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Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake: A Cozy Family Delight

This Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake is a comforting dish perfect for family dinners, with rich flavors and gooey cheese. Easily customizable and ready in 55 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 150 g Back Bacon Can substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
  • 2 pieces Shallots Substitute with regular onion if unavailable.
  • 1 piece Carrot
  • 1 piece Celery
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic clove preferred, powdered garlic may substitute.
  • 500 g Extra Lean Beef Mince Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • 1 tsp Dried Mixed Herbs Italian seasoning can be a good alternative.
  • 400 g Chopped Tomatoes (Canned) Fresh tomatoes could be used but adjust liquids.
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste No substitutes recommended.
  • 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar Can substitute with red wine vinegar.
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sweetener or Sugar (Optional) Omit if desired.
  • 400 ml Chicken or Beef Stock Low-sodium varieties are ideal.
For the Bake
  • 500 g Gnocchi Use original type; alternatives may dissolve.
  • 200 g Mature Cheddar Parmesan or mozzarella can also work.
  • 1 spray Olive Oil Cooking Spray An alternative would be a light layer of cooking oil.
  • to taste Salt Adjust to taste.
  • to taste Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • a handful Fresh Basil Can substitute with dried basil if fresh is unavailable.

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven's broiler or grill to a high setting.
  2. Spray a frying pan with olive oil and add back bacon, cooking for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove bacon and leave drippings.
  3. In the same pan, sauté shallots, carrot, and celery for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add water to prevent sticking if necessary.
  4. Add minced garlic and extra lean beef mince, cooking for 5-7 minutes until browned. Stir in bacon.
  5. Stir in dried mixed herbs, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and stock. Bring to boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. Add the gnocchi into the sauce, stirring gently. Cover and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes until tender.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper. Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle grated mature cheddar over the top. Place under broiler for about 4 minutes until melted and golden.
  9. Let the bake rest for a couple of minutes, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 80gProtein: 40gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best texture, serve immediately after broiling. Consider adding ricotta cheese for creaminess.

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