Description
A hearty and comforting Three Cheese Gnocchi Bake made with tender potato gnocchi, savory ground beef and Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This easy baked dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- For the sauce:
- 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, ground or casings removed (225 g)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cups jarred tomato pasta sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- For the gnocchi bake:
- 1 lb shelf-stable dried gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion until browned and fully cooked.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in garlic, salt, and Italian seasoning. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce and water. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
- Stir uncooked gnocchi and chopped spinach directly into the sauce.
- If needed, transfer mixture to a greased 2.5–3 quart baking dish.
- Dollop ricotta over the top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over surface, then top with Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes until gnocchi is tender.
- Optional: Broil uncovered for 1–2 minutes until cheese is lightly golden.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- No need to boil gnocchi first; it cooks in the sauce.
- Use an oven-safe skillet for a one-pan meal.
- Store refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini if desired.
- Covering while baking ensures even cooking and prevents over-browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 513 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
