Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Introduction

Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender potato gnocchi with a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you want something satisfying and full of robust flavors.

Ingredients

• 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 garlic, minced or 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 lb lean ground beef (grass-fed recommended)
• 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
• Herb blend: 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary & 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
• 32 ounces potato gnocchi (shelf-stable recommended)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add carrot, celery, and onion. Sauté until tender and golden, about 6-7 minutes, stirring often.
2. Step 2: Add diced pancetta to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and fat renders. Stir occasionally. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Create a well in the center and add ground beef and pork. Break meat into pieces and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8-9 minutes.
4. Step 4: Season the meat mixture with salt, pepper, chipotle powder, oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Step 5: Increase heat to medium-high and pour in red wine to deglaze. Scrape bottom of pot with a wooden utensil, cooking until wine mostly absorbs, about 4-5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Add diced tomatoes, fresh herbs, bay leaves, and broth. Stir well to combine.
7. Step 7: Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours. Stir occasionally during this time.
8. Step 8: After braising, skim off any excess fat. Remove herb stems and bay leaves. Stir in parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Remove from heat and set aside.
9. Step 9: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions, undercooking by 1 minute. Reserve ½ cup of cooking water before draining.
10. Step 10: Transfer gnocchi with a slotted spoon directly into the bolognese sauce. Gently toss to coat. Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved gnocchi water if needed or more parmesan to thicken.
11. Step 11: Serve immediately in bowls, topped with extra grated parmesan if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, use homemade broth instead of store-bought.
• Substitute pancetta with bacon if pancetta is unavailable.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the chipotle powder.
• Fresh gnocchi can be used, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for finely chopped mushrooms and use vegetable broth.

Storage

Store leftover gnocchi bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the bolognese sauce can be made a day or two in advance. It often tastes even better after resting as the flavors meld. Just reheat gently before adding the gnocchi.

Do I need to use wine in the sauce?

While wine adds depth to the sauce, you can substitute it with extra broth or grape juice for a non-alcoholic option. The flavor may be slightly different, but still delicious.