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Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

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Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate comfort food that merges rich, savory flavors with soft, pillowy gnocchi and a generous layer of melted cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknights, providing a satisfying meal that is easy to prepare in under an hour. With a delightful blend of beef and cheese, this recipe invites customization—add your favorite vegetables or swap out the meat based on your preference. Not only is it ideal for dinner, but it also makes for delicious leftovers, ensuring that every bite remains as flavorful as the first. Get ready to indulge in this comforting classic that will become a staple in your home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 slices of chicken bacon, fat removed, chopped
  • 3 shallots, finely diced
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 2 small stalks of celery, finely diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 400g (14oz) extra lean beef mince (ground beef)
  • ½ tablespoon dried mixed herbs
  • 400g (14oz) chopped tomatoes, canned
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste (puree)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sweetener or sugar (optional)
  • 240ml (1 cup) chicken or beef stock
  • 500g (17.5oz) pack of gnocchi
  • 120g (4.2oz) mature cheddar, grated
  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Few fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

  1. Gather and prep all ingredients.
  2. In a frying pan, heat olive oil spray and cook chicken bacon until golden brown; set aside.
  3. Sauté shallots, carrot, and celery until softened.
  4. Add garlic and ground beef; cook until browned.
  5. Return chicken bacon to pan; stir in mixed herbs, tomatoes, tomato paste, sweetener (if using), stock, and balsamic vinegar. Boil then simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. Stir in gnocchi; simmer for 5–8 minutes until cooked through.
  7. Season with salt and pepper; transfer mixture to a baking dish.
  8. Top with cheddar cheese and broil for 4 minutes until melted.
  9. Serve topped with fresh basil.

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