Description
Gnocchi with Meat Sauce is a warm, cozy comfort food combining soft potato gnocchi with a rich, savory meat sauce. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering, this recipe offers a perfect balance of texture and flavors, utilizing simple pantry ingredients to create a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi
- Potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) – 1 lb (450 g)
For the Meat Sauce
- Ground beef or pork – 1 lb (450 g)
- Onion, finely chopped – 1 medium
- Garlic cloves, minced – 3
- Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes – 1 can (14 oz/400 g)
- Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) – 1 tsp each, dried or 1 tbsp fresh mixed
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
To Serve
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated – 1/2 cup (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped – for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant. Add the ground meat and break it apart, cooking until browned and fully cooked through. Stir in the tomato sauce and Italian herbs, seasoning with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently to develop deep flavor while cooking the gnocchi.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the gnocchi directly into the skillet with the meat sauce, allowing them to absorb the flavors for a minute or two.
- Combine and Serve: Gently toss the gnocchi in the meat sauce ensuring every piece is coated. Transfer to plates or a serving dish, then finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a touch of fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi to avoid mushiness; remove as soon as they float.
- Use quality ground meat or a blend for richer flavor.
- Simmer the meat sauce for at least 15 minutes to meld flavors well.
- Season gradually and taste to prevent over-salting, especially with canned tomatoes.
- Adding fresh herbs at the end brightens flavor and enhances presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg