Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake (Printable View)
Crispy bacon, tangy tomatoes, cheddar, and soft gnocchi combined in a savory, hearty baked dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meat and Proteins
01 -
2 slices back bacon, fat trimmed, chopped
02 -
14 ounces extra lean ground beef
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
03 -
3 shallots, finely diced
04 -
1 carrot, finely diced
05 -
2 small celery stalks, finely diced
06 -
3 garlic cloves, crushed
→ Sauce Ingredients
07 -
1/2 tablespoon dried mixed herbs
08 -
14 ounces canned chopped tomatoes
09 -
3 tablespoons tomato paste
10 -
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
11 -
1 teaspoon granulated sweetener or sugar (optional)
12 -
1 cup chicken or beef stock
→ Gnocchi and Dairy
13 -
17.5 ounces potato gnocchi
14 -
4.2 ounces mature cheddar cheese, grated
→ Seasoning and Garnish
15 -
Olive oil cooking spray
16 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
17 -
Fresh basil leaves, torn
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Heat a nonstick frying pan over medium-high and coat with olive oil spray. Add chopped back bacon and cook until golden and crisp. Remove bacon and set aside.
02 -
In the same pan, add diced shallots, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, adding a splash of stock if needed to prevent sticking.
03 -
Add crushed garlic and ground beef to the pan, cooking until the beef is well browned.
04 -
Return the bacon to the pan. Stir in dried herbs, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, sweetener or sugar, and chicken or beef stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until sauce is rich and thick.
05 -
Stir in potato gnocchi, then simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi is just tender. Add extra stock if needed to maintain a saucy consistency.
06 -
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Transfer contents to a baking dish and spread evenly.
07 -
Sprinkle grated mature cheddar cheese over the top. Broil for 4 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden brown.
08 -
Remove from broiler and immediately scatter with fresh torn basil leaves before serving.
# Supplementary Details:
01 -
If a thicker sauce is preferred, simmer uncovered for the last few minutes. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.