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Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake – Comforting, Cheesy & Family-Friendly Dinner

When it comes to comfort food classics, few dishes can rival the cozy satisfaction of a baked pasta. But instead of traditional spaghetti, this Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake takes things up a notch with pillowy potato gnocchi baked in a rich, meaty bolognese sauce and topped with gooey melted cheddar. This recipe is hearty, wholesome, and family-friendly. The beef mince is cooked with onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to create a savory base, simmered with tomatoes and herbs until it’s packed with depth of flavor. Add gnocchi for a soft, chewy texture and finish it all off with melted cheese—you’ve got the ultimate weeknight dinner or weekend comfort meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to please. It’s filling, rich, and indulgent—perfect for cozy evenings when only a bubbling cheesy bake will do.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein
  • 2 slices back bacon fat removed, chopped
  • 400 g lean beef mince
Vegetables & Aromatics
  • 3 fresh basil leaves chopped
  • 1 carrot diced
  • 2 small celery stalks diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ tbsp dried mixed herbs
  • 3 shallots finely chopped
  • 400 g canned tomatoes
Pantry & Sauces
  • 240 ml chicken or beef stock
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp granulated sweetener or sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta
  • 1 pack gnocchi 500 g / 17.5 oz
Oils
  • Olive oil cooking spray
Dairy
  • 120 g mature cheddar grated

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board & sharp knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Baking dish (9x13-inch or similar)
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the bacon and beef
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with cooking spray.
  2. Add chopped bacon and cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Add beef mince, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
Step 2: Add vegetables and aromatics
  1. Stir in shallots, carrot, celery, and garlic.
  2. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Build the sauce
  1. Add tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, dried herbs, canned tomatoes, stock, sweetener (or sugar), salt, and black pepper.
  2. Stir well, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Cook the gnocchi
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add gnocchi and cook until they float to the top (about 2–3 minutes). Drain well.
Step 5: Combine and transfer to baking dish
  1. Stir gnocchi into the bolognese sauce.
  2. Transfer everything to a baking dish.
Step 6: Add cheese and bake
  1. Sprinkle grated cheddar evenly on top.
  2. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
  1. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
  3. Serve warm with garlic bread or salad.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight, then bake as instructed.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot.
🥄 Variations
Protein Swap: Use chicken mince, turkey mince, or even lentils for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce.
Cheese Twist: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan for different flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or fresh chili to the sauce.
One-Pan Shortcut: Use oven-safe skillet to cook sauce and bake directly, skipping the transfer step.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi both work.
Do I need to pre-cook the gnocchi before baking?
Yes, boiling ensures a tender texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or Parmesan adds a nice melt.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes—freeze baked portions in containers for up to 2 months.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free gnocchi and stock.
Can I skip the bacon?
Absolutely—it adds flavor but isn’t essential.
What’s the best side dish?
Garlic bread, side salad, or steamed green beans.
Can I add cream to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of cream makes it richer.
Can I use pork and beef mix for the mince?
Definitely—it makes the sauce even more flavorful.
🏁 Conclusion
This Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate cozy dinner—cheesy, hearty, and bursting with flavor. The combination of tender gnocchi, rich tomato-bolognese sauce, and melted cheddar makes it an instant family favorite.
It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners but indulgent enough for weekends or entertaining. Once you try it, you’ll have a new go-to comfort food recipe.