Make This Gnocchi Meatball Tomato Bake Tonight!

Here’s a delicious recipe for a Gnocchi Meatball Tomato Bake:

Ingredients:

For the Gnocchi:

• 1 lb (450g) store-bought gnocchi (or homemade if you prefer)
• Salted water for boiling

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or a combination of beef and pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions. Once they float to the top, drain the gnocchi and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients (ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper). Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Brown the Meatballs: In a large oven-safe skillet or a baking dish, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
5. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet or baking dish, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become soft and translucent. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. Assemble the Bake: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet or baking dish with the tomato sauce. Gently toss them to coat the gnocchi in the sauce. Nestle the meatballs into the gnocchi and sauce mixture.
7. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the gnocchi and meatballs.
8. Bake: Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meatballs are cooked through.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet or baking dish from the oven. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve the Gnocchi Meatball Tomato Bake hot and enjoy!

This flavorful dish combines the comfort of gnocchi and meatballs with the rich taste of tomato sauce and gooey cheese. It’s perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love! —Vita Daily