If you’re looking for a comforting and hassle-free meal that delivers big on flavor, this Gnocchi & Tomato Bake is your answer.
Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this dish combines tender gnocchi with a savory tomato sauce, fresh basil, and gooey melted mozzarella—all topped with a golden, crispy finish from the grill.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying dinner ready in no time.

Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 500g pack gnocchi
- A handful of basil leaves, torn
- Half a ball (125g) mozzarella, torn into chunks
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by heating your grill to high.
- In a large frying pan, warm up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and red pepper to the pan.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Step 2: Add Flavors
- Next, stir in the crushed garlic clove and cook for another minute.
- Then, pour in the can of chopped tomatoes and add the gnocchi.
- Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
- Let the mixture bubble away for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- The gnocchi should become soft, and the sauce will thicken up during this time.
Step 4: Add Basil and Transfer
- Season the mixture to taste and stir in a handful of torn basil leaves.
- Once mixed, carefully transfer everything to a large ovenproof dish.
Step 5: Top with Mozzarella and Grill
- Scatter the torn chunks of mozzarella evenly over the top of the gnocchi.
- Place the dish under the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
FAQs
Can I substitute the mozzarella with a different cheese?
Absolutely! You can use other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or fontina. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will melt and flavor the dish differently.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the gnocchi and sauce mixture.

Comforting Italian Gnocchi & Tomato Bake
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 red pepper deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove crushed
- 400 grams can chopped tomatoes
- 500 grams pack gnocchi
- A handful of basil leaves torn
- Half a ball (125g) mozzarella torn into chunks
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by heating your grill to high.In a large frying pan, warm up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red pepper to the pan.Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Add Flavors
- Next, stir in the crushed garlic clove and cook for another minute.Then, pour in the can of chopped tomatoes and add the gnocchi.Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Simmer and Thicken
- Let the mixture bubble away for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.The gnocchi should become soft, and the sauce will thicken up during this time.
Add Basil and Transfer
- Season the mixture to taste and stir in a handful of torn basil leaves.Once mixed, carefully transfer everything to a large ovenproof dish.
Top with Mozzarella and Grill
- Scatter the torn chunks of mozzarella evenly over the top of the gnocchi.Place the dish under the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
hey Sandra, can I throw in some pepperoni in there? like when should I do it? Step 2 or 3?? think itd make a nice twist.
Adding pepperoni sounds like a fun twist! Maybe try during step 2 so it infuses the flavor?
Or just make a pizza lol
I noticed the recipe calls for simmering to thicken. Would it be possible to use a roux to thicken the sauce instead, or would that alter the flavor profile too much? I’m curious about the science behind it.
whats simmer mean exactly do i just let it sit there on the stove or what
Simmering means cooking it on low heat, so it’s just barely bubbling. Helps flavors merge without burning.
LOVE the idea of topping with mozzarella and then grilling. That melty cheese can turn any dish MAGICAL.
Sure, because every dish needs more cheese and a grill to hide the lack of depth in flavor. Original.