Name: Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1–2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, minced; 2 large cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and red pepper flakes, to taste; 6–8 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 small clove garlic, grated; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; Salt, to taste; Minced herbs, to taste (chives, parsley, and/or thyme); Two 16-ounce packages pre-cooked gnocchi

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 7 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that elegantly combines comfort, flavor, and a hint of gourmet flair, then the Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe is here to make that dream come true. This dish pairs pillowy gnocchi enveloped in a rich, simmered red sauce infused with savory ground beef and bright herbs, topped with a luscious herbed ricotta that adds a creamy, zesty lift. The final touch of golden crispies brings an irresistible crunch that will have you savoring every bite. It’s a meal designed to impress at any dinner, yet so approachable that it’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A small white bowl filled with a creamy white mixture that has a soft, fluffy texture. On top, there are small green herb leaves sprinkled evenly, adding fresh color contrast. A thin drizzle of golden yellow oil or sauce is spread across the surface, creating a shiny glaze effect. A silver spoon is resting inside the bowl, slightly submerged in the mixture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a slice of lemon partly visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe. From the seasoning in the sauce to the freshness in the ricotta, every component is essential and easy to find.

1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and protein that enriches the red sauce.
1–2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps soften the aromatics.
1 medium yellow onion, minced: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
2 large cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a fragrant punch that complements the tomato base.
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Forms the vibrant, tangy foundation of the sauce.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses a classic Italian herb flavor to balance the acidity.
Salt and red pepper flakes, to taste: Customizes seasoning to your preferred flavor intensity.
6–8 ounces ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, zesty topping when mixed with herbs and lemon.
1 small clove garlic, grated: Adds a subtle garlic kick to the herbed ricotta.
Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Brightens the ricotta with fresh citrus notes.
Salt, to taste (for ricotta): Balances the fresh components in the cheese mixture.
Minced herbs (chives, parsley, and/or thyme), to taste: Imparts fresh, garden-like flavors to the herbed ricotta.
Two 16-ounce packages pre-cooked gnocchi: The soft, pillowy base that soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.

How to Make Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the beef

Start by heating a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, until it’s beautifully browned and completely cooked through. Browning the beef properly creates those tasty caramelized bits that give the sauce depth. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan. You can drain off any excess grease if you prefer a lighter dish, but leaving a little in the pan enhances the flavor of the sauce.

Step 2: Simmer the sauce

Turn your heat to medium-low and drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. Sauté the minced onion and garlic until they become soft and aromatic, which creates a fragrant base for your sauce. Then, add the crushed tomatoes along with the dried oregano, stirring well. Return the browned beef to the pan and let the mixture simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes, allowing all those vibrant flavors to meld together. Taste and season with salt and red pepper flakes to achieve your perfect balance of savory heat.

Step 3: Make the ricotta

While your sauce simmers, whip up the herbed ricotta to add that luxurious finishing touch. In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese with grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir in your favorite minced herbs—whether chives, parsley, thyme, or a combination—and taste to adjust seasoning. This mixture will add a refreshing creamy contrast to the bold sauce and tender gnocchi.

Step 4: Cook the gnocchi

Prepare the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually by boiling until they float, which only takes a few minutes because they’re pre-cooked. Once ready, fold the gnocchi into your simmering sauce and let everything warm together gently. This step ensures the potato pillows soak up all those rich flavors and become delightfully sticky with sauce.

Step 5: Serve and add golden crispies

Plate the gnocchi while hot, topping each serving with a generous dollop of the herbed ricotta. Sprinkle a handful of golden crispies on top for that final glorious crunch that makes this dish unforgettable. Whether golden fried onions, toasted breadcrumbs, or crispy bits you love, the crispies amplify every bite with texture.

How to Serve Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with soft, round gnocchi covered in thick red tomato sauce mixed with small pieces of browned meat. On top, there is a dollop of creamy white sauce, melting slightly into the gnocchi and sauce. Sprinkled over everything are small crunchy bits and some green herbs. A golden fork twists some gnocchi and sauce from the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives on top add a lovely burst of color and freshness. A light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese can elevate the dish even further. These little touches bring extra aroma and visual appeal to each plate, making every meal feel like a special occasion.

Side Dishes

This Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. A warm crusty bread or garlic bread on the side is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce. Simple sides allow the gnocchi to shine as the star of the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests or make a cozy family dinner extra festive, try serving this gnocchi in shallow bowls for a rustic effect, or plate it neatly in individual portions with a swirl of ricotta atop each mound. For a playful twist, layer the gnocchi and sauce in a baking dish, add dollops of herbed ricotta between layers, and bake briefly for a bubbly, golden top. No matter how you serve it, this recipe is guaranteed to delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Just keep the herbed ricotta separate if possible to maintain its freshness.

Freezing

This Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze the sauce and gnocchi separately from the ricotta topping. Place cooled sauce and gnocchi together in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the sauce and gnocchi gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Once hot, spoon the warm herbed ricotta on top and finish with fresh golden crispies for that irresistible crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork work well and provide a different flavor profile. Just brown them the same way to develop rich, savory notes in the sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, omit the ground beef and consider adding mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute for umami. The sauce will still be fantastic paired with the creamy ricotta and gnocchi.

What are golden crispies exactly?

Golden crispies refer to crunchy topping elements like fried onions, toasted breadcrumbs, or even crispy pancetta bits. They add texture and contrast to the dish.

Can I make the herbed ricotta ahead of time?

Definitely. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated in a covered container to let the flavors meld beautifully.

What wine pairs well with Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe?

A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato sauce and beef beautifully, enhancing the rich, savory depth without overpowering the fresh ricotta topping.

Final Thoughts

Bringing together indulgent textures, fresh flavors, and comforting warmth, this Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, the layers of flavor and the joyful crunch will have you making this dish again and again. So grab those simple ingredients and get ready to experience a meal that feels as special as it tastes!