Description
Rustic Italian comfort shines in this Creamy Gnocchi Bolognese with Spinach, blending hearty meat sauce with pillowy potato dumplings. Rich flavors and tender spinach create a satisfying meal you’ll savor with every delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 16 ounces (454 grams) potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the protein by searing ground beef in hot olive oil until it develops a rich, caramelized exterior and crumbles evenly.
- Introduce aromatic vegetables, softening diced onions and releasing fragrant garlic with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and subtle red pepper heat.
- Transform the base into a robust sauce by incorporating crushed tomatoes and savory broth, allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors through gentle simmering.
- Elevate the dish by introducing pillowy gnocchi and luxurious cream, creating a silky texture that envelops each potato dumpling while gently cooking them to perfect tenderness.
- Integrate vibrant spinach leaves, letting them wilt gracefully into the sauce, and fold in sharp Parmesan cheese for a nutty, complex undertone.
- Enhance the presentation with a delicate garnish of freshly grated Parmesan and verdant basil leaves, adding visual appeal and a final layer of aromatic brightness.
Notes
- Tenderize meat by using a meat mallet before cooking to break down fibers and ensure even browning.
- Select high-quality ground beef with 80/20 fat content for maximum flavor and juicy texture.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles for lighter alternatives.
- Enhance protein content by adding extra lean ground turkey or plant-based meat crumbles for health-conscious variations.
- Minimize sauce splattering by using a splatter screen or partially covering the skillet during meat cooking.
- Prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy by avoiding overcooking and monitoring simmer time carefully.
- Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms during the sauté stage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 572
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg