Tomato Gnocchi Bake

Tomato Gnocchi Bake is a comforting vegetarian main dish featuring tender potato gnocchi in a simple tomato sauce, finished under the grill with melted mozzarella for a golden, bubbling top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners

• Vegetarian and nut-free, suitable for a variety of diets

• Freezable for convenient make-ahead meals

• Minimal cleanup: cook in one pan and finish under the grill

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 red pepper, deseeded and finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• 400 grams canned chopped tomatoes

• 500 grams potato gnocchi

• A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn

• Half a ball of mozzarella, torn into chunks

directions

1. Heat the grill to high. In a large frying pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and red pepper and cook for 5 minutes, until softened.

2. Add the crushed garlic and fry for 1 minute, then stir in the chopped tomatoes and gnocchi. Bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened.

4. Season to taste, stir through the torn basil leaves, and transfer the mixture to a large ovenproof dish.

5. Scatter the mozzarella chunks over the top and grill for 5–6 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add greens: Stir a handful of fresh baby spinach into the sauce during cooking for extra nutrition.

• Meaty twist: Brown 200 grams of Italian sausage or diced pancetta with the onion and pepper for added richness.

• Cheese swap: Use provolone or fontina in place of mozzarella for a deeper, nuttier flavor.

• Spicy kick: Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a touch of heat.

storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze the assembled bake (prior to grilling) for up to one month. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 180 °C (350 °F) for 20–30 minutes until heated through.

• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes, or bake at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 10–15 minutes until piping hot.

FAQs

What type of gnocchi works best for this bake?

Any potato gnocchi, whether store-bought or homemade, works well; adjust the simmer time if using a thicker variety.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes. Cook the sauce and gnocchi separately, refrigerate, and assemble with cheese just before grilling.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Substitute dairy-free cheese for the mozzarella and ensure the gnocchi is egg-free; cook in plant-based oil.

How do I prevent the gnocchi from becoming soggy?

Cook the gnocchi just until al dente, as it will finish cooking under the grill, and avoid over-thickening the sauce.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes. Use approximately 600 grams of ripe tomatoes, peeled, diced, and simmer slightly longer until they form a sauce.

What can I serve with Tomato Gnocchi Bake?

A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for dipping complement this dish nicely.

Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant can be sautéed with the onion and pepper for extra flavor.

Is this dish freezer-friendly after cooking?

For best texture, freeze before the final grilling step; cooked and grilled leftovers may lose crispness.

What’s the best way to achieve a golden cheese topping?

Use the grill (broiler) function on high for the last 5–6 minutes, watching closely to ensure a bubbly, golden finish.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Choose a gluten-free gnocchi variety and verify that all other ingredients are free of gluten.

Conclusion

Tomato Gnocchi Bake combines tender gnocchi, tangy tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella into an effortless meal that is ready in just 30 minutes. Its straightforward preparation, freezer-friendly nature, and adaptability make it ideal for busy weeknights or make-ahead meal planning. Customize with your preferred additions and enjoy a comforting bake any night of the week.