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
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish later.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Gnocchi: Stir the gnocchi directly into the skillet or mixture until evenly combined with the sauce and veggies.
- 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.
- Bake: Place the dish or skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American