Baked Gnocchi with Ground Turkey and Marinara Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Are you looking for a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make meal? Look no further than our Baked Gnocchi with Ground Turkey and Marinara Sauce. This dish combines the pillowy softness of gnocchi with the rich flavors of ground turkey and marinara sauce, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Originating from Italian cuisine, gnocchi has been a beloved staple for centuries, and this baked version adds a modern twist to a classic favorite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi and Sauce

• 1 pound gnocchi
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnishing

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

1. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
2. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil.
3. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

Step 3: Combine with Marinara Sauce

1. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked turkey.
2. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. In a large baking dish, spread half of the turkey and marinara sauce mixture.
2. Add the gnocchi in an even layer on top of the sauce.
3. Pour the remaining sauce over the gnocchi.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Tips

• Can I bake gnocchi without boiling first? Yes, this recipe allows you to bake gnocchi directly without pre-boiling, saving you time and effort.
• What kind of sauce goes well with gnocchi? While marinara sauce is a classic choice, you can also use Alfredo sauce, pesto, or even a creamy cheese sauce.
• Can you cook gnocchi in sauce instead of boiling? Absolutely! In this recipe, the gnocchi cooks perfectly in the marinara sauce, absorbing all the rich flavors.
• Is it better to roast or boil potatoes for gnocchi? For making homemade gnocchi, roasting potatoes can give a fluffier texture compared to boiling.

Variations

• Ground Turkey Gnocchi Alfredo: Substitute marinara sauce with Alfredo sauce and follow the same baking instructions.
• Gnocchi and Turkey Meatballs: Form small meatballs with the ground turkey mixture and bake them with gnocchi and sauce.
• Baked Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce and Fresh Mozzarella: Add slices of fresh mozzarella on top before baking for a melty, cheesy delight.
• Baked Gnocchi with Ground Beef: Replace ground turkey with ground beef for a different flavor profile.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg

Conclusion

Our Baked Gnocchi with Ground Turkey and Marinara Sauce is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender gnocchi, savory ground turkey, and rich marinara sauce topped with gooey cheese is sure to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us! Leave a comment below, share the recipe on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes from easycrispyrecipes.com.