Gnocchi and meatballs is an easy weeknight dinner that is truly comfort food. This delicious dinner is made with a homemade meatball recipe, tomato sauce and crispy potato gnocchi.
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Why This Gnocchi With Meatballs Recipe Is The Best!
Homemade meatballs are always an easy crowd pleaser! Adding crispy gnocchi makes for a comforting dish that is perfect to pair with a green salad and crusty garlic bread.
By roasting the gnocchi in the oven you get a crispy outside and soft pillowy inside that pairs well with the meatballs and sauce.
What Is Gnocchi?
Gnocchi pronounced n(Y)OH-kee, is a potato dumpling that originated in Italy. Gnocchi have a soft pillowy texture and are typically served with a tomato or cream sauce.
Gnocchi can be cooked by boiling, frying or roasting to give different textures. Similarly to fresh pasta gnocchi can be paired with a tomato sauce or a creamy cheese sauce like my favorite gnocchi with truffle sauce.
Key Ingredients
gnocchi- to make this meal quicker for a busy weeknight you can purchase store-bought gnocchi which is usually located near the pasta at the grocery store.
ground turkey- I prefer to make my own meatballs using ground turkey. However, you can use any ground meat you like. Italian style sausages or ground beef are also great for meatballs. If you are really short on time you can buy store-bought meatballs.
Equipment Needed
baking sheet- a rimmed sheet is the best for roasting the gnocchi so that they do not slide of into the oven.
large saucepan- is preferred so you can add the cooked meatballs and gnocchi to the sauce to serve.
Step-By-Step Instructions
In a large bowl add the ground turkey, Parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Use your hands to combine the meat mixture. Form the meatball mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
Line the turkey meatballs on a wire rack over a baking tray. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until turkey is cooked to 165 degrees when checked with a meat thermometer.
While the meatballs are baking in the oven cook gnocchi. Spread gnocchi onto rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Place in the oven to roast at the same temperature as the meatballs.
While the meatballs and gnocchi are cooking, prepare the sauce. Sauté the onions in olive oil until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds. Add the crushed tomatoes to the sauté pan along with the fresh herbs and seasoning.
Stir in the half and half and parmesan cheese. When the gnocchi are crispy and the meatballs have cooked through add them to the homemade marinara sauce.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve this with lots of freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. I recommend a fresh salad to serve as a side dish. My favorite Italian salad is a caprese salad but this Mediterranean green bean salad would also be a nice addition.
Of course a piece of crusty bread and a glass of red or white wine are always a great pairing with Italian recipes.
Substitutions And Additions
ground turkey- ground beef can be substituted for the turkey in the recipe. You could also make sausage meatballs if you prefer.
fresh herbs- I love the flavor of fresh herbs but if you have dried herbs on hand you can use that instead. When substituting you should use 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs to 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
Storage Recommendations
Store leftover gnocchi and meatballs in an airtight container for 3-4 days. To reheat add to a saucepan and simmer on medium heat until warmed through.
Looking For Other Dinner Ideas? Try These!
Easy One Pot Pasta With Lemon Ricotta
Gnocchi with Black Truffle Cream Sauce
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Crispy Gnocchi With Italian Baked Meatballs
Ingredients
Gnocchi and Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 16 ounce package gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Tomato Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup half and half
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped chiffonade style
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Meatballs and Gnocchi
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add the ground turkey, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, bread crumbs, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to a large mixing bowl. Using you hands combine the ingredients and make golf ball sized meatballs.
- Line the meatballs on a wire rack over a baking tray so that the fat can drip down as the meatballs cook. Bake in preheat oven for 20-25 minutes or until an meat thermometer reads 165 degrees.
- While the meatballs are in the oven, spread the gnocchi on a separate baking tray and drizzle with olive oil. Bake in the oven along with the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until roasted and crispy.
Tomato Sauce
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large saucepan and heat over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Next add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the can of crushed tomatoes, Italian seasonings, red pepper flakes and salt. Simmer for 20 minutes over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in half and half.
- Add cooked meatballs and roasted gnocchi to the sauce. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and basil.
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