine for best flavor; a Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon works well.
  • Under-cook the gnocchi slightly to prevent it from getting mushy in the sauce.
  • Skim excess fat after braising to keep the sauce rich but not greasy.
  • You can substitute the ground pork with all beef if preferred, but the combination adds depth.
  • Fresh herbs greatly enhance flavor but dried can be used if necessary; adjust quantities accordingly.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.

Keywords: gnocchi bolognese, Italian pasta, cozy dinner, comfort food, meat sauce, potato gnocchi

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/cozy-gnocchi-bolognese-recipe/