Name: Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 1 medium carrot, finely diced; 2 celery stalks, finely diced; 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef; ½ cup (100 ml) dry red wine; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped; ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes; 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup (250 ml) beef stock; 2 bay leaves; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 ½ lb (900 g) gnocchi; ⅓ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan; 6-8 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 68 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to love this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe. It’s one of those meals where fluffy, pillowy gnocchi meets a rich, savory Bolognese sauce—the kind that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your belly with serious happiness. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to for cozy dinners that impress without fuss.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The mix of fresh herbs, chili flakes, and slow-simmered tomatoes creates a rich, layered sauce that keeps you coming back for more.
Perfect Gnocchi Texture: Using store-bought gnocchi saves time without sacrificing that tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Simple Yet Impressive: This dish feels fancy enough for guests but is easy to make even on a weeknight after a long day.
One-Pot Sauce: Minimizes cleanup and allows flavors to develop beautifully while you multitask.

Gnocchi Bolognese, easy gnocchi bolognese recipe, hearty gnocchi dinner, homemade bolognese sauce, comforting pasta dishes - The image shows a blue pot filled with a rich brown meat sauce mixed with soft, yellow-orange gnocchi. The top layer is scattered with pieces of fresh green herbs, adding a bright contrast to the warm colors of the sauce and gnocchi. The pot's handle is visible on the right side, resting on a white marbled surface. The texture of the gnocchi looks smooth and tender, while the meat sauce appears thick and hearty, covering all pieces evenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in my Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe plays an essential role in building that classic Italian flavor profile—think savory richness with a subtle herbal freshness. When shopping, look for good-quality ground beef and fresh herbs; they make all the difference.

Gnocchi Bolognese, easy gnocchi bolognese recipe, hearty gnocchi dinner, homemade bolognese sauce, comforting pasta dishes - Flat lay of a small pool of golden olive oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, a medium yellow onion finely diced forming a neat pile, a medium orange carrot finely diced in a small mound, two fresh celery stalks cut into small pieces arranged in a neat cluster, two large whole garlic cloves unpeeled and clean, a small heap of raw lean ground beef shaped naturally, a small white bowl filled with deep red dry red wine, a small dollop of vibrant red tomato paste on a white plate, a few sprigs of fresh green thyme finely chopped, a sprig of fresh rosemary finely chopped, a small pinch of red chili flakes scattered delicately, two bright red ripe crushed tomatoes showing natural texture in a white bowl, a small white bowl filled with rich brown beef stock, two dried bay leaves whole and unblemished, a pile of light, pillowy potato gnocchi, a small heap of finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, and several bright green fresh basil leaves roughly arranged—all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Essential for sautéing veggies without overpowering the sauce with heavy fats.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when cooked low and slow.
Carrot: Balances acidity and adds subtle sweetness.
Celery: Provides earthiness and classic soffritto flavor base.
Garlic: Brings that unmistakable Italian punch and aroma.
Lean ground beef: Tender, meaty backbone of the sauce without excess grease.
Dry red wine: Adds acidity and complexity—cook off the alcohol to keep it smooth.
Tomato paste: Concentrated sweetness and umami to thicken and intensify the sauce.
Fresh thyme and rosemary: Herbal brightness that compliments and uplifts the richness.
Red chili flakes: Just enough heat to awaken your palate without burning the flavors.
Crushed tomatoes: The saucy heart of the dish, providing body and tang.
Beef stock: Deepens the meaty notes and adds moisture for simmering.
Bay leaves: Subtle, warm aroma that rounds out the sauce.
Gnocchi: Bite-sized pillows that soak up sauce beautifully—look for fresh or refrigerated for best texture.
Parmesan: Nutty, salty finish that ties it all together.
Fresh basil: Added at the end for a pop of fresh herbal fragrance.
Salt & Pepper: To season perfectly and bring out all the flavors.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is how easy it is to adjust to your preferences. Whether you like it spicier, vegetarian, or extra herby, the base sauce is versatile and forgiving. Feel free to make it yours!

Variation: I sometimes swap ground beef for a mix of pork and beef for a richer, more traditional Bolognese flavor—I highly recommend trying that if you want a deeper meatiness.
Vegetarian version: Replace ground beef with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for an earthy alternative that still feels hearty.
Herbal twist: Add a splash of cream at the end or stir in fresh oregano alongside the basil for a softer, creamier texture.
Spice it up: Increase the chili flakes or add a pinch of smoked paprika—your call on heat level!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Step 1: Sautéing the Veggies Slowly

Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery, and cook these gently for about 8 to 10 minutes until they’re soft and sweet, not browned. This slow cooking releases their natural sugars and forms the flavor base. Patience here pays off big time!

Step 2: Browning the Meat and Building Flavor

Next, add the chopped garlic and sauté for just a minute until fragrant. Then, toss in the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until nicely browned—this develops rich, meaty flavors, so don’t rush or stir too much or you’ll end up steaming it instead of browning.

Step 3: Deglaze and Add Seasonings

Pour in the dry red wine and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate while scraping any tasty brown bits off the bottom of your pan. This step adds depth and acidity. Stir in the tomato paste, fresh thyme, rosemary, and chili flakes, combining everything evenly. These herbs and spices layer the sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Simmering the Sauce

Add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens to a luscious, rich consistency. This simmer is where all the flavors marry together perfectly.

Step 5: Cooking the Gnocchi

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions—it usually only takes a couple of minutes until they float to the surface. Drain them well to avoid sogginess.

Step 6: Bringing It All Together

Once your sauce has thickened, stir in the cooked gnocchi, grated Parmesan, and roughly chopped basil leaves. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Serve immediately, preferably with extra Parmesan on top for that melty, cheesy finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Don’t Skip Slow Sauté: Softening the onion, carrot, and celery gently develops a naturally sweet, flavorful base that elevates the entire sauce.
Brown the Meat Properly: Take your time browning to create deep flavor—avoid overcrowding the pan to get that perfect caramelization.
Simmer Uncovered: Letting the sauce reduce thickens it and concentrates the flavors—stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Gnocchi Last: To avoid mushy gnocchi, cook them separately and stir in right before serving.

How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Gnocchi Bolognese, easy gnocchi bolognese recipe, hearty gnocchi dinner, homemade bolognese sauce, comforting pasta dishes - A white bowl filled with a rich, chunky dish made of two layers: the base layer is soft, yellow gnocchi with a smooth texture, and the top layer is a thick, reddish-brown meat sauce with small bits of meat and tomato sauce mixed evenly, both layers covered with bits of grated white cheese and small green herb pieces scattered on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface next to a red cloth with a pattern, a piece of pale yellow cheese block, and scattered green leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves for that vibrant pop of green. If I’m feeling fancy, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dash of cracked black pepper rounds it out beautifully.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the Bolognese. I also love serving it alongside garlic bread—because who can resist soaking up extra sauce with a crusty slice?

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serving your gnocchi Bolognese in shallow bowls with cute basil sprigs on top adds a restaurant feel. You could also layer it in a cast-iron skillet, sprinkle with mozzarella, and broil to get a bubbly, golden finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I pop any leftover sauce and gnocchi in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but the gnocchi can get a little softer, so I recommend gentle reheating.

Freezing

This sauce freezes well on its own, but I prefer freezing gnocchi separately if you plan ahead. If your gnocchi has sauce mixed in, freeze in small portions and thaw in the fridge overnight to maintain texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but stirring during heating helps keep the gnocchi from getting mushy or sticking.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi brings an extra-special touch of freshness and texture. Just cook them the same way you would store-bought gnocchi, and add them to the sauce last to keep their pillowy bite.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

You can definitely use gluten-free gnocchi to adapt this recipe. Just check the package instructions for cooking times, as they can vary. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free!
How long does this Gnocchi Bolognese keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For best texture, consume sooner rather than later, especially because gnocchi softens over time.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the sauce tastes even better the next day after sitting overnight. Make the sauce a day ahead, store separately from the gnocchi, and reheat gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is one of those dishes I love making when I want hearty comfort without complicated steps. It’s reliable, flavorful, and always feels a little like a celebration on the plate—even on the busiest weeknight. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own, whether you follow it exactly or add your personal twist. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!