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If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal, this Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Veggies Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine pillowy gnocchi nestled in a rich, savory tomato sauce packed with tender veggies and seasoned ground beef, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella. Each bite is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that simply warms the soul. Plus, it’s surprisingly straightforward to pull together, making it an ideal dish whether you’re cooking for family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here — just wholesome, simple ingredients that come together beautifully to build layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color in this baked dish.
- Olive oil (2 Tbsp): The foundation for sautéeing, adding a subtle fruity richness to the veggies and beef.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings a fragrant punch that awakens every other ingredient in the pan.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Offers sweetness and depth once softened and lightly browned.
- Bell pepper (1 large, cored and chopped): Adds a bright crunch and beautiful color contrast to the dish.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): Infuses a smoky warmth that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Chili powder (1/2 tsp): Offers a gentle spice that complements the tomato sauce perfectly.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides hearty protein and a rich, meaty base for the sauce.
- Tomato sauce (3 cups): The luscious, tangy foundation for the sauce, bringing everything together in a comforting embrace.
- Baby spinach (2 cups): Sneaks in a fresh, leafy green that wilts nicely and blends effortlessly.
- Gnocchi (500 grams): Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that soak up all those delicious flavors around them.
- Mozzarella (200 grams, shredded): The crown jewel of melty, stretchy, golden cheesy goodness.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out every individual flavor.
- Fresh basil (for garnish): Adds a pop of herbal freshness and vibrant green color to finish the dish perfectly.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Veggies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re lucky to have a large oven-safe skillet, this is your best friend — you can cook and bake all in one dish! If not, have a roomy baking or casserole dish ready to transfer the mixture into.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Heat your olive oil over medium heat and toss in the minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped bell pepper. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and chili powder. Cooking these for about 5 minutes until they release a fragrant aroma and start to lightly brown creates the perfect flavor base that fills the kitchen with warmth.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef straight into your skillet with the sautéed veggies. Stir regularly and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the meat turns brown and no longer has any pink remaining. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper here to enhance the natural beefy goodness.
Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce and Spinach
Pour in the rich tomato sauce and stir in the handfuls of baby spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. This step softens the greens so they meld seamlessly into the sauce, adding a subtle freshness.
Step 5: Incorporate the Gnocchi
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the gnocchi, evenly coating each pillow-like piece with that flavor-packed sauce. This ensures every bite bursts with tasty goodness.
Step 6: Bake with Cheese Topping
Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish if you’re not using an oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over the top. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted and starting to turn golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Pull your freshly baked masterpiece from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves across the surface for a vibrant pop of color and garden-fresh aroma. Serve immediately and savor those rich, cheesy, comforting bites!
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Veggies Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a must to add brightness and a touch of herbal complexity to balance the richness. You can also sprinkle on some red pepper flakes if you crave an extra kick or drizzle a bit of good-quality olive oil for a silky finish.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own, but pairing it with a light, crisp salad featuring ingredients like arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce—you won’t want to waste a single drop!
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the baked gnocchi straight from the skillet in the center of the table, inviting everyone to dig in family-style. Alternatively, dish it into shallow bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of basil oil to elevate the experience at home or dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep nicely for up to 3 days, making this dish a convenient and tasty option for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, this Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Veggies Recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the gnocchi might soften a bit upon thawing, but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which helps maintain the cheesy topping’s texture. Microwaving works too for a quicker option but might result in slightly softer gnocchi and sauce.
FAQs
Can I use vegetarian protein instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils to keep it vegetarian while still packing plenty of protein and heartiness into the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free gnocchi, which are widely available in many stores. Just double-check that your tomato sauce and spices don’t contain any hidden gluten to be safe.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
To make this vegan, use a plant-based ground meat substitute, replace the mozzarella with vegan cheese, and ensure your tomato sauce doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients. The spinach and veggies stay the same deliciously fresh.
What’s the best way to ensure the cheese melts perfectly?
Using shredded mozzarella that’s evenly spread over the surface helps it melt uniformly. Avoid pressing it down too much; letting it sit loosely on top ensures it turns bubbly and golden without becoming greasy.
Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or even sun-dried tomatoes. These additions will complement the hearty base and amp up the flavor and nutrition without overpowering the original cozy vibe.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy satisfaction of baking up this Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Veggies Recipe when you want a meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to serve guests, and its cozy layers of cheesy, saucy goodness will have you coming back time and again. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be a regular at your table.
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Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Baked Gnocchi With Veggies is a hearty and comforting one-dish meal featuring tender gnocchi baked with a savory ground beef and vegetable tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner and combines spicy, smoky flavors with creamy cheese and healthy vegetables.
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 (about a 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 the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large oven-safe skillet or a baking/casserole dish for the meal.
- Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped bell pepper along with smoked paprika and chili powder. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until veggies are lightly browned and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until no longer pink, about 5-8 minutes, stirring regularly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Spinach: Stir in the tomato sauce and baby spinach. Cook for approximately 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the gnocchi to combine evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Cheese: If not already in an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a large baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish or oven-safe skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, a large casserole dish works perfectly.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded for a creamier texture, but adjust baking time accordingly.
- Adding red pepper flakes can increase the spice level if desired.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
