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

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4.3 from 7 reviews

A luxurious and comforting dish featuring perfectly browned ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, paired with tender pre-cooked gnocchi tossed in the sauce, and finished with a bright, creamy herbed ricotta and crispy golden topping. This Millionaire Gnocchi recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors ideal for a satisfying family meal.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Sauce

  • 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

Herbed Ricotta

  • 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)

Gnocchi

  • Two 16-ounce packages pre-cooked gnocchi

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart until well browned and fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan. If desired, drain off excess grease, leaving a little in the pan for added flavor.
  2. Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the olive oil, minced onion, and garlic to the pan and sauté for a few minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and dried oregano, then return the beef to the pan. Let it simmer gently over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes. Season with salt and red pepper flakes according to your taste.
  3. Make the ricotta: While the sauce simmers, in a small bowl mix ricotta cheese, grated garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt, and minced herbs (such as chives, parsley, and thyme). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed for a bright and creamy topping.
  4. Cook the gnocchi: Prepare the pre-cooked gnocchi following the package directions, usually by boiling until they float to the surface. Drain and add the gnocchi directly to the simmering sauce. Toss to coat them well and allow them to bubble gently in the sauce to absorb flavor.
  5. Serve: Spoon the gnocchi and meaty tomato sauce into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the herbed ricotta and sprinkle with golden crispies to add a delightful crunch.

Notes

  • Be sure to simmer the sauce gently to develop deep, rich flavors without burning.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level or omit for a milder sauce.
  • The herbed ricotta can be made ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
  • Golden crispies can be made by frying small pieces of gnocchi until crisp or using store-bought fried bits for added texture.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/millionaire-gnocchi-with-red-sauce-herbed-ricotta-and-golden-crispies-recipe/