Name: Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 slices of back bacon, fat removed, chopped; 3 shallots, finely diced; 1 carrot, finely diced; 2 small stalks of celery, finely diced; 3 cloves of garlic, crushed; 400g (14oz) extra lean beef mince (ground beef); 1/2 tablespoon dried mixed herbs; 400g (14oz) chopped tomatoes, canned; 3 tablespoons tomato paste (puree); 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon granulated sweetener or sugar (optional); 240ml (1 cup) chicken or beef stock; 500g (17.5oz) pack of gnocchi; 120g (4.2oz) mature cheddar, grated; Olive oil cooking spray; Salt and black pepper; Few fresh basil leaves, torn

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 26 reviews

Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining pillowy-soft gnocchi, a rich and meaty bolognese sauce, and a bubbling blanket of sharp cheddar cheese. Each bite is gloriously satisfying, with the gnocchi soaking up saucy goodness and the cheese melting into golden, gooey perfection. This is a cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll want on regular rotation, perfect for weeknight suppers or wowing friends at a casual dinner party.

Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a mile-long list for incredible flavor—just some classic, wholesome staples that truly shine when brought together. Each component in Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake plays a role in building savory depth, comforting texture, and plenty of color on your plate.

Back bacon: Adds smoky, salty richness to the sauce, even after you trim the fat.
Shallots: These sweet, mild onions infuse delicate flavor without overpowering the dish.
Carrot: Diced small for sweetness and vibrant color, it’s a secret to a great bolognese.
Celery: Gives aromatic undertones and helps balance the sauce.
Garlic: Crushed for maximum punch; it’s essential for that Italian flair.
Extra lean beef mince: Keeps the dish hearty yet light, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Dried mixed herbs: Your shortcut to depth, bringing together sweet, earthy, and woody notes.
Canned chopped tomatoes: The juicy base of your sauce—pick a good quality brand for real tomato punch.
Tomato paste: A few tablespoons of this thickens the sauce and deepens the tomato flavor.
Balsamic vinegar: Just a splash for tang and subtle sweetness—it’s a secret ingredient you’ll love.
Granulated sweetener or sugar (optional): Balances any acidity from the tomatoes with just a touch.
Chicken or beef stock: For extra savoriness and a silky sauce—choose your favorite.
Gnocchi (shelf-stable pack): Tender, fluffy, and ready to absorb all that flavorful sauce.
Mature cheddar (grated): Melted on top for that bold, tangy finish—don’t skimp!
Olive oil cooking spray: Keeps everything sizzling and golden, without a greasy feel.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste, and don’t be shy—each layer matters.
Fresh basil leaves: Torn over just before serving, their aroma lifts every bite.

How to Make Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

Step 1: Begin with the Bacon and Aromatics

Start by heating a generous spray of olive oil in your frying pan on medium-high. Add the chopped back bacon and let it sizzle until golden and irresistibly fragrant. Once cooked, set the bacon aside for now. In the same pan, toss in your finely diced shallots, carrot, and celery—this trio is the base for unforgettable flavor. Soften the veggies, adding a splash of stock or water if things look a little dry and sticky.

Step 2: Build the Bolognese Sauce

To the softened vegetables, stir in the garlic and lean beef mince (ground beef). Keep stirring and breaking up the meat until it browns beautifully and everything smells hearty. Return the bacon to the pan, then add dried mixed herbs, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, that cheeky spoonful of sweetener or sugar, the rest of your stock, and balsamic vinegar. Bring everything up to a boil, cover, and let it gently simmer for about 20 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the sauce thickens, the flavors concentrate, and your kitchen smells amazing.

Step 3: Add Gnocchi and Simmer

Now for the fun part! Add the gnocchi straight to the simmering meat sauce. Let everything bubble away for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and plump. If you notice the gnocchi drinks up a little too much liquid, just pour in a dash of extra stock. Once seasoned nicely with salt and pepper, you’re ready for the finishing touches.

Step 4: Bake and Finish the Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

Spoon your rich, gnocchi-studded sauce into a roomy baking dish. Sprinkle the entire surface in a thick, even layer of grated mature cheddar cheese—don’t worry about being too generous. Place under a broiler or hot grill for about four minutes until the cheese is bubbling, golden, and gloriously melted. Finish by scattering torn fresh basil leaves over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is best scooped out straight from the dish while it’s piping hot.

How to Serve Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

Garnishes

The crowning glory for your Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is a scattering of torn, fragrant basil leaves. For extra flair, add a dusting of freshly grated parmesan and a pinch of cracked black pepper. If you love a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes won’t go amiss either. These garnishes add freshness, a touch of sharpness, and a pretty pop of color.

Side Dishes

This bake is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple, crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette, or some garlicky roasted vegetables. And honestly, who could resist a warm hunk of garlic bread, perfect for scooping up every last smudge of sauce? A glass of red wine, and you’ve elevated your dinner to something really special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try spooning portions into individual ramekins for a dinner party wow-factor—each guest gets their own golden-topped bake. Or serve Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake family-style in the center of the table, letting everyone dig in. You could even sprinkle some fresh microgreens on top for a restaurant-style flourish, or use colorful oven-safe dishes to brighten your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to two days. Simply cover your baking dish tightly or transfer slices to airtight containers. This makes for a fantastic grab-and-go lunch the next day—the flavors only get richer as they meld together overnight!

Freezing

To freeze, allow the bake to cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn, and you can store individual servings (or the whole batch) for up to three months. When you crave a comforting meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Reheating

Reheating Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is a breeze. For best results, bake in a covered dish at around 180°C (350°F) until piping hot (about 20 minutes), or microwave individual servings, stirring halfway to ensure even heat. Adding a sprinkling of extra cheese before reheating will revive that deliciously gooey topping every time.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken mince instead of beef?

Absolutely! If you’d like a lighter version, substituting ground turkey or chicken works well. Just note that these meats are leaner, so you might want to add a bit of extra olive oil or a splash of stock for richness.

Is it possible to make Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake vegetarian?

Of course! Simply swap out the bacon for smoked tofu or extra mushrooms, and use meatless mince or lentils in place of beef. Use vegetable stock and your favorite plant-based cheese for a full vegetarian twist.

Can I assemble this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. Prepare the Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake right up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it under the broiler or in a hot oven to melt and brown the cheese.

Which gnocchi is best for baking?

Shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi both work well in this recipe. Make sure to simmer the gnocchi in the sauce just until tender before baking, to avoid any gumminess or undercooking.

What cheese can I use if I don’t have mature cheddar?

Feel free to get creative! Mozzarella will give you a lovely stretchy top, while parmesan offers salty depth. Gouda, provolone, or even a bit of blue cheese can add fantastic dimension—mature cheddar just provides that classic sharp, melty finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a new staple to your comfort food lineup, Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is a joy from start to finish. Every step builds crave-worthy flavor, and the final result is pure coziness on a plate. Gather your ingredients, invite someone special to the table, and savor the magic of this deeply satisfying bake—you’ll be coming back for seconds, guaranteed.