Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

If you are craving a meal that wraps you in warmth and comfort, this Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is your perfect match. It brings together pillowy potato gnocchi and a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce bursting with layers of flavor. From the tender vegetables and fragrant herbs to the luscious finish of cream and parmesan, every bite feels like a loving hug on a plate. Whether it’s a family dinner or a way to impress friends, this dish is a heartfelt classic that turns any evening into something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe calls for simple ingredients that each play an essential role in creating that unforgettable flavor and texture balance. From fresh vegetables to quality meats and aromatic herbs, every component works in harmony to build the perfect sauce and complement the tender gnocchi.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides the flavorful base for sautéing your vegetables and meats.
• 2 medium carrots, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the sauce.
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped: Brings subtle earthiness and crunch to the mirepoix base.
• 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped: Offers aromatic depth and slight bite when sautéed.
• 4 ounces diced pancetta: Delivers a smoky, salty richness that elevates the sauce.
• 8 cloves garlic, minced or 1 tablespoon garlic paste: Infuses bold and fragrant notes throughout the dish.
• 1 lb lean ground beef (grass-fed): Gives hearty, savory flavor and satisfying texture.
• 1 lb ground pork: Adds juiciness and complexity to the meat sauce.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder: Gives a gentle smoky heat without overwhelming the palate.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings herbal warmth and Mediterranean flair.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky undertones in harmony with the pancetta and chipotle.
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
• 1 cup dry red wine (Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot): Adds acidity and deep, fruity layers while deglazing the pot.
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced fire roasted tomatoes: Offers smoky sweetness and chunky texture.
• Herb blend (3-4 sprigs each fresh rosemary and thyme): Brings fresh, aromatic complexity to the slow-simmered sauce.
• 2 bay leaves: Impart subtle, earthy depth as the sauce cooks low and slow.
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth: Keeps the sauce rich and perfectly saucy as it reduces.
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Provides umami richness and a silky finish.
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream: Adds luxurious creaminess that rounds out the flavors.
• 32 ounces potato gnocchi (shelf-stable): The soft and tender base that soaks up all that delicious sauce.

How to Make Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Mirepoix

Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped carrots, celery, and onion, cooking them gently until they soften and release their sweet, fragrant aroma. This vegetable base, called mirepoix, is the flavor cornerstone that gives your Bolognese a beautifully balanced foundation.

Step 2: Add the Flavor Agents

Next, toss in the diced pancetta and cook until it turns golden and crisp, releasing its smoky fat. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it sauté just until it becomes fragrant, filling your kitchen with intoxicating warmth that promises a hearty meal ahead.

Step 3: Brown the Meat and Season

Add the ground beef and pork to the pot, breaking it into smaller pieces as it browns evenly. Season generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, chipotle powder, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. This spice blend brings a comforting heat and herbal brightness that turns humble meat into an unforgettable sauce component.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly and deepen the tomato flavor. Then deglaze the pot by pouring in the red wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine simmer down until it’s mostly absorbed, concentrating its rich fruitiness into the sauce.

Step 5: Slow Simmer to Perfection

Add diced fire-roasted tomatoes, the fresh herb blend of rosemary and thyme, bay leaves, and broth to the pot. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the sauce simmer gently for 1 ½ to 2 hours. This slow braise develops deep, harmonious flavors as the ingredients meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Finish the Bolognese Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened and the aromas are intense, skim off any excess fat for a balanced texture. Remove the herb stems and bay leaves to leave only the deep flavors behind. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and heavy whipping cream, which lend a luxurious creaminess and velvety finish to your Bolognese.

Step 7: Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the potato gnocchi. Cook them until just tender but still slightly undercooked by about a minute, as they will finish cooking when mixed with the sauce. Reserve half a cup of the gnocchi cooking water before draining in order to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Transfer the cooked gnocchi directly into the pot with the Bolognese sauce. Toss everything gently to coat each pillowy dumpling with that rich, luscious meat sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in some reserved gnocchi water or additional parmesan until it’s irresistibly silky and well-coated.

Step 9: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Dish your Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe into bowls and top generously with extra freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to savor that perfect contrast of tender gnocchi and hearty, creamy Bolognese sauce.

How to Serve Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Garnishes

When serving your Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe, garnishing is your chance to add an extra layer of visual appeal and flavor. Sprinkle fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley or basil over the top to brighten the plate with herbal freshness. A final dusting of parmesan not only ups the umami factor but also adds beautiful texture contrast. For a touch of indulgence, drizzle a little high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a spoonful of chili-infused oil for gentle heat.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own but pairing it with simple sides can elevate the meal further. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness wonderfully. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add freshness and crunch. If you want to keep the theme Italian, crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more rustic family-style vibe, serve the gnocchi and sauce in a large, shallow bowl or cast iron skillet at the center of the table so everyone can help themselves. For an elegant dinner, portion the gnocchi delicately on warmed plates and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers. You can even bake the assembled gnocchi with a sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan under the broiler for a golden bubbly finish that adds a delightful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe tastes fantastic when properly stored. Place the gnocchi and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Separating the gnocchi and sauce will help maintain their texture, but if you combine them, just be prepared to gently rewarm with care to avoid overcooking.

Freezing

You can freeze the Bolognese sauce separately for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. While gnocchi itself can be tricky to freeze due to texture changes, freezing the sauce means you can quickly cook fresh gnocchi and toss them together whenever you’re ready for a comforting meal.

Reheating

Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. For combined leftovers, warm in a skillet on medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or breaking apart the gnocchi. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make gnocchi tough and unevenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully, especially shelf-stable varieties. Just be mindful to cook them until tender but still firm, then finish cooking with the sauce for the best texture.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

You can swap out the ground beef and pork for hearty mushrooms or plant-based meat substitutes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth, and replace pancetta with smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to keep that signature flavor.

How long does the Bolognese sauce need to simmer?

For deep, developed flavors, simmering the sauce for at least 1 ½ to 2 hours is ideal. This slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in rich, comforting depth.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The Bolognese sauce actually benefits from resting, so making it a day ahead enhances the flavor. Simply refrigerate it and gently reheat just before serving with fresh gnocchi.

What wine pairs well with Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe?

A robust red wine like Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot complements the rich meat sauce perfectly. You can also enjoy a glass of the same wine you use in cooking for a harmonized dining experience.

Final Thoughts

Creating this Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is like inviting a little warmth and joy into your kitchen. Every step brings you closer to a dish that feels both indulgently rich and wonderfully homey. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a weekday treat, I encourage you to give it a try and savor the comfort and love it brings to your table. Once you taste it, this recipe might just become one of your all-time favorites, too.

Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe features a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce combining ground beef, pork, and pancetta with aromatic vegetables and herbs, served atop tender potato gnocchi. The sauce is enriched with red wine, tomato paste, and cream, resulting in a luscious and comforting Italian classic perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables & Aromatics

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

Meat & Dairy

• 4 ounces diced pancetta
• 1 lb lean ground beef (grass-fed)
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Pantry Items & Herbs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup dry red wine (Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced fire roasted tomatoes
• Herb blend: 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary & 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth

Pasta

• 32 ounces potato gnocchi (shelf-stable)

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Mirepoix: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped carrots, celery, and roughly chopped onion, and cook until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 7-10 minutes.
2. Add the Flavor Agents: Add 4 ounces of diced pancetta to the vegetables and cook until the pancetta is golden and crisp, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced or pressed garlic (or garlic paste) and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
4. Brown the Meat & Season: Add 1 lb each of lean ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Break the meat into pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until browned all over, approximately 8-10 minutes.
5. Season: Season the meat mixture generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir well to distribute the spices.
6. Add Tomato Paste and Cook: Stir in the 6-ounce can of tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
7. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in 1 cup dry red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Cook until the wine is mostly absorbed, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Build the Braise: Add the 14.5-ounce can of diced fire-roasted tomatoes, 3-4 sprigs each of fresh rosemary and thyme, 2 bay leaves, and 2 cups of chicken or beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
9. Slow Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the Dutch oven partially, and let the sauce simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promoting rich flavor development.
10. Finish the Bolognese Sauce: After simmering, skim off any excess fat from the surface. Remove the herb stems and bay leaves from the sauce. Stir in 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, mixing well to create a creamy, luscious sauce.
11. Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook, stirring gently, until they float and are just undercooked by one minute, about 2-3 minutes depending on package instructions.
12. Reserve Gnocchi Water: Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the gnocchi cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
13. Assemble Gnocchi Bolognese: Transfer the drained gnocchi directly into the Bolognese sauce. Toss gently to coat the gnocchi evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved gnocchi water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency. Stir in extra parmesan cheese if preferred.
14. Serve: Divide the Gnocchi Bolognese into bowls and top with additional freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting Italian classic.

Notes

• Using a Dutch oven is ideal for slow simmering the sauce evenly and retaining heat.
• Simmering the sauce for at least 1.5 hours develops deep, rich flavors but can be extended up to 2 hours for even more depth.
• Under-cooking gnocchi slightly prevents them from becoming mushy when tossed with sauce.
• Reserve some cooking water from the gnocchi; it contains starch that helps bind the sauce to the gnocchi.
• Red wine enhances complexity; substitute with additional broth if avoiding alcohol.
• For a leaner sauce, you can omit the heavy cream but it adds richness and smoothness to the final dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian