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Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 58 reviews

Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese is a rich, comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender potato gnocchi enveloped in a deeply flavorful, slow-simmered meat sauce. Made with a blend of ground beef, pork, pancetta, and fresh vegetables, this flavorful bolognese is finished with parmesan and cream for a luscious texture. Perfect for a hearty family meal or a cozy dinner on chilly nights.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced or 1 tablespoon garlic paste

Meats & Proteins

  • 4 ounces diced pancetta
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (grass-fed recommended)
  • 1 lb ground pork

Spices & Seasonings

  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Liquids & Broth

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup dry red wine (Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot)
  • 2 cups chicken or beef broth

Canned & Jarred

  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes

Herbs

  • 3–4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Pasta

  • 32 ounces potato gnocchi (shelf-stable recommended)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the mirepoix: Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat. When shimmering, add the chopped carrots, celery, and onions. Sauté, stirring frequently, until tender and golden, about 6-7 minutes.
  2. Add the flavor agents: Add the diced pancetta to the pot and cook with the mirepoix until golden and the fat renders, 2-3 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
  3. Brown the meat & season: Create a well in the center and add ground beef and pork. Break meat into pieces and stir to combine with vegetables. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8-9 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, chipotle powder, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
  4. Deglaze the pot: Increase heat to medium-high and pour in red wine. Stir and scrape bottom of pot to incorporate browned bits. Cook until wine mostly absorbs, around 4-5 minutes.
  5. Build the braise: Add diced fire-roasted tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and broth. Stir thoroughly to combine.
  6. Slow simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let sauce simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Finish bolognese sauce: After simmering, skim off any excess fat from the surface. Remove herb stems and bay leaves. Stir in parmesan cheese and heavy cream until combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
  8. Cook gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions, slightly undercooking by about 1 minute. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water before draining gnocchi.
  9. Assemble gnocchi bolognese: Using a slotted spoon, transfer gnocchi into the bolognese sauce pot. Gently toss to coat all gnocchi with sauce. Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved gnocchi water to thin or sprinkling more parmesan to thicken as desired.
  10. Serve: Serve gnocchi bolognese immediately in pasta bowls, topped with extra freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your cozy, hearty meal!

Notes

  • Use a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for optimal browning and slow simmering.
  • Undercooking the gnocchi slightly prevents them from becoming mushy when added to the sauce.
  • Skimming excess fat after braising keeps the sauce rich but not greasy.
  • Shelf-stable potato gnocchi work well for convenience, but fresh gnocchi can be substituted.
  • The slow simmer time develops deep flavors, so don’t rush the braising step.
  • If preferred, you can substitute ground veal or lamb for a different meat blend.

Keywords: Gnocchi Bolognese, Italian pasta, Slow simmered meat sauce, Potato gnocchi recipe, Comfort food, Hearty dinner

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/cozy-gnocchi-bolognese-recipe/