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Gnocchi with Meat Sauce

Gnocchi with Meat Sauce

Gnocchi with Meat Sauce is a comforting and hearty Italian dish featuring pillowy potato gnocchi coated in a rich, savory meat sauce. Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe combines simple, pantry-friendly ingredients with straightforward steps for a satisfying and family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 500g Potato Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 400g Ground Meat (beef, pork, turkey, or mix)
  • 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 400g Crushed Tomatoes (canned)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black Pepper, to taste
  • 50g Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and garlic. Measure out crushed tomatoes, dried herbs, and other ingredients to have everything ready before cooking for a smooth cooking process.
  2. Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned and crumbled, stirring frequently to lock in flavor and develop a rich base.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Cook until softened and fragrant, infusing the sauce with delicious aroma.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with oregano, basil, and thyme. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
  5. Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook until they float to the top, about 2-3 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  6. Combine and Serve: Gently toss the cooked gnocchi into the meat sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an optional drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

  • Do not overcook gnocchi; they cook quickly and should float to the surface when done.
  • Brown the meat thoroughly for enhanced flavor through caramelization.
  • Simmer the sauce low and slow for better thickness and depth of taste.
  • Use fresh herbs when possible for brighter, fresher flavor.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.
  • Use high-quality canned tomatoes for natural sweetness and richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: gnocchi, meat sauce, Italian recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, potato gnocchi, easy pasta, weeknight meal