Description
A quick and comforting Gnocchi with Meat Sauce recipe featuring tender potato gnocchi smothered in a rich, savory meat sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, using simple pantry staples for a hearty and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 500g Potato Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Meat Sauce
- 400g Ground Meat (beef or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 400ml Tomato Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
To Serve
- Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated (optional)
- Fresh Basil or Parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors while you prepare the gnocchi.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, approximately 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer directly into the pan with the meat sauce.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Gently toss the cooked gnocchi with the meat sauce, allowing them to absorb some of the flavors. Cook together for 1-2 more minutes, ensuring everything is heated through and evenly coated.
Notes
- Use fresh or refrigerated gnocchi for the best texture and faster cooking.
- Break up the meat thoroughly during browning for an even sauce consistency.
- Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to deepen flavors without drying it out.
- Cook gnocchi in batches if needed to prevent sticking.
- Season gradually by tasting at multiple stages to avoid oversalting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: gnocchi, meat sauce, quick dinner, Italian comfort food, weeknight meal, easy recipe
