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Gnocchi Bolognaise Bake – The Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s nothing quite like a Gnocchi Bolognaise Bake to bring warmth and comfort to your dinner table. This dish is the perfect combination of rich, meaty bolognaise sauce, soft and pillowy gnocchi, and a golden, cheesy crust that’s baked to perfection. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy to make, packed with flavour, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a simple meal with minimal effort, this recipe will hit the spot every time. Plus, with only a handful of ingredients and one pan to clean, it’s a stress-free way to enjoy a classic Italian-inspired dinner. Let’s dive into the deliciousness! 🍽️😍

March 7, 2025
Gnocchi Bolognaise Bake
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Why You’ll Love This Gnocchi Bolognaise Bake

    • One-Pan Magic – Less mess, less stress! Everything cooks in one pan before getting baked to cheesy perfection.
    • Quick & Easy – No need to pre-boil the gnocchi—it cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that flavour.
    • Ultimate Comfort Food – A warm, hearty dish that’s pure coziness in every bite.
    • Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, saucy meal!
    • Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for meal prepping and freezing for busy nights.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Gnocchi Bolognaise Bake

    • Use a mix of beef and pork mince – This adds extra flavour and tenderness to your bolognaise sauce. If you prefer, you can swap it for all beef or even chicken mince!

    • No need to pre-cook the gnocchi – The sauce provides enough moisture to cook the gnocchi perfectly in the oven. This means less work for you!

    • Go for quality tomato passata – A rich, thick passata will give your sauce that deep, slow-cooked taste without having to simmer for hours.

    • Cheese choice matters – A mix of mozzarella and parmesan is best for melty, golden goodness. Want extra flavour? Add a little cheddar or provolone.

 

Let it rest before serving – This helps the sauce thicken up and makes it easier to serve without everything sliding off the spoon!

Serving Suggestions for Gnocchi Bolognaise Bake

This Gnocchi Bolognaise Bake is a meal on its own, but if you want to take it to the next level, try pairing it with:

    • Garlic Bread – Because extra carbs are always a good idea! A crispy, buttery slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.

    • Fresh Salad – A simple rocket and parmesan salad with balsamic dressing cuts through the richness of the bake beautifully.

    • A Glass of Red Wine – If you love wine, go for a Sangiovese or Shiraz to complement the rich tomato and meat sauce.

How to Store & Reheat Gnocchi Bolognaise Bake

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish stores beautifully and tastes just as good the next day.

    • In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C until warmed through, or zap in the microwave for a quick fix.
    • In the Freezer: Let the bake cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
    • Meal Prep Tip: Assemble everything ahead of time (without baking), store in the fridge, and bake when ready for a fuss-free dinner!

Other Recipes to Try Next

Love this Gnocchi Bolognaise Bake? Here are more cheesy, comforting meals to add to your recipe rotation:

Now It’s Your Turn!

I’d love to see how your Gnocchi Bolognaise Bake turns out! Snap a pic and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff – I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!

This dish is pure comfort food bliss—easy to make, packed with flavour, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. So, what are you waiting for? Get that oven preheated and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!

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Gnocchi Bolognaise Bake

Gnocchi Bolognaise Bake

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Description

Nothing beats a hearty, cheesy, one-pan dinner that’s packed with flavour and ready in no time! This Gnocchi Bolognaise Bake is the ultimate comfort food—rich, saucy, cheesy, and oh-so-easy. Perfect for busy nights when you need a meal the whole family will love. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 500g pork and beef mince
  • 1 diced onion
  • 1 diced celery stick
  • 1 diced large carrot
  • 1 tbsp crushed garlic
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp chicken stock powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • 750ml tomato passata
  • 1 cup water
  • 500g pkt gnocchi
  • 250g grated pizza cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat a pan with a little oil and brown the mince.
  2. Add the onion, celery, carrot, garlic, tomato paste, chicken stock powder, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Stir well.
  3. Add the tomato passata and water, bring to a boil, then cover and let simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Remove the lid, stir in the gnocchi, then top with cheese.
  5. Pop into a 180°C oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 40
  • Category: Recipes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

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