Description
A hearty and flavorful Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with ground beef and colorful vegetables, baked to perfection with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil garnish. This comforting dish combines tender gnocchi with a savory tomato-based sauce and fresh veggies for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 large bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups tomato sauce (approximately 770 ml jar of marinara)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 500 grams gnocchi (approx. 17.5 ounce package)
- 200 grams shredded mozzarella (7 ounces)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Prepare a large oven-safe skillet or have a large baking/casserole dish ready for the meal.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped bell pepper along with smoked paprika and chili powder. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are lightly browned and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring regularly until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Sauce and Spinach: Stir in the tomato sauce and baby spinach into the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the gnocchi until well combined.
- Assemble for Baking: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish or keep it in the oven-safe skillet. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish or skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy this cheesy, comforting baked gnocchi dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or mushrooms.
- You can add other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
- If you have an oven-safe skillet, it consolidates cooking and baking steps.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference, adding extra chili powder for more heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
