If you are craving a warm, comforting dish that bursts with flavor and vibrant textures, this Cheesy Baked Gnocchi With Veggies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine pillowy gnocchi drenched in a rich tomato sauce, layered with sautéed veggies, and crowned with a blanket of gooey mozzarella cheese, baked to bubbling perfection. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of savory, slightly smoky spices with a fresh touch of basil, making it a family favorite that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe makes hearty, wholesome eating feel like a joyful celebration of everyday ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Cheesy Baked Gnocchi With Veggies Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in layering flavors and textures — from the aromatic garlic and tender bell peppers to the creamy mozzarella that melts into irresistible cheesy goodness.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil: Brings rich, smooth flavor and helps sauté your veggies to tender perfection.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a robust aroma and subtle heat that wakes up the whole dish.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Provides sweetness and a soft bite to balance the spices and sauce.
- 1 large bell pepper, cored + chopped: Gives vibrant color and a juicy crunch for texture contrast.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Introduces smoky warmth that complements the other spices and beef.
- 1/2 tsp chili powder: Adds a gentle kick of heat that brightens the rich tomato base.
- 1 pound ground beef: Offers hearty protein and a savory backbone for this comforting bake.
- 3 cups tomato sauce: Acts as the luscious, tangy base sauce that ties all flavors together perfectly.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Contributes a fresh, slightly earthy burst of green goodness that wilts wonderfully in the sauce.
- 500 grams gnocchi: These soft potato dumplings soak up sauces beautifully and deliver that tender pillowy bite everyone loves.
- 200 grams shredded mozzarella: Melts into a gooey topping that makes every forkful feel indulgent.
- Salt + pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the vibrant flavors.
- Fresh basil, to garnish: Adds a bright, herbaceous finish that lifts the whole dish.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Gnocchi With Veggies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a large oven-safe skillet, this is perfect as you can do most of the cooking and baking right in it. If not, just have a large baking dish or casserole ready to transfer the mixture into before baking. This little prep sets the stage for an easy, one-dish meal that’s full of flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatic Veggies
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in the minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped bell pepper, along with the smoked paprika and chili powder. Stir and cook these together for about 5 minutes until they soften and begin to brown slightly, filling your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas. This base is where the layers of flavor really start to build.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it through, stirring regularly until there’s no more pink left and it’s nicely crumbled, about 5 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks to build a hearty, savory foundation that’s rich and satisfying.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Spinach
Pour in the tomato sauce and add the baby spinach to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts down into the sauce, melding fresh greens with the deep tomato flavor. Then, remove the pan from heat and stir in your gnocchi, allowing them to soak up the delicious sauce.
Step 5: Prepare to Bake with Cheese
Transfer the skillet contents into your baking dish if you’re not already using an oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, ensuring every bite will have that coveted cheesy pull. This step transforms the dish into a bubbly baked delight.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Melted
Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the mozzarella has melted beautifully and starts to turn golden. This final heat melds all the flavors together and gives the dish its irresistible texture.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, take a moment to sprinkle fresh basil over the top. The fresh herbaceous notes brighten the richness and add a lovely pop of color before serving this warm, comforting dish.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Gnocchi With Veggies Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the perfect garnish for this dish, adding a fragrant, peppery freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat sauce. You could also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for an extra little kick or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil for a glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This baked gnocchi is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables rounds out the plate beautifully. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the cheesy richness perfectly, keeping the meal balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, serve this Cheesy Baked Gnocchi With Veggies Recipe straight from the skillet at the table for that cozy, rustic vibe. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a sprinkle of parmesan or fresh microgreens for an elegant touch that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cheesy baked gnocchi stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making for delicious next-day meals that only need reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To avoid dryness, cover the dish tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover gnocchi in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, a microwave works well for quick reheats—just cover the dish to retain moisture. Adding a sprinkle of mozzarella on top before reheating can bring back that melty cheese magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella provides that classic meltiness, feel free to experiment with cheddar, fontina, or provolone for added flavor complexity that suits your taste buds.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Using plant-based ground meat alternatives also works beautifully.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the gnocchi for a gluten-free variety. Many stores offer gnocchi made with gluten-free flours to keep this dish just as comforting and delicious.
How spicy is the dish with smoked paprika and chili powder?
The spices add mild warmth and smokiness but are not overpowering. You can adjust the amounts or omit the chili powder if you prefer a milder flavor.
What sides work best with this Cheesy Baked Gnocchi With Veggies Recipe?
Fresh salads, garlic bread, and roasted veggies are fantastic complements. They balance the richness and bring freshness or crunch to the meal experience.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Gnocchi With Veggies Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — comforting yet packed with fresh, vibrant flavors. It’s a brilliant way to bring together simple ingredients and turn them into something truly special. I hope you give it a try soon, and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite as much as I do.
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Cheesy Baked Gnocchi With Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Cheesy Baked Gnocchi With Veggies is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired dish that combines pillowy gnocchi, flavorful ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked together under a layer of melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a family dinner, providing a satisfying blend of textures and tastes with fresh basil to finish.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 large bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, to garnish
Spices
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
Proteins & Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 200 grams shredded mozzarella (7 ounces)
Other
- 3 cups tomato sauce (approximately a 770 ml jar of marinara)
- 500 grams gnocchi (approx. 17.5 ounce package)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large oven-safe skillet or a baking/casserole dish where the baked gnocchi will be assembled and cooked.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped bell pepper along 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 and cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring regularly until the beef is 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 pan from heat and stir in the gnocchi until well combined.
- Transfer to baking dish and add cheese. If you used a non-oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake until cheesy and bubbly. Place the dish or skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the mozzarella has melted and is bubbly.
- Garnish and serve. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or mushrooms.
- If you prefer extra crispy cheese topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Use store-bought or homemade gnocchi as preferred; fresh gnocchi will cook quickly and absorb flavors well.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave but are best enjoyed fresh.
