Indulge in Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake for a Cozy Dinner

Craving a cozy, flavor-packed dish that will warm your soul? Look no further than this Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake. This Italian-inspired recipe combines tender gnocchi with a rich, meaty Bolognese sauce and a generous topping of melted cheddar cheese, creating a comforting and satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

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Indulge in the Irresistible Flavors of Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

Comfort food has a special way of bringing people together, and this Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is no exception. With its inviting aroma and melty, cheesy topping, this dish is sure to become a family favorite, drawing everyone to the table for a delicious and comforting meal.

Ingredients for Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

To create this mouthwatering Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly spray a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Cook Bacon & Veg: In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until lightly browned. Add shallots, carrot, and celery, cooking until softened. Stir in crushed garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Brown Beef: Add the beef mince to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in dried herbs.
4. Make Sauce: Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and sweetener or sugar if using. Pour in stock and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Combine with Gnocchi: Add gnocchi to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
6. Bake: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle grated cheddar evenly over the top. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
7. Serve: Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and serve hot.

Tips for a Perfect Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

To ensure your Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake turns out absolutely divine, keep these tips in mind:

• Substitute Protein: Feel free to use ground turkey or Italian sausage in place of the beef mince for a tasty variation.
• Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version, swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken or beef.
• Cheese Alternatives: While cheddar is delicious, you can also try using a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta for extra flavor.
• Prepare Ahead: This dish can be assembled in advance and refrigerated before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when ready to serve.
• Leftovers and Reheating: Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake makes great leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until piping hot.

Nutritional Information for Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

This comforting Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is a hearty, satisfying meal that also packs a nutritional punch. Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 25g

To make this dish a bit lighter, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cheese, opt for lean ground turkey instead of beef, and serve it with a fresh green salad on the side.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine with Garlic Cajun Butter
• Baked Pumpkin Goat Cheese Risotto
• Chicken, Sausage, and Broccoli Orzo

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use store-bought gnocchi or homemade gnocchi for this recipe?

You can use either store-bought or homemade gnocchi for this recipe. If using store-bought, look for high-quality, fresh gnocchi in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Homemade gnocchi will also work beautifully, adding an extra special touch to the dish.

Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of this bake?

Yes, you can absolutely make a vegetarian version of this Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake. Instead of ground beef, use sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. Swap the chicken or beef stock for vegetable stock, and make sure to use a vegetarian-friendly cheese for the topping.

Can I prepare the bake ahead of time and refrigerate before baking?

Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking. Simply assemble the gnocchi and sauce mixture in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge, top with the grated cheese, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled dish.

What types of cheese work best for a gooey, cheesy topping?

For the best gooey, melty cheese topping, opt for a blend of cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, or Gruyère. You can also try a combination of these cheeses to create a delicious, stringy, and irresistible cheese layer on top of your Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake.

Indulge in the Comfort of Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

Prepare to be wowed by the flavors of this Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake. The tender gnocchi, the rich Bolognese sauce, and the melted cheddar cheese come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. So why not gather your loved ones and enjoy this comforting, Italian-inspired meal tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

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