Description
Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese is a rich and hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring tender potato gnocchi tossed in a slow-simmered bolognese sauce made with ground beef, pork, pancetta, and a robust blend of herbs and spices. This comforting recipe combines a deeply flavorful meat sauce with creamy parmesan and a touch of cream, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bolognese 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 of 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
- 3–4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3–4 sprigs fresh 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
For the Gnocchi
- 32 ounces potato gnocchi (shelf-stable)
Instructions
- Sauté the mirepoix: Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add finely chopped carrots, celery, and roughly chopped onion. Sauté the vegetables, stirring frequently, until tender and golden, about 6-7 minutes.
- Add the flavor agents: Add diced pancetta to the pot and cook with the mirepoix until golden and the pancetta fat has rendered, about 2-3 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Brown the meat & season: Create a well in the center of the pot and add ground beef and pork. Break the meat into pieces with a wooden utensil, stirring to combine with the vegetables. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 8-9 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, chipotle powder, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 more minutes to meld flavors.
- Deglaze the pot: Increase heat to medium-high and pour in red wine. Stir with a wooden utensil, scraping the pot’s bottom to release any browned bits. Cook until most of the wine absorbs, about 4-5 minutes.
- Build the braise: Add diced fire roasted tomatoes, fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and broth. Stir well to combine.
- Slow simmer: Reduce heat to low and cover pot. Let the sauce simmer and braise gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish bolognese sauce: After braising, skim excess fat from the surface if needed. Remove herb stems and bay leaves. Stir in parmesan cheese and heavy cream until fully incorporated. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook potato gnocchi according to package instructions, undercooking by about 1 minute since they will continue cooking in the sauce. Reserve 1/2 cup of gnocchi cooking water before draining.
- Assemble gnocchi bolognese: Transfer gnocchi directly into the bolognese sauce using a slotted spoon. Gently toss to coat all gnocchi in the sauce. Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved gnocchi water for thinning or additional parmesan cheese for thickening.
- Serve: Divide gnocchi bolognese into bowls. Top with extra freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Undercook gnocchi slightly as it will absorb sauce and finish cooking when combined.
- Skim excess fat off the sauce after braising to keep it from being too greasy.
- Adjust seasoning and sauce thickness at the end for perfect balance.
- Use dry red wine that you enjoy drinking for best sauce flavor.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with 1 tablespoon each dried rosemary and dried thyme if fresh unavailable.
- This recipe can be prepared a day ahead; flavors improve with resting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: gnocchi bolognese, potato gnocchi, Italian meat sauce, cozy dinner, slow simmered sauce, creamy bolognese
