Sunday Night Gnocchi Bolognese Bake.
I know it’s only Thursday, but this Sunday night gnocchi Bolognese bake needs to be on your dinner menu for this weekend.
And hey, we all know it’s never too early to start planning the weekend!
So here’s the deal. I am in comfort food mode (as if you haven’t figured this out) and this gnocchi bake is all things comforting. As you guys know it’s been a little busy around here, with multiple things happening behind the scenes. And then you know, launching the cookbook! It’s been a roller coaster of anticipation, fun, stress, and um tiredness…tons of different emotions. Don’t get me wrong, I’m loving every minute of this ride (ok, well most of it), but some of the stress has just left me craving all the comforting things I love. Things like my favorite pumpkin candle, fuzzy sweaters, and cheesy gnocchi.
Plus, as mentioned earlier this week, the weather in Colorado at night has definitely gone from chilly to just cold, and that means cheesy gnocchi is just what needs to happen for Sunday night dinner this week. I mean, obviously.
I first had the idea for this recipe a few weeks back, but waited until the end of September to tell you guys about it because it just feels like the most perfect autumn Sunday night dinner.
Sunday night dinners have always been my favorite, which is kind of odd since I used to hate Sundays. It’s a long story, but in short, Sundays just meant back to school the next day, which for me was a pretty big issue.
Anyway, dinners on Sunday were always special. My mom would make a point to make a good meal (probably her Potato Chip Chicken, which is a recipe in the cookbook), bake a loaf of bread, and bake fresh cookies. The entire family, meaning all eight or nine of us (depending on the year and who had been born…) would actually sit at the same table and all eat together at the same time. If you’re a Gerard family member then you know this kind of thing definitely did not happen every night of the week, but when it did happen it was always a nice thing. Sometimes football would be playing in the background, but most of the time it was just the family. It was loud and a little chaotic, but it was always the best.
Sunday nights are not quite the same over here since we’ve all gotten older, moved out of our parent’s house, and you know, grown up. But I still love making a good dinner and lighting a candle or two, especially during the fall and winter months…
Which brings me to this gnocchi Bolognese bake. It’s the perfect dinner to simmer on the stove and let your house fill with delicious smells, then bake and eat.
Like a lot of recipes I’ve been creating these days, this dish is made all in one pot. Make the Bolognese sauce in a large skillet, then stir in the gnocchi, add some cheese and bake.
So simple, but yet the most amazing dish. Almost like in Italy…but then what do I really know, I’ve never been there. Someday though!
A few notes. My recipe calls for ground beef or spicy Italian sausage. I like to use spicy Italian sausage for an extra layer of spice and flavor. You could also use ground chicken or turkey if you prefer. To make the sauce rich but flavorful, I use a mix of red wine and milk. The wine adds a fruity flavor while the milk keeps the sauce creamy and rich. If you don’t drink wine or prefer not to use it in your sauce, just use an equal amount of water.
And lastly? The cheese! Mozzarella and provolone are my favorites with this type of Italian meal, but you could also use ricotta, maybe even cheddar or really whatever you love that melts well. Then top with basil and all will be good.
It’s a pretty simple and straight forward recipe, but delicious none the less! Excited to make this on Sunday for a cozy night back home after traveling. I am off again on Monday morning, so a good dinner is totally needed.
Kind of already dreaming about it…
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Sunday Night Gnocchi Bolognese Bake
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: easy recipe, Italian meal
This gnocchi Bolognese bake is the perfect dinner to simmer on the stove and let your house fill with delicious smells, then bake and eat.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1 pound lean ground beef or spicy Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 28 ounce can San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs fresh oregano
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, torn
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- fresh basil, for topping
Instructions
-
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the onions and carrots and season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the beef and garlic and cook until the beef has browned all over, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Stir in all of the tomatoes, wine, and milk. Add the bay leaf and oregano and simmer the sauce for 15 minutes or until it has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in the gnocchi and 1/3 cup water. Bring the sauce to a boil and cook another 5-10 minutes. Remove from the heat and remove the bay leaf and oregano. Top the dish with cheese. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese has melted. Top with fresh basil. Enjoy!
The perfect cheese pull. Get’s me every time.
ps. I will be on Hallmark Home and Family tomorrow at 10am EST/9am C.
I’m envious of your colder, fall-like weather – it’s been in the 90s(!!!!) this week in Ohio! Craziness. Fabulous Sunday night dish recipe; and I have Home & Family all set to record on Friday – so excited for your segment!
Thank you Liz!! I hope you love the segment!
I don’t need the weekend for this, I’d have it right now!!
https://bloglairdutemps.blogspot.pt
YES! I hope you love it!
Oh yes please! Sign me up for this one! Comforting foods on Sundays is my trick for those Sunday Blues too 🙂 xoxo
Agreed! Comfort foods are a must on Sundays! I hope you love this!
Congrats on being on Hallmark Home and Fam! How exciting and I love love one-pot meals! Gnocchi is such a great answer for one pot meals like this. I am in full blown comfort food mode – but its going to be 80 in Seattle today! So Seattle isn’t in comfort food mode yet apparently – which I’m sure I will be grateful for later when its raining for months on end. I’ll undoubtedly be on board with this amazing cheesy pot of goodness as soon as things cool down a bit!
Yes, definitely try it when it gets cooler! I hope you love this Maria! Thank you!
This looks amazing! Do you have to pre-cook the gnocchi?
Hi jenny, no need to precook the gnocchi. Let me know if you have questions Enjoy the recipe!
I love gnocchi, but I rarely make it since my husband isn’t a big fan. This looks so good though! Maybe this will be the recipe that converts him! 🙂
Hopefully!! Thanks Kim, enjoy!
I am salivating here. Being Italian on my mother’s side has afforded me a lot of great Italian recipes. I make my own gnocchi, but instead of regular potato, use sweet potato. That is the plan for this recipe. Blessings to you, Tieghan. All the best of success for you in your future. You are an amazing cook and an inspiration to so many. Plus, loved imagining your big family all around the table….envious. I have 3 children and wished it were 10!
Awh thank you Dina! This is so sweet! I hope you love this gnocchi, let me know!
To make it vegetarian can I add sweet potato instead of meat? How would you recommend going that route?
I bet mushrooms would be a delicious vegetarian alternative!
Hi Sarah!! I would use 1 small sweet potato and maybe add another veggie like chopped broccoli or mushrooms, about 1 cup of either. I think that would be great! Let me know if you have questions. Hope you love this!
Is there a “store-bought” gnocchi that you recommend? Or should I learn to make it myself? Recipe sounds great…hope to try it.
I love Dellalo brand gnocchi!
I’d love to hear what brand of gnocchi you recommend – I’m new to making it and really want to try out this recipe!
I use Dellalo brand! 🙂
And…herein lies my Friday night project.
Woo! I hope this turns out great for you Krizia!
I saw this on Instagram and had to come on over and read the post. Your Gnocchi Bolognese Bake looks tremendous. Like you, fall is fully upon us here and this will be perfect Sunday Evening. Thanks
Yes perfect for a Sunday evening! I hope you love this Ron, thank you!
I’ve been visiting your website almost daily and imagine my surprise when I saw this version of bolongese sauce when I made one same day but with rigatoni and vodka!
Sounds like it was the right day for some bolognese haha!
Cheesy, gnocchi comfort food perfection. I’ll take this meal any day of the week!
I am so glad you like it! Thank you Kelly!
Gnocchi is my favorite and this bake looks so good! Can’t wait to try it! 🙂
Thank you Laura!
Hi! I’m making this for dinner tonight!! Did you use fresh mozzarella?? Thank you!
HI deb! I did use fresh mozzarella. Let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love the recipe! Thank you!
I’m going to make my own gnocchi for this recipe. Should I cook it before adding to the other ingredients? Thanks…waiting to hear before I get started.
Hi Vera! I don’t think you need to cook the gnocchi before adding it to the sauce. Let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love the recipe! Thank you!
This looks delicious, and I’m going to make it this week. However, “none the less” is spelled “nonetheless”. Just thought it would be good for you to know for your future posts 🙂
Oops, thank you Kayla!
This looks incredible! I’m making two versions of this recipe for a pretty big crowd: one with all of the ingredients listed, and another that is gluten free. Do you know if there is any gf gnocchi on store shelves? or would you recommend an alternative? maybe a vegetable, or another noodle type? would love your thoughts!
HI TARA! Delallo brand sells a delicious GF gnocchi, so I recommend that! Let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love the recipe! Thank you!
My whole family gobbled this up! Delicious! Even my husband, who isn’t a huge gnocchi fan, loved it!
I am so glad to hear that! Thank you!
Would this work well with pappardelle or other noodles? Currently have all the ingredients except the gnocchi. Thanks!
Hey Lara! I think pappardelle would be amazing, as would any pasta really!! Let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love the recipe. Thank you!
I made this last night. Used Italian sausage and a merlot. Let the sauce simmer down for longer than suggested (had the time). Perfection. Knocked my socks off!!
Will make again – with and without the gnocchi. That sauce. Dang!
It’s 6:30AM and I’m already thinking about leftovers.
Thank you for another great recipe!!
I am so happy this turned out perfect for you + you loved this Jackie! Thank you so much! ?
Hi, can’t wait to make this for Sunday dinner tomorrow, my husband and I are gnocchi obsessed. I never thought I would say this, but I don’t have any wine in the house, we just moved and I’m 8 months pregnant (so ready to be done and for a glass of wine ha!), can I just leave it out or should I sub something else in? Thank you so much, Tieghan!
Hi Michelle! Sorry, I am a little late to reply, but chicken broth would be a great sub or in a pinch water. Hope you loved this recipe and congrats on the new baby! 🙂
I made this last weekend and it was just so filling and warming – proper comfort food. My partner was pretty sceptical about having Gnocchi rather than pasta but he really enjoyed it! x
That’s amazing! So happy you both enjoyed this Lesley!
I can’t get enough gnocchi. excited to try!
Question, If you were to make this vegetarian, would you just cut the beef? Or would you add extra veggies? maybe minced mushrooms and peppers? thanks for any suggestions.
Hi Jess! I would cut the beef and add 8 ounces mushrooms and 1 bell pepper. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Hope you love this recipe! 🙂
This recipe is AMAZING! I made this last Sunday and everyone said it is their new favorite Italian recipe 🙂 Will be making this for many years… Thank you!
Awh that is amazing Jackie!! Thank you!
Excellent recipe! I made this for my boyfriend’s birthday dinner last night and he loved it! Thank you,Tieghan for another delicious recipe!! Will make again.
Awh that is so awesome! I am so glad this turned out amazing for you Christina! Thanks!
This sounds amazing! I bought all the ingredients to make this. But I’m wondering if the tomatoes you used were whole? The can of San Marzano tomatoes I got are whole so should I chop them up a bit?
Hi! Just crush them with you hands or chop them. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Hope you love this recipe! 🙂
Teigan, thanks for this delicious recipe. My family has just finished eating and everyone is talking, laughing and hanging out. We got a new kitchen table today, after 13 years with our old small, mediocre one. Our new table is big and beautiful,, this recipe was the first to be eaten around it. Everyone loved the food and the good time. Thanks for another perfect recipe. 🙂
Sounds like an amazing dinner Kim! I am so happy you all enjoyed this recipe, thank you!
This was absolutely delicious! Just made it last night, and my boyfriend was still talking about it today. The perfect comfort food. I used a cast iron skillet. Used fresh mozzarella and ricotta as the cheeses, and while the fresh mozzarella was a little thicker than I’d wanted, it did lend the entire dish a bit of the flavor of a baked lasagna. I also used hot Italian sausage, as you suggested. Perfect! I could see this working as a bake with many different kinds of pasta, as well, including mini filled ravioli. Also left out the wine and wouldn’t have noticed – added a little less than 1/3c additional water. Thank you!
I am so happy you and your boyfriend loved this Rachel! Thank you!!
I made this last night and it was DELICIOUS! I used 3/4 lb of sausage and I added a bit of mushrooms and broccoli and wow, the veggies soaked up the sauce and had tremendous flavor. My only problem was I had to switch to a bigger pot half way through…my largest skillet is apparently not very large haha. What size pan do you use? Awesome recipe thank you so much for sharing!!!
So happy you love this recipe! I use a large 12 inch skillet (but mine has pretty high sides for a skillet)> Please let me know if you have other questions.Happy Holidays!! 🙂
Can I use red wine vinegar as a substitute for red wine?
HI, I do not recommend doing that. I would use chicken or beef broth. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Happy Holiday’s ? 🙂
This was a very tasty, rich and comforting sunday dinner. I made it for my lasagna loving husband to switch things up a bit. I simmered the sauce with the lid on for about an hour, then with the lid off for another 10 min. I would use this sauce recipe again for a variety of other dishes, it was so good (I used hot italian sausage). Thanks for the recipe!
I am happy you loved this! Thank you!
What type of tomatoes are needed (puree, whole, diced)?
What size skillets do you use for your one pot recipes?
Mine are 12 inch. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
My son picked this out as a meal to make for the family! We made fresh gnocchi… the problem we ran into was the gnocchi seamed to fall apart when we stirred into the sauce. Also 16 ounces. Did not seam like enough gnocchi. What did we do wron. Other then gnocchi seaming really mushy the taste of the sauces was amazing. We followed directions to a T.
HI! What brand gnocchi did you use? I have never had gnocchi fall apart before, so I am not sure what happened. Sos sorry for the trouble!
No trouble … we loved the sauce. We actually made our own gnocchi from scratch.
Hi- this looks amazing but my husband cannot have milk, what would you recommend as a substitute? Thank you!
Any non-dairy milk will work great. I like coconut milk! Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
Also, you can use water too.
This was very tasty, but I ended up with way too much sauce – the gnocchi were swimming in it! Some changes I’d do next time around is to omit the water with the gnocchi, and i’ll also add the wine to the veggies and sausage and reduce it down before adding the tomatoes and milk.
I am glad you still enjoyed this Debbie! Thanks!
this has become a weekly staple in our house. SOOOOO good!
So happy to hear that! Thank you!
Made this last night. Even better this morning!
Thank you Teena!
Just tried this last night and it was delicious! My entire family loved this meal! One thing I did differently, was I put the gnocchi in the pan with some olive oil and toasted the gnocchi up to a golden brow color and put it to off to the side until adding it in at end to keep it from getting that gummy texture it can sometime have.
I am so glad you liked this! Thank you!!
Mmmmm…my family made it but we didn’t have time to put it in the oven,so we put the chesse in our own plates!still very flavourfull! Loved it!
Thank you so much Sara! I am so glad you loved this! Thank you!
This looked so good but we were very dissapointed. The ratio of sauce to gnocchi was far too much. I thought that would be the case as I was making it. Gnocchi doesn’t really expand. Those little pillows looked lost in all of that sauce. Next time I will halve the tomatoes and maybe reduce the milk and wine to 3/4 cups each. Or I might add 1/2 pound of tortellini to add some substance. The flavors were wonderful. Ingredients just weren’t balanced.
Hi Annie! I am so sorry about that! I hope this turns out better if you try this again!
Hi, can you make this in advance?
Hey Jill! Yes, you can assemble the night before and then cook the next day. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan,
This looks amazing and I’m excited to make a vegetarian version! Will it freeze well?
HI! This freezes beautifully! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much!! xTieghan ?
Easy & delicious! Definitely making again. Made my house smell so good & paired great with crusty bread & can sauv. 10/10
Thank you so much Taylor! xTieghan
I would agree with others who mentioned that there is just too much liquid. I am going to halve the wine and milk or sub in broth for the wine. I also think the sauce lacks some over all depth of flavor and will probably double the herbs.
I am really sorry to hear that Al! If there are any questions I could help you with, please let me know! xTieghan
I have made this recipe several times. We have subbed ricotta gnocchi and truffle cheese gnocchi for potato it is fabulous. We also add some tomato paste to help thicken it. Awesome dish to throw together, especially now that it is starting to get cooler.
I am so glad this recipe turned out so well for you! Also, such a great comfort food for the weather cooling down for sure! Thank you Evelyn! xTieghan
This had great potential, but it ended up with too much liquid because it wasn’t specified what type of tomatoes to use. I used diced and didn’t realize until I was cooking that I should have used crushed. Please please update the recipe to specify what types of tomatoes to use!
Hi Ashley! I am really sorry about that. I will update. I hope you try this one again! xTieghan
I made this with ravioli and the pork was a welcome taste. We felt like we were eating pizza! Very nice flavor.
Sounds like perfection Jill! Thanks for sharing! X Kelly
Family favorite. I have made this dish to feed a big crowd multiple times and it never disappoints. A local grocery store makes truffle gnocchi and we will frequently sub if available. I also add a bit of tomato paste to thicken it up a bit. I have also recommended this recipe to numerous friends who love it just as much.
Thanks for sharing it!
That is so amazing to hear! Thank you so much for trying this recipe, Evelyn! xTieghan
Wow, this dish was fantastic! I want to bottle that sauce and put it on EVERYTHING!
Thank you,
Cheryl
This was amazing. The only change I made was a 1tsp of crushed red pepper.
I am really glad you enjoyed this Stacy! Thank you so much! xTieghan
Hey Tieghan, thank you so much for this recipe!
Ive just made this as a Saturday evening treat here in England!
Funnily enough, gnocci was the only pasta left in our supermarket (no one seemed to want it) so finding this recipe was PERFECT for isolation! (Covid-19 making it hard to shop!)
I love how simple and minimal the ingredients are, perfect during this strange time! And still packs so much flavour!
My boyfriend loved it so much he just finished the pan (a recipe which can serve 6, oops!)
Thank you again and I hope you and your family aren’t too affected!
Hi Sophie! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
This sounds amazing – just made a big batch of homemade gnocchi so looking for some different ways to use it – do you think this dish would keep overnight if i make it ahead – not sure how fresh gnocchi survives the fridge overnight. Cheers
Hi Sue,
You should be okay doing this! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This was so delicious! Thank you for the recipe!! 🙂
Thank you Melissa! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Incredibly good. Incredibly easy. Be sure to pour yourself a glass of wine when you measure out the wine for the recipe.
Haha yes! Thank you so much Missy! xTieghan
Really enjoyed this dish. Heeding the advice/comments regarding excessive sauce, I doubled the amount of gnocchi and omitted the 1/3 cup of water. I wanted to use the full second package of gnocchi, but could have gotten away with using slightly less.
Thank you so much Alaina! xTieghan
We loved this one! Perfect amount of sauce and the flavors were restaurant standard!!
Aw you are too sweet! I am so glad this turned out so well for you, Paige! xTieghan
Hi! I have frozen cauliflower gnocchi. Do I need to cook the gnocchi first then incorporate it, or do I just put it in frozen?
Hey Claire! I would cook the gnocchi first! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
my house smelled so good.
Thank you so much Mary Beth! xTieghan
Hello! Do you think cashew or almond milk would work instead?
Hey Frankie,
Yes, either of those would work. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Second time making this. We use two links of Italian sausage and make the rest of the pound with ground beef. So delicious and always love the one pot meals!
A neighbor brought this to me after I had my daughter. I finally asked her what restaurant she ordered it from and she sent me this. I’m so excited to try it. We don’t have wine in our house, is it possible to make it without?
Hey Mary,
In place of the wine you can use beef broth or a mix of pomegranate juice and water. I hope you love the recipe! Let me know how it turns out:) xTieghan
Before this I kind of hated gnocchi but I used your recipe and toasted the gnocchi beforehand. My husband couldn’t wait to eat the leftovers, we both really enjoyed this dish!
Hey Thy Le,
I am so glad you have enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for making it! Have a great week! xTieghan
Do you chop or crush the San Marzano tomatoes before adding them? I have only been able to find them as whole peeled tomatoes.
Thanks!
Hey Kaylee,
If you prefer smaller tomato chunks you can absolutely crush them. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan