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Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Veggies Recipe

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4.3 from 80 reviews

This Cheesy Baked Gnocchi With Veggies recipe combines tender gnocchi with a savory ground beef and vegetable tomato sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. It’s an easy, comforting baked dish perfect for weeknight dinners, featuring a balance of hearty meat, vibrant veggies, and bubbling cheese.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

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, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, to garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish later.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped bell pepper along with smoked paprika and chili powder. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are lightly browned and fragrant.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Stir regularly and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-8 minutes.
  4. Add Sauce and Spinach: Pour in the tomato sauce and add baby spinach to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts. Remove skillet from heat.
  5. Combine Gnocchi: Stir the gnocchi directly into the skillet or mixture until evenly combined with the sauce and veggies.
  6. Prepare for Baking: If you used a skillet that is oven-safe, you can bake directly in it. Otherwise, transfer the mixture into a large baking dish or casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top.
  7. Bake: Place the dish or skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use an oven-safe skillet to minimize dishes and bake directly in the pan used for cooking the sauce.
  • Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for variation.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese just before baking.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American