Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

If you have been craving a dish that hugs you from the inside out, this Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine pillowy potato gnocchi swimming in a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce bursting with layers of flavor from tender carrots, smoky pancetta, and a blend of fragrant herbs. It’s the perfect meal to gather around the table with loved ones, bringing warmth and comfort to every bite while highlighting the simple luxuries of a traditional Italian-inspired dinner reinvented for the modern home cook.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the magic of this Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe comes from straightforward ingredients you likely know well, each adding something special to the final dish. From fresh vegetables that build the sauce’s foundation to bold spices and quality meats, every element plays a delicious, necessary role.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing and developing flavor.
• 2 medium carrots, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture to the sauce.
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped: Offers an aromatic crunch that balances the richness.
• 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped: Brings natural depth and a mellow sweetness.
• 4 ounces diced pancetta: Introduces a smoky, savory bite that elevates the sauce.
• 8 cloves of garlic, minced or 1 tablespoon garlic paste: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
• 1 lb lean ground beef (grass-fed): Builds the meaty, hearty base of the Bolognese.
• 1 lb ground pork: Adds moisture and a delicate flavor to complement the beef.
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder: Gives a subtle smoky heat for complexity.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Lends a classic Italian herb aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Deepens the smoky notes in the sauce.
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
• 1 cup dry red wine (Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot): Adds acidity and richness while deglazing the pot.
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes: Contributes smoky tomato chunks and vibrant color.
• Herb blend (3-4 sprigs each fresh rosemary & thyme): Fresh herbs to infuse an earthy, aromatic essence.
• 2 bay leaves: Provide a subtle depth and complexity during the simmer.
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth: Helps build the sauce body and maintain moisture.
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Finishes the sauce with umami and creaminess.
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream: Creates a silky, luscious texture in the sauce finale.
• 32 ounces potato gnocchi (shelf-stable): The tender, pillowy pasta that carries all that cozy Bolognese goodness.

How to Make Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Mirepoix

Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped carrots, celery, and yellow onion. Sauté these vegetables until they become tender and fragrant, laying down a flavorful foundation for the sauce that’s both sweet and savory.

Step 2: Add the Flavor Agents

Next, toss in the diced pancetta and cook until it turns a beautiful golden-brown color. This smoky, crispy addition will release rich fat and flavor that will infuse the entire Bolognese sauce with an irresistible depth.

Step 3: Garlic Time

Add your minced garlic or garlic paste into the pot and cook it just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic is the soul of many great sauces and should provide warmth without bitterness in your Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe.

Step 4: Brown the Meat and Season

Now comes the main event: ground beef and ground pork. Add both to the pot, breaking the meat into bite-sized chunks as it cooks. Once browned, season generously with kosher salt, fresh black pepper, chipotle powder, dried oregano, and smoked paprika to build layers of complex flavor that will make every spoonful memorable.

Step 5: Tomato Paste and Deglazing

Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly and deepen its sweet tomato notes. Then, pour in the dry red wine and scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot. The wine should reduce until mostly absorbed, intensifying the sauce.

Step 6: Build the Braise

Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and broth. Stir everything together, ensuring a rich mixture that will slowly meld into one glorious sauce.

Step 7: Slow Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. This slow cooking softens every ingredient into harmony and deepens the complex flavors that define this Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe. Give it an occasional stir to keep things from sticking.

Step 8: Finish the Sauce

Once simmered to perfection, skim off any excess fat from the sauce surface. Remove herb stems and bay leaves to avoid any bitter surprises. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and heavy cream to create a velvety, indulgent finish that coats the gnocchi in pure comfort.

Step 9: Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook until they just begin to float to the surface — but undercook them by about one minute so they finish cooking perfectly when tossed in the sauce.

Step 10: Assemble and Serve

Reserve half a cup of the gnocchi cooking water before draining. Toss the gnocchi gently into your rich Bolognese sauce. Use a splash of the reserved water or some extra parmesan to adjust the sauce consistency until it lovingly clings to every pillowy piece. Serve immediately in bowls with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese for garnish.

How to Serve Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of freshly grated parmesan cheese is the perfect crowning glory to this dish. You can also add a few fresh herb leaves like basil or thyme for a pop of bright green color and aroma that tantalize the senses before the first bite.

Side Dishes

This dish stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with lightly dressed arugula or a crisp green salad to add acidic contrast and fresh crunch. Warm crusty bread or garlic focaccia make fantastic accompaniments to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the gnocchi Bolognese straight from the pot family-style and encourage everyone to dig in together. Alternatively, plate the dish elegantly by twirling gnocchi with a large fork and spoon, then shaving fresh parmesan on top with a microplane for a restaurant-worthy presentation at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld even more. Store leftover Bolognese sauce and gnocchi separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep textures fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

You can freeze the sauce alone—without the gnocchi—for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing cooked gnocchi as it tends to become mushy; instead, store it fresh or cook it fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. When ready, add freshly cooked gnocchi or gently reheat gnocchi by tossing briefly in boiling water before combining with sauce to revive that perfect tender texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Shelf-stable or fresh potato gnocchi are perfect choices. Just be sure not to overcook them so they hold up nicely when mixed with the Bolognese sauce.

What wine is best for cooking in this Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe?

Look for dry red wines like Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot. These wines add acidity and depth without sweetness, enhancing the sauce’s complexity beautifully.

Is there a vegetarian substitute to meat in this recipe?

While traditional Bolognese is meat-based, you can substitute plant-based ground meat alternatives or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Adjust seasoning and cook time accordingly to maintain rich flavor.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free gnocchi available at most specialty stores or make your own with gluten-free flour. Double-check that your broth and other canned ingredients are free of gluten additives.

Why is slow-simmering the sauce important?

The slow simmer gives time for flavors to meld and for the meat to become tender, turning the sauce into a luscious, deeply flavored masterpiece that defines this Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Cozy Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe is a heartfelt hug on a plate — a dish that invites slow savoring and joyful sharing. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a quiet night in, it promises warmth, comfort, and countless smiles with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen too!

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