Description
Indulge in this incredibly easy and utterly delicious cheesy baked gnocchi casserole, featuring tender gnocchi bathed in rich tomato sauce and loads of gooey melted cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 packages (17.6 oz each) shelf-stable potato gnocchi, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground meat (if using) and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. If vegetarian, start with onion and garlic.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), broth, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Spread about 1 cup of sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the uncooked gnocchi over the sauce. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the gnocchi, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Repeat with the remaining gnocchi, sauce, and finally, top with the rest of the cheese blend.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and gnocchi are tender.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins