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A cast iron skillet filled with a hearty cheesy bolognese gnocchi bake, featuring golden pillowy gnocchi nestled in a rich deep red meat sauce, blanketed with bubbling golden-browned melted mozzarella cheese and garnished with fresh whole basil leaves, with a small bowl and rustic bread partially visible in the softly blurred background.

Cheesy Bolognese Gnocchi Bake

A rich and comforting one-pan meal featuring pillowy potato gnocchi nestled in a savory beef bolognese sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. Ready in under 30 minutes for a perfect family dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g potato gnocchi shelf-stable or fresh
  • 500 g ground beef lean mince
  • 400 g marinara sauce high quality
  • 200 g fresh mozzarella torn into chunks
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder for seasoning
  • ½ cup fresh basil torn for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Oven-safe skillet Cast iron works best
  • 1 Wooden spoon For stirring

Method
 

  1. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat to prepare for browning the meat.
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until no pink remains to develop flavor.
  3. Drain the excess grease from the pan to ensure a clean sauce base.
  4. Stir in the marinara sauce and garlic powder until the mixture is bubbling hot.
  5. Fold the uncooked gnocchi into the sauce until every piece is fully coated.
  6. Arrange the mozzarella chunks evenly across the top to create a cheesy layer.
  7. Place under the broiler for 5 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  8. Scatter fresh basil over the skillet before serving to add a fresh aroma.

Notes

Avoid pre-boiling the gnocchi to prevent a mushy texture; the sauce provides enough moisture for baking. For a crispier finish, sear the gnocchi in butter for 2 minutes before adding to the sauce.