Baked Gnocchi with Meat Sauce and Cheese

Baked Gnocchi with Meat Sauce and Cheese

Ingredients:

**For the Meat Sauce:**
– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste

**For the Gnocchi:**
– 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Cook the Meat Sauce**:
– In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
– Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
– Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
– Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

3. **Cook the Gnocchi**: While the sauce is simmering, cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

4. **Assemble the Dish**:
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked gnocchi with the meat sauce.
– Transfer the gnocchi and meat sauce mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
– Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
– Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella.

5. **Bake**: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.

6. **Garnish and Serve**: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious baked gnocchi with meat sauce and cheese! This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy dinner.