Description

A rich skillet meal featuring tender gnocchi simmered in a savory red sauce with beef Italian sausage, topped with bright herbed ricotta and finished with crunchy golden crispies.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef Italian sausage or plant based meat alternative

1 to 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium yellow onion minced

2 large cloves garlic minced

one 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

salt and red pepper flakes to taste

6 to 8 ounces ricotta cheese made with vegetarian rennet

1 small clove garlic grated

zest and juice of 1 lemon

salt to taste

chopped herbs such as chives parsley or thyme

two 16 ounce packages pre cooked gnocchi

seasoned breadcrumbs for golden crispies

Instructions

1. Set a large skillet over medium high heat and add the beef Italian sausage then break it apart as it browns until fully cooked before removing it from the skillet

2. Lower the heat slightly add olive oil onion and garlic then sauté until soft and fragrant

3. Stir in crushed tomatoes dried oregano salt and red pepper flakes then return the cooked sausage to the skillet and let the sauce simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes

4. Mix ricotta grated garlic lemon zest lemon juice salt and chopped herbs in a bowl to create the herbed ricotta

5. Boil the gnocchi according to package directions until they float then add them into the skillet with the sauce and let everything bubble together briefly

6. Toast seasoned breadcrumbs in a small pan with a little olive oil until golden and crisp

7. Serve the saucy gnocchi hot topped with a spoonful of herbed ricotta and a sprinkle of golden crispies

Notes

You can prepare only one package of gnocchi and use half of the sauce then freeze the rest for later meals

The herbed ricotta can be mixed ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator to intensify its flavor

If the sauce thickens too much during reheating add a splash of water or broth to loosen it

Keep breadcrumbs in a separate container so they stay crisp until serving

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Simmer
Cuisine: Italian Inspired