Name: Hearty Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
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; 1/2 cup (100 ml) dry red wine; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes; 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup (250 ml) beef stock; 2 bay leaves; 1 1/2 lb (900 g) gnocchi; 1/3 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan; 6-8 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

If there was ever a dish that felt like a big, cozy hug at dinnertime, it’s got to be Hearty Gnocchi Bolognese. Imagine tender potato gnocchi drenched in a rich, aromatic meat sauce—each mouthful is true comfort food that just makes everything right in the world.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistibly Comforting: Every forkful of Hearty Gnocchi Bolognese brings warmth and satisfaction, perfect for cozy nights in or feeding hungry crowds.
Packed with Deep Flavor: Thanks to the classic soffritto base, simmered beef, fresh herbs, and a hint of red wine, this bolognese sauce is savory, rich, and utterly craveable.
Quick Weeknight Friendly: While it tastes like an all-day labor of love, it comes together in just under an hour—making it ideal for nearly any night of the week.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum reward—everything gets tossed together for the ultimate family-style meal.

Hearty Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s amazing about Hearty Gnocchi Bolognese is how it transforms such humble ingredients into something truly special. From the aromatic foundation to the pillowy gnocchi, every item has a purpose in building layers of flavor and a beautiful, rustic texture.

Olive oil: A splash is all you need to soften veggies and start building a savory base for your sauce.
Onion, carrot, and celery: This classic Italian soffritto lays the foundation for depth, sweetness, and subtle earthiness in your bolognese.
Garlic: A couple of cloves will infuse the sauce with punchy aroma and savory warmth.
Lean ground beef: Provides richness and hearty protein—opt for lean for a lighter, less greasy result.
Dry red wine: Adds a sophisticated depth and helps tenderize the meat (most of the alcohol cooks off, leaving bold flavor behind).
Tomato paste: Intensifies that concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Fresh thyme & rosemary: These herbs give your bolognese a fragrant, woodsy kick you’ll absolutely love.
Red chili flakes: Just a pinch for warmth—feel free to adjust depending on your heat preference.
Crushed tomatoes: The juicy, tangy heart of your sauce; don’t skimp on quality here!
Beef stock: Deepens the savoriness and lets the sauce simmer into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Bay leaves: Add subtle, herbal undertones as your sauce bubbles away.
Gnocchi: These soft, pillowy dumplings soak up every drop of sauce—they’re the star in this recipe.
Parmesan: Adds salty, nutty depth and a glorious finishing flourish.
Fresh basil: For an aromatic pop of color and freshness right before serving.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: The essential finishing touch to pull all these delicious flavors together.

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.

Variations

The beauty of Hearty Gnocchi Bolognese is how endlessly customizable it is. You can easily tweak the recipe to accommodate dietary choices, pantry staples, or just to put your own unique spin on a classic.

Make it vegetarian: Swap out the ground beef for lentils, mushrooms, or your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute and use vegetable stock for a satisfying meatless meal.
Switch up your gnocchi: Try whole wheat, spinach, or even sweet potato gnocchi for extra nutrition and flavor.
Add more veggies: Stir in chopped zucchini, red pepper, or even baby spinach towards the end for a veggie boost.
Try a dairy-free version: Omit the Parmesan or use your favorite vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free delight.

How to Make Hearty Gnocchi Bolognese

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Let these veggies gently sizzle and soften for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re meltingly tender and fragrant. This is where the magic (and irresistible aroma) really begins!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the chopped garlic and let it sizzle for just a minute, then add the ground beef. Increase the heat slightly, and break up the meat with your spoon as it cooks for 5–6 minutes. Browning the beef here deepens the flavor, so don’t rush this step—wait for those little caramelized bits in the pan!

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the dry red wine and give everything a good stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all those tasty browned bits. Let the wine bubble away for 1–2 minutes until the alcohol evaporates and you’re left with a rich, savory base.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste, fresh thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes. Cook everything together for another minute so the tomato paste caramelizes slightly, boosting color and flavor. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves. Give it all a good stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Stir now and then to keep it from sticking. The sauce will thicken beautifully and fill your kitchen with that signature Bolognese aroma—trust me, mouths will be watering!

Step 6: Cook the Gnocchi

While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions—usually just a few minutes, until they float to the top. Drain and get ready for the grand finale.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Remove the bay leaves from the sauce. Stir in the cooked gnocchi, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil leaves. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve Hearty Gnocchi Bolognese straight away—don’t forget an extra shower of Parmesan if you love it cheesy like I do!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Gnocchi Bolognese

Soffritto Patience: Don’t rush the onion, carrot, and celery—gentle sautéing coaxes out the natural sweetness and forms the tasty backbone of your sauce.
Wine Quality Matters: Use a red wine you’d actually enjoy drinking—its flavor shines through in your final sauce (cheap cooking wines just don’t cut it).
Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Boil until they float, then remove immediately for dreamy, tender bites that hold their shape in the sauce.
Fresh Herbs at the Finish: Stir in chopped basil just before serving for a vibrant, aromatic lift—never simmer it, or you’ll lose that magical freshness.

How to Serve Hearty Gnocchi Bolognese

Garnishes

A generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan is a must—I even like to add a few extra basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil on top for a restaurant-worthy finish. If you want a touch of heat, a sprinkle of extra chili flakes never hurts!

Side Dishes

This Hearty Gnocchi Bolognese is a meal in itself but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted veggies. And honestly, what’s a bolognese dinner without a few slices of warm, crusty bread to mop up every drop?

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your gnocchi bolognese family-style in a large, shallow bowl sprinkled with herbs, or plate individual portions in small cast iron skillets for a rustic touch. For special occasions, twirl portions into little nests and top with a basil leaf—simple tweaks that make an everyday dinner feel like a real celebration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store Hearty Gnocchi Bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld more overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even better!

Freezing

For longer-term meal prep, it’s best to freeze just the sauce without the gnocchi (the gnocchi can become mushy after thawing). Freeze the cooled sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, then just heat and toss with freshly cooked gnocchi when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of beef stock or water to refresh the sauce’s consistency. If you’re microwaving, cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until steaming hot. Always finish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil for that just-made magic!

FAQs

Can I make Hearty Gnocchi Bolognese ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce actually gets better as it sits, so you can make it up to 2-3 days in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, cook the gnocchi fresh and toss them together for maximum texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of wine?

If you prefer to skip the wine, substitute with an equal amount of beef or vegetable stock and add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar for a touch of acidity and richness.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes! Store-bought gnocchi saves tons of time and works beautifully in this dish. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade gnocchi definitely elevates the meal, but don’t let lack of time stop you from enjoying Hearty Gnocchi Bolognese.
How can I make this Bolognese sauce less spicy?

Simply omit or reduce the red chili flakes for a milder sauce. The rest of the flavors will shine through, so you won’t miss a thing!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about sitting down to a steaming bowl of Hearty Gnocchi Bolognese after a busy day—it’s comforting, satisfying, and always sparks joy at the table. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it part of your own kitchen traditions!