Baked Gnocchi Bolognese

Why You’ll Love It

So simple to make: This is an easy recipe. You will just cook the ingredients in a skillet on the stove before adding cheese and baking in the oven until bubbling hot.
Made with easy-to-find ingredients: I’m sure you already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator. And the others aren’t hard to find.
Full of amazing Italian flavors: Aromatic garlic, sweet tomatoes, fragrant oregano, creamy mozzarella, and pillowy cooked gnocchi are beautiful Italian ingredients that help make this dish as special and authentic as possible.

Gnocchi with Bolognese Sauce Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Ground beef: I like to use 80/20 ground chuck but you can use any ground beef you prefer.
Crushed tomatoes: The basis of the sauce.
Bacon bits: To add a pop of salty, meaty goodness.
Potato gnocchi: Use fresh, frozen or dried gnocchi. You can even use homemade gnocchi. I used boxed gnocchi in the recipe, not the kind from the refrigerated area.
Cheese: Gouda cheese goes into the gnocchi Bolognese sauce and also on top, and you also need mozzarella for the topping.
Dried oregano: Adds an Italian flavor that goes so well with the tomato sauce.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce and a slight acidic tang to balance the overall flavor.

How to Make Baked Gnocchi with Meat Sauce

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Start the sauce: Fry the garlic, onion and bacon bits in olive oil and then add the celery, ground beef, salt and pepper, and cook over a medium heat. Add the broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano and vinegar.
Simmer the sauce: Let the mixture simmer for a while and then add the water and gnocchi. Add some of the gouda cheese.
Bake the gnocchi Bolognese: Add the rest of the cheese on top and bake until the done. Cool for a few minutes before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, double check all the ingredients are gluten-free, as brands vary. I like this gluten free gnocchi.
Another ground meat: Not a beef mince lover? Ground pork or ground turkey can be used instead. Or you could use Italian sausage (I bet spicy Italian sausage would be really good).
Another cheese: Colby jack or provolone can be used in place of the gouda.
Canned tomatoes: Use chopped tomatoes or swap for diced tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, or Italian style tomatoes with basil.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce can add some heat.
More veggies: Sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini or bell pepper can be added if you like, or even some peas or a handful of fresh spinach.
Fresh herb garnish: Serve sprinkled with fresh herbs or add a fresh basil garnish.
Kid-friendly option: Swap the bacon bits for chopped crispy bacon strips and the gouda for cheddar cheese.
Deluxe version: Fry some mushroom slices when frying the onion and sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizers: Start your meal with tuna white bean salad or an iceberg wedge salad.
Side dishes: Roasted carrots or mixed roasted vegetables can be paired with gnocchi Bolognese. Homemade bread is good too, or a side salad if you aren’t having one as your appetizer.
For dessert: Stay with the Italian theme and enjoy tiramisu Swiss roll for dessert.

How to Store Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost in the fridge overnight.
Reheat: Warm it back up in a pan on the stove or air fry at 330°F for a few minutes.