30-Minute Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

Add this rich and flavor-packedGnocchi Bolognese recipeto your 30-minute meals list because you’re going to want to make it again and again! Store-bought gnocchi gets pan-seared and then tossed in a simple beef and tomato Bolognese sauce. Weeknight dinners just got easier and so incredibly delicious!

Easy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

You guys. I have never been more excited to share a recipe with you then this easy, 30-minute gnocchi pasta dish with a quickbolognese sauce.

This recipe took FOREVER to come up with a name. First it wasJustin’s Pasta, thenGnocchi Bolo-Jay’s. And whileJustin’s Gnocchi Bolognesedoesn’t have quite the same ring to it, I thought you all might have a better idea of what you’re getting into here!(You can find all ofJustin’s recipes here!)

The first time Justin made this dish I was literally salivating. All of that rich, kinda’ spicy, and full-of-depth complex flavor was created in under 30 minutes?!

How in the world did he DO that?!

So the next time… I watched. And I copiously took notes on this ultimate comfort food.

Ahhh yes. Make sure to get agood sear on the store-bought pillowy gnocchi, let thered pepper flakes simmerin the oil to release their flavor, and use theright ratio of beef to tomatoesto make a perfect sauce.

It’s become a weeknight favorite of ours and I have a feeling it will be on your dinner menu soon, too!

Ingredients

• Beef. Make sure you grab an 85/15 blend or else it won’t release enough fat to sear the gnocchi in. While you can use 90/10, you will need to add extra oil. If preferred, you can opt for Italian sausage, but that will affect the flavor.
• Gnocchi. A store-bought version works just fine for easy gnocchi. I got mine from Trader Joe’s. You can also use cauliflower gnocchi, or whip up your ownhomemade gnocchi.
• Tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes have the most flavor. If can’t find those, opt for regular cherry or grape tomatoes. Avoid other larger tomatoes as they’ll have too much liquid and seeds.
• Shallot.This smaller, sweet relative of the onion adds the right balance to this dish.

How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese

Please see the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and more detailed instructions.

1. Brown the Beef

Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a large non-stick skillet over medium or medium-high heat. After it’s hot, carefullyplace the ground beef in the center and cook for 7 to 8 minutes.

For the last few minutes, let the meat cook undisturbed so you get brown pieces.Remove the beef from the skilletto set it on a plate. Scrape the bottom of the pan to remove any browned bits.

2. Sear the Gnocchi

Drop the gnocchi into the same skillet with at least 2 tablespoons of beef grease. (Add oil if necessary.)Cook the potato gnocchi for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want a light sear.

Carefullyadd in 2 to 3 tablespoons of waterand cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the gnocchi are tender. Turn off the skillet off and let them rest.

3. Cook the Red Pepper Flakes

In another heavy-bottomed pot, like a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over low heat.Stir in the red pepper flakes with a wooden spoon and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.Add the diced shallot, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutesmore.

4. Add the Tomatoes

Stir the tomato paste and 2 tablespoons of water into the shallots and red pepper flakes.Cook for 1 to 2 minuteswhile stirring until the paste isn’t bright red anymore.

Carefully mix in the remaining water 1 tablespoon at a time, being sure to mix well after each addition.

Stir in the tomatoes and cook for 5 to 6 minutes.They will become tender. Then smash them with the back of the spatula or a spoon to make them burst. Stir in the garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook another 1 to 2 minutes.

5. Bring it All Together

Stir the crumbled beef and cooked gnocchi into the tomato sauce.Serve it up with some Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

FAQs

What to Serve with Gnocchi Bolognese?

When you serve up this irresistible dish, add one of these sides for a healthy and well-rounded meal.

Go green withSteamed Broccoli,Roasted Asparagus, orAir Fryer Green Beans.

Or, choose another veggie likeInstant Pot Glazed CarrotsorItalian Oven-Roasted Vegetables.

More Italian Pasta Dishes

When you’re craving Italian, skip the takeout and whip up any of these delicious recipes.

• Pasta Primavera
• Beef Bolognese
• Roasted Vegetable Pasta Bake
• Pasta Carbonara
• Easy Pomodoro Sauce