Cheesy Gnocchi and Meatballs
Serves 8
30 mins prep
50 mins cook
80 mins total
🧀🍅🎉 Beef and pork homemade meatballs along with pillowy gnocchi are true Italian comfort food. Everything is covered in homemade tomato sauce, smothered with cheese, and baked! Easier than it looks, and an instant family favorite that everyone will beg you to make again!
0 servings
Homemade Meatballs
Tomato Sauce
Assembly
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<strong>Meatballs</strong>
To a large bowl, add all the ingredients (except the oil), and using a wooden spoon or a gloved hand, mix together all ingredients. Don't overmix.
Using a large cookie scoop or ice cream scoop, form the meatballs. If desired, add a bit of oil to your hands and then roll the meatballs into nice round balls, although straight off the cookie or ice cream scoop is fine too.* (See Notes)
To a large skillet, add the oil, meatballs, and cook over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, flipping as necessary to ensure even cooking.** (See Notes)
Tip - Do not overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the meatballs in batches.
Set cooked meatballs aside on a plate.
<strong>Tomato Sauce</strong>
To a large skillet or saucepan, add the oil, onion, garlic, and saute over medium heat for 3 minutes, stir nearly constantly.
Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Add all remaining ingredients (except gnocchi) and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the browned meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked through.
Add the gnocchi (refrigerated, dry, or homemade) and cook for 5 minutes or until tender and done.
<strong>Assembly</strong>
Preheat your broiler to high (or 400F) and place an oven rack on the top or second to the top rung.
To a spayed or greased oven-safe casserole or baking dish, transfer the meatballs, sauce, and gnocchi into it.
Evenly top with shredded cheese.
Broil until the cheese is lightly golden browned and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Tip - As always when broiling anything, keep a very close eye on it, don't leave the kitchen, and set an alarm. Food can go from underdone to burnt when under a broiler in a matter of one minute and the last thing you want to do now is burn it!
Serve immediately with French bread, garlic bread, or a salad.