Cheesy Gnocchi Bolognese Casserole
Delight in a comforting fusion of Italian classics with this Cheesy Gnocchi Bolognese Casserole. This dish embraces the classic elements of a rich Bolognese sauce, complemented by the tender texture of gnocchi and a delightful blend of cheeses including tasty cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella for that extra gooey goodness. Perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner, this casserole is sure to win over even those who claim not to be fans of gnocchi.
N/A
Servings
533
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon
onion
1 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
lean ground beef (mince)
750g
italian pasta sauce
600 ml
fresh gnocchi
625g
swiss cheese (or a mix of tasty cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella)
150g (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) to get it ready for baking.
2
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and the crushed garlic cloves, sautéing them for about 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
3
Add the lean ground beef to the pan. Cook it while stirring to break up the mince, for an additional 5 minutes or until the beef is nicely browned.
4
Pour in the Italian pasta sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to medium and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
5
While the sauce simmers, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Cook the fresh gnocchi for roughly 3 minutes or until partially cooked, then drain. The gnocchi will finish cooking in the oven.
6
In a baking dish measuring approximately 24x30 cm with a depth of 6 cm, spread the meat sauce evenly at the bottom.
7
Layer the gnocchi over the meat sauce. Generously sprinkle the top with grated cheese mix.
8
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted, golden brown, and the sauce to be bubbling at the edges.
9
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Nutrition Information
26g
Fat
47g
Carbs
24g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Gnocchi Bolognese Casserole?
It is a comforting fusion of Italian classics featuring a rich Bolognese sauce, tender gnocchi, and a blend of melted cheeses.
How much lean ground beef is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 750g of lean ground beef (mince).
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
How long should I cook the fresh gnocchi before baking?
Cook the fresh gnocchi in boiling salted water for roughly 3 minutes or until partially cooked.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
You can use 150g of Swiss cheese or a mix of tasty cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
How many calories are in a serving of this casserole?
Each serving contains approximately 533 calories.
What ingredients are used to start the sauce?
The sauce starts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 finely chopped onion, and 2 crushed garlic cloves.
How long should the Bolognese sauce simmer?
Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes or until it thickens to your liking.
What size baking dish is needed?
A baking dish measuring approximately 24x30 cm with a depth of 6 cm is recommended.
How long does the casserole need to bake in the oven?
Bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 24g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This dish contains 26g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 47g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe contains 5g of sugar per serving.
How much fiber does this casserole provide?
It provides 2.5g of fiber per serving.
What type of pasta sauce should I use?
The recipe calls for 600 ml of Italian pasta sauce.
How should I prepare the onion and garlic?
The onion should be finely chopped and the garlic cloves should be crushed.
In what order should I layer the casserole?
Spread the meat sauce at the bottom, layer the gnocchi over the sauce, and sprinkle cheese on top.
Why do I only partially cook the gnocchi in water?
The gnocchi will finish cooking in the oven while the casserole bakes.
Should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, letting it cool slightly allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include Italian, gnocchi, bolognese, cheese, casserole, comfort food, oven-baked, and family meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients.
What should I look for to know the casserole is done?
The cheese should be melted and golden brown, and the sauce should be bubbling at the edges.
How long do I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
How much fresh gnocchi is required?
You will need 625g of fresh gnocchi.
Can I use a specific cheese mix for the topping?
Yes, a mix of tasty cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella is specifically recommended.
Is the beef cooked before adding the sauce?
Yes, cook the beef while stirring for 5 minutes or until nicely browned before pouring in the sauce.
What is the preparation for the cheese?
The cheese should be grated before being sprinkled over the casserole.
Is this dish suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is described as a perfect family meal or cozy dinner.
What makes the gnocchi texture special in this dish?
The gnocchi provides a tender texture that complements the rich Bolognese sauce.