This one-pan meatball gnocchi bake recipe is comfort food make easy

Name: This one-pan meatball gnocchi bake recipe is comfort food make easy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1/2 small onion, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, crushed; 1 tsp. dried mixed herbs; 300 g beef mince, 5% fat; 40 g dried breadcrumbs; 1 medium egg; 1/2 tbsp. olive oil; 1/2 small onion, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, crushed; 2 celery sticks, finely chopped; 2 tsp. dried basil or mixed herbs; 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes; 2 tbsp. tomato purée; 400 g fresh gnocchi; 100 g frozen peas; 125 g mozzarella, torn into small pieces

This comfort-food supper is all cooked in one pan, for minimal mess and washing up.

By The Good Housekeeping Cookery TeamUpdated: 16 May 2025

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This delicious one-pan meatball gnocchi recipe is destined to become your new comfort food go-to. Juicy meatballs simmer in a rich tomato sauce and paired with pillowy-soft gnocchi for the ultimate satisfying supper.

Topped with gooey, melted mozzarella and baked to perfection, it delivers that irresistible cheesy pull with every bite. Easy to make, satisfying, and full of flavour, this fuss-free recipe is perfect for cosy nights in with family or friends.

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Yields:

4 serving(s)

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

1 hr

Cal/Serv:

501

Ingredients

For the meatballs

1/2
small onion, finely chopped
1
garlic clove, crushed
1 tsp.
dried mixed herbs
300 g
beef mince, 5% fat
40 g
dried breadcrumbs
1
medium egg
1/2 Tbsp.
olive oil

For the tomato sauce

1/2
small onion, finely chopped
1
garlic clove, crushed
2
celery sticks, finely chopped
2 tsp.
dried basil or mixed herbs
2
x 400g tins chopped tomatoes
2 Tbsp.
tomato purée

To finish

400 g
fresh gnocchi
100 g
frozen peas
125 g
mozzarella, torn into small pieces

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat grill to high. For the meatballs, in a medium bowl mix all the ingredients with plenty of seasoning.
2. Step 2Heat a large, shallow casserole dish or non-stick frying pan (that has a lid) over medium heat. Using your hands, shape the beef mixture into walnut-sized balls and add to the pan. Brown all over.
3. Step 3Lower the heat. Make the tomato sauce in the same casserole/pan with the balls. Push all the meatballs to 1 side of the pan, and to the empty side add the onion, garlic and celery and cook for 5min. Add the dried herb(s), tomatoes, tomato purée and some seasoning and gently mix everything to combine. Bring up to a bubble.
4. Step 4To finish, carefully mix in the gnocchi. Cover and simmer gently for 5min. Uncover and cook for a few min to reduce the sauce slightly. Sprinkle over the peas and gently mix in. Scatter over the mozzarella.
5. Step 5Grill for 5min, or until golden and bubbling. Serve with a green salad.