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
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 (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.
