Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Feel free to throw in a handful of spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients. My mom always believed in making meals colorful and packed with goodness, and it’s a tradition I love to uphold.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once your sauce is ready, combine it with the cooked gnocchi in a large baking dish. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Top the gnocchi mixture with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This is where the magic happens, as the cheese will create a golden, bubbly crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like a bit of crunch, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
This dish is a testament to the beauty of home cooking—flavors that develop over time, simple steps that anyone can follow, and the joy of a meal shared with loved ones.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake, recipe, cooking, food
