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I know it’s only Thursday, but this Sunday night gnocchi Bolognese bake needs to be on your dinner menu for this weekend.

Sunday Night Gnocchi Bolognese Bake | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

And hey, we all know it’s never too early to start planning the weekend!

So here’s the deal. I am in comfort food mode (as if you haven’t figured this out) and this gnocchi bake is all things comforting. As you guys know it’s been a little busy around here, with multiple things happening behind the scenes. And then you know, launching the cookbook! It’s been a roller coaster of anticipation, fun, stress, and um tiredness…tons of different emotions. Don’t get me wrong, I’m loving every minute of this ride (ok, well most of it), but some of the stress has just left me craving all the comforting things I love. Things like my favorite pumpkin candle, fuzzy sweaters, and cheesy gnocchi.

Plus, as mentioned earlier this week, the weather in Colorado at night has definitely gone from chilly to just cold, and that means cheesy gnocchi is just what needs to happen for Sunday night dinner this week. I mean, obviously.

Sunday Night Gnocchi Bolognese Bake | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

I first had the idea for this recipe a few weeks back, but waited until the end of September to tell you guys about it because it just feels like the most perfect autumn Sunday night dinner.

Sunday night dinners have always been my favorite, which is kind of odd since I used to hate Sundays. It’s a long story, but in short, Sundays just meant back to school the next day, which for me was a pretty big issue.

Anyway, dinners on Sunday were always special. My mom would make a point to make a good meal (probably her Potato Chip Chicken, which is a recipe in the cookbook), bake a loaf of bread, and bake fresh cookies. The entire family, meaning all eight or nine of us (depending on the year and who had been born…) would actually sit at the same table and all eat together at the same time. If you’re a Gerard family member then you know this kind of thing definitely did not happen every night of the week, but when it did happen it was always a nice thing. Sometimes football would be playing in the background, but most of the time it was just the family. It was loud and a little chaotic, but it was always the best.

Sunday nights are not quite the same over here since we’ve all gotten older, moved out of our parent’s house, and you know, grown up. But I still love making a good dinner and lighting a candle or two, especially during the fall and winter months…

Which brings me to this gnocchi Bolognese bake. It’s the perfect dinner to simmer on the stove and let your house fill with delicious smells, then bake and eat.

Sunday Night Gnocchi Bolognese Bake | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Like a lot of recipes I’ve been creating these days, this dish is made all in one pot. Make the Bolognese sauce in a large skillet, then stir in the gnocchi, add some cheese and bake.

So simple, but yet the most amazing dish. Almost like in Italy…but then what do I really know, I’ve never been there. Someday though!

A few notes. My recipe calls for ground beef or spicy Italian sausage. I like to use spicy Italian sausage for an extra layer of spice and flavor. You could also use ground chicken or turkey if you prefer. To make the sauce rich but flavorful, I use a mix of red wine and milk. The wine adds a fruity flavor while the milk keeps the sauce creamy and rich. If you don’t drink wine or prefer not to use it in your sauce, just use an equal amount of water.

And lastly? The cheese! Mozzarella and provolone are my favorites with this type of Italian meal, but you could also use ricotta, maybe even cheddar or really whatever you love that melts well. Then top with basil and all will be good.

It’s a pretty simple and straight forward recipe, but delicious none the less! Excited to make this on Sunday for a cozy night back home after traveling. I am off again on Monday morning, so a good dinner is totally needed.

Kind of already dreaming about it…

Sunday Night Gnocchi Bolognese Bake | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Sunday Night Gnocchi Bolognese Bake | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Sunday Night Gnocchi Bolognese Bake

Author: Tieghan Gerard
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Calories Per Serving: 729 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
    2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the onions and carrots and season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the beef and garlic and cook until the beef has browned all over, about 8-10 minutes. 
    3. Stir in all of the tomatoes, wine, and milk. Add the bay leaf and oregano and simmer the sauce for 15 minutes or until it has thickened slightly. 
    4. Stir in the gnocchi and 1/3 cup water. Bring the sauce to a boil and cook another 5-10 minutes. Remove from the heat and remove the bay leaf and oregano. Top the dish with cheese. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese has melted. Top with fresh basil. Enjoy!
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Sunday Night Gnocchi Bolognese Bake | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

The perfect cheese pull. Get’s me every time.

ps. I will be on Hallmark Home and Family tomorrow at 10am EST/9am C.

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Comments

  3. I’ve been visiting your website almost daily and imagine my surprise when I saw this version of bolongese sauce when I made one same day but with rigatoni and vodka!

    Reply

  4. I saw this on Instagram and had to come on over and read the post. Your Gnocchi Bolognese Bake looks tremendous. Like you, fall is fully upon us here and this will be perfect Sunday Evening. Thanks

    Reply

  6. I’d love to hear what brand of gnocchi you recommend – I’m new to making it and really want to try out this recipe!

    Reply

  7. Is there a “store-bought” gnocchi that you recommend? Or should I learn to make it myself? Recipe sounds great…hope to try it.

    Reply

    2. Hi Sarah!! I would use 1 small sweet potato and maybe add another veggie like chopped broccoli or mushrooms, about 1 cup of either. I think that would be great! Let me know if you have questions. Hope you love this!

      Reply

  9. I am salivating here. Being Italian on my mother’s side has afforded me a lot of great Italian recipes. I make my own gnocchi, but instead of regular potato, use sweet potato. That is the plan for this recipe. Blessings to you, Tieghan. All the best of success for you in your future. You are an amazing cook and an inspiration to so many. Plus, loved imagining your big family all around the table….envious. I have 3 children and wished it were 10!

    Reply

  10. I love gnocchi, but I rarely make it since my husband isn’t a big fan. This looks so good though! Maybe this will be the recipe that converts him! 🙂

    Reply

  12. Congrats on being on Hallmark Home and Fam! How exciting and I love love one-pot meals! Gnocchi is such a great answer for one pot meals like this. I am in full blown comfort food mode – but its going to be 80 in Seattle today! So Seattle isn’t in comfort food mode yet apparently – which I’m sure I will be grateful for later when its raining for months on end. I’ll undoubtedly be on board with this amazing cheesy pot of goodness as soon as things cool down a bit!

    Reply

  13. Oh yes please! Sign me up for this one! Comforting foods on Sundays is my trick for those Sunday Blues too 🙂 xoxo

    Reply

  15. I’m envious of your colder, fall-like weather – it’s been in the 90s(!!!!) this week in Ohio! Craziness. Fabulous Sunday night dish recipe; and I have Home & Family all set to record on Friday – so excited for your segment!

    Reply