Description
A cozy, oven-baked dish made with tender potato gnocchi, juicy mini meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and a golden layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Comforting, hearty, and perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently and form into small bite sized meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the mini meatballs on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook gnocchi in boiling water until they float, about 2 to 3 minutes, then drain.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Combine gnocchi, browned mini meatballs, and marinara sauce in the dish. Stir gently to coat.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly golden and sauce is bubbling.
- Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, then serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overcook the gnocchi before baking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- Brown the meatballs well for deeper flavor.
- For extra golden cheese, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
- Let the dish rest before serving for easier portioning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: baked gnocchi, mini meatballs, gnocchi casserole, oven baked pasta, comfort food dinner