Description
This Cheesy Baked Gnocchi With Veggies is a comforting and nutritious oven-baked casserole featuring tender gnocchi pasta smothered in a savory tomato-based sauce with ground beef, fresh spinach, and bell peppers. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner.
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 (approx. 770 ml jar of marinara)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 500 grams gnocchi (approx. 17.5 ounces)
- 200 grams shredded mozzarella (7 ounces)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it will be ready to bake the casserole later.
- Sauté the aromatics and bell pepper: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped bell pepper. Season with smoked paprika and chili powder. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are lightly browned and fragrant.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the veggies. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring regularly, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add tomato sauce and spinach: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in the baby spinach. Cook for about 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Combine gnocchi with the sauce: Stir the uncooked gnocchi into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to coat the pasta with the sauce and vegetables.
- Transfer to baking dish: If your skillet is oven-safe and large enough, keep the mixture there; otherwise, transfer everything into a large baking or casserole dish.
- Top with mozzarella: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top of the gnocchi mixture.
- Bake: Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve hot for a comforting family meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian variation.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili powder slightly according to your taste.
- Using an oven-safe skillet simplifies preparation and reduces cleanup.
- Fresh basil adds a bright herbal note; feel free to add more or replace with parsley.
- To save time, pre-minced garlic or frozen chopped spinach can be used.
