Name: Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 1 medium carrot, finely diced; 2 celery stalks, finely diced; 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef; ½ cup (100 ml) dry red wine; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped; ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes; 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup (250 ml) beef stock; 2 bay leaves; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 ½ lb (900 g) gnocchi; ⅓ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan; 6-8 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped; Extra grated Parmesan for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 22 reviews

If you’ve ever thought that making a hearty, comforting Italian dinner was out of reach, I’m here to change your mind. This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is an absolute game-changer—rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to whip up on a weeknight or whenever you want to impress your loved ones. Trust me, once you try this version with tender gnocchi smothered in a slow-simmered, aromatic Bolognese sauce, you’ll be hooked for life!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The combination of fresh herbs, chili flakes, and slow-simmered tomatoes creates a sauce that’s both hearty and nuanced.
Perfect Texture: Soft gnocchi tenderly soak up the Bolognese sauce, giving you little pillows of comfort in every bite.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your kitchen, making this recipe accessible and doable.
Effort-to-Reward Ratio: While it tastes like it took all day, the prep and cook time is just under an hour.

Gnocchi Bolognese, homemade gnocchi with Bolognese sauce, easy Italian gnocchi recipe, comforting Bolognese pasta, hearty gnocchi dish - The image shows a blue pot filled with a rich brown meat sauce mixed with soft, yellow-orange gnocchi. The top layer is scattered with pieces of fresh green herbs, adding a bright contrast to the warm colors of the sauce and gnocchi. The pot's handle is visible on the right side, resting on a white marbled surface. The texture of the gnocchi looks smooth and tender, while the meat sauce appears thick and hearty, covering all pieces evenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe brings something special to the table. From the olive oil that gently sautés our aromatics, to the fresh herbs that make the sauce vibrant, these ingredients balance beautifully. When shopping, I always pick fresh, firm vegetables and avoid over-salty canned tomatoes, as that can throw off the flavor.

Gnocchi Bolognese, homemade gnocchi with Bolognese sauce, easy Italian gnocchi recipe, comforting Bolognese pasta, hearty gnocchi dish - Flat lay of a small pool of golden olive oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, a medium yellow onion finely diced forming a neat pile, a medium orange carrot finely diced in a small mound, two fresh celery stalks cut into small pieces arranged in a neat cluster, two large whole garlic cloves unpeeled and clean, a small heap of raw lean ground beef shaped naturally, a small white bowl filled with deep red dry red wine, a small dollop of vibrant red tomato paste on a white plate, a few sprigs of fresh green thyme finely chopped, a sprig of fresh rosemary finely chopped, a small pinch of red chili flakes scattered delicately, two bright red ripe crushed tomatoes showing natural texture in a white bowl, a small white bowl filled with rich brown beef stock, two dried bay leaves whole and unblemished, a pile of light, pillowy potato gnocchi, a small heap of finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, and several bright green fresh basil leaves roughly arranged—all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: A good-quality extra virgin oil adds fruity depth and helps gently soften your veggies without overpowering the sauce.
Onion, carrot, celery: The classic soffritto base provides a natural sweetness and background flavor that’s the heart of any great Bolognese.
Garlic: Adds that irresistible aromatic punch just before the meat goes in.
Lean ground beef: This is your main protein—lean keeps it from getting greasy but still gives that rich, meaty flavor.
Dry red wine: Brings a beautiful acidity and depth, plus it helps tenderize the meat as it simmers.
Tomato paste: Condensed tomato goodness that boosts Umami and thickens your sauce for a luscious texture.
Fresh thyme & rosemary: These herbs inject herbal warmth and rustic notes which elevate the sauce immensely.
Red chili flakes: Just a touch here wakes up the taste buds without making the dish spicy.
Crushed tomatoes: Use good quality canned San Marzano if you can—they give the best flavor.
Beef stock: Enriches the sauce, making it silky and savory without heavy cream.
Bay leaves: Infuse a subtle earthiness as the sauce simmers.
Gnocchi: The star carbs—pillowy, tender, and begging for sauce to cling to them.
Grated Parmesan: Adds nutty, salty umami both stirred in and sprinkled on top.
Fresh basil leaves: A fresh herbaceous lift to brighten those deep, slow-cooked flavors.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Crucial for seasoning to taste at the end.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe my own depending on the season and mood. It’s such a flexible dish—sometimes I add a splash of cream for extra richness, or swap in ground pork for a different depth. You’re totally encouraged to tweak it!

Variation: I once tried adding finely chopped mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy twist, which turned out amazing and made it feel heartier.
Dietary modification: If you want a lighter version, ground turkey works well too, or even plant-based crumbles if you want to go meatless.
Heat level: Feel free to ramp up the chili flakes for an extra kick—or leave them out if you’re sensitive to spice.
Herbs swap: Don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme? Dried versions work fine in a pinch—just reduce the amounts by half.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

First, heat your olive oil in a large deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery, and gently cook them for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them softened and sweet, not browned. This slow sweat is the secret to the sauce’s sweetness and depth. Once softened, toss in the chopped garlic and cook it for another minute—this step is all about layering the flavor carefully.

Step 2: Brown the Meat Just Right

Add the lean ground beef to the pan and break it apart with your spoon as it cooks. Make sure it browns nicely for about 5-6 minutes to develop that rich, meaty flavor. Avoid stirring too frequently so the meat gets some nice caramelization. This is the heartiness that makes the Bolognese so satisfying.

Step 3: Add Wine and Herbs

Pour in the dry red wine and give it a good stir. Let it cook off for 1-2 minutes so the alcohol evaporates but the richness and acidity remain. Then stir in the tomato paste, freshly chopped thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of red chili flakes. It smells heavenly at this point—like you’re in a cozy Italian kitchen.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Next, add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer uncovered for around 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and you’ll notice the sauce thickening and the flavors melding beautifully.

Step 5: Cook and Combine the Gnocchi

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package directions—usually just a few minutes until they float. Drain them and gently fold the gnocchi into the thickened sauce, adding the grated Parmesan and torn fresh basil last. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

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Pro Tips for Making Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Don’t Rush the Soffritto: Patiently cooking your onion, carrot, and celery until soft unlocks huge flavor gains—you’ll thank yourself later.
Brown the Meat Well: Let the beef sit and brown properly instead of stirring constantly for best texture and taste.
Simmer Uncovered: Simmering without a lid thickens the sauce more effectively; keep an eye so it doesn’t stick.
Use Fresh Basil at the End: Adding basil just before serving preserves its bright, fresh flavor and color.

How to Serve Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Gnocchi Bolognese, homemade gnocchi with Bolognese sauce, easy Italian gnocchi recipe, comforting Bolognese pasta, hearty gnocchi dish - A white bowl filled with a rich, chunky dish made of two layers: the base layer is soft, yellow gnocchi with a smooth texture, and the top layer is a thick, reddish-brown meat sauce with small bits of meat and tomato sauce mixed evenly, both layers covered with bits of grated white cheese and small green herb pieces scattered on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface next to a red cloth with a pattern, a piece of pale yellow cheese block, and scattered green leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of adding a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan right as you plate, plus a few torn basil leaves on top. Sometimes I drizzle a tiny bit of good-quality olive oil to make it shine. These simple touches bring freshness and that crave-worthy cheesy finish every time.

Side Dishes

This Gnocchi Bolognese pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. I also love serving it alongside roasted garlic bread to sop up every last bit of sauce—trust me, you don’t want to waste it!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve plated this dish in deep bowls sprinkled with microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch. Another fun idea is serving individual portions in mini cast iron skillets—so cozy and perfect for guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover Gnocchi Bolognese in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to three days. Just make sure the sauce is fully cooled before sealing to avoid soggy gnocchi.

Freezing

While gnocchi can get a little soft after freezing, I’ve found that freezing the sauce separately works best. Freeze the Bolognese sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months, then thaw and toss with freshly cooked gnocchi for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a pan over medium-low heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the gnocchi from getting too mushy—stovetop reheating lets you control the texture better.

FAQs

Can I make this Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with fermented lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives. You might also want to add a bit more tomato paste or umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce to boost the flavor.
Do I have to use fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs definitely add a bright, fresh note, but dried ones work just fine. Use about half the amount of dried herbs since they’re more concentrated, and add them earlier on to release their flavors.
What if I can’t find gnocchi?

You can swap in any pasta you love—penne, rigatoni, or pappardelle all work beautifully with Bolognese sauce. Just cook the pasta according to its package instructions and mix it in the same way.
How can I thicken my Bolognese sauce if it seems too watery?

Simmer it uncovered longer, stir frequently, and consider adding a teaspoon of tomato paste for extra body. Also, mashing some of the gnocchi in the sauce can help thicken it naturally.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The Bolognese sauce tastes even better the next day, so you can make it a day in advance and reheat gently. Cook the gnocchi fresh just before serving to maintain its delicate texture.

Final Thoughts

This Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate—simple ingredients transformed into something deeply satisfying and full of love. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, I promise you’ll love the cozy richness it brings to your table. Give it a try soon; I can’t wait to hear how it turns out in your kitchen!