Vegan Gnocchi Bake with Bolognese Sauce

Name: Vegan Gnocchi Bake with Bolognese Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 medium-sized carrots, finely diced; Extra virgin olive oil, as needed; 1 medium-sized brown onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons dried oregano, or to taste; 2 teaspoons dried thyme, or to taste; ½ cup (60g) walnuts, finely chopped (optional); 400 g (14 oz) canned brown lentils, drained; 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or brown sugar, to taste); 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional); 1 ½ cups (360g) vegetable broth (or water, as needed); 500 g uncooked gnocchi; Salt and pepper, to taste; ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose plain flour (or gluten-free flour blend); 2 tablespoons (30g) extra virgin olive oil, vegan butter, or water; 1 cup (250g) soy milk (or other dairy-free milk); 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, to taste

By:

dani

Published:

October 11, 2025

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Vegan Gnocchi Bake with Bolognese Sauce is about to become your new favorite dinner! Imagine a plate overflowing with soft, pillowy gnocchi topped with a rich, hearty Bolognese sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food, but with a plant-based twist that even your non-vegan friends will love. This one-dish wonder combines all the savory flavors you crave while packing in nutritious ingredients. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up after a long day or for a cozy weekend gathering.

As you gather your ingredients, think about how this dish invites everyone to the table. Picture yourself sharing this delightful creation with family or friends, all while enjoying the delicious aroma wafting from the oven. The soothing mix of textures—from the creamy sauce to the tender gnocchi—will make this a dish everyone wants seconds of. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s get started on making this Vegan Gnocchi Bake with Bolognese Sauce that will warm your heart and fill your belly!

Why This Recipe Works

This Vegan Gnocchi Bake with Bolognese Sauce shines because it combines rich, savory flavors into one convenient dish. You won’t have to juggle multiple pans—everything comes together in a single casserole. What’s more, the recipe uses wholesome, plant-based ingredients ensuring maximum nutrition without skimping on taste. Every bite perfectly balances creamy and hearty textures, making it not just a meal, but an experience.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Gnocchi Bake with Bolognese Sauce

If you’re searching for a comforting vegan adaptation of a classic dish, you’re in luck! This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. You’ll appreciate how satisfying this meal is; it appeals both to vegans and those who typically enjoy meat-based dishes. Everyone at the table can indulge in its goodness.

Ingredients for Vegan Gnocchi Bake with Bolognese Sauce

Gather these ingredients for a flavorful dish:

2 medium-sized carrots, finely diced
Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
1 medium-sized brown onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano, or to taste
2 teaspoons dried thyme, or to taste
½ cup (60g) walnuts, finely chopped (optional)
400 g (14 oz) canned brown lentils, drained
400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or brown sugar, to taste)
1 tablespoon miso paste (optional)
1 ½ cups (360g) vegetable broth (or water, as needed)
500 g uncooked gnocchi
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup (30g) all-purpose plain flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
2 tablespoons (30g) extra virgin olive oil, vegan butter, or water
1 cup (250g) soy milk (or other dairy-free milk)
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, to taste

Prepare the Vegan Bolognese Sauce and Gnocchi

Get ready to savor this dish! Start by heating some olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely diced carrots, chopped onion, and garlic, sautéing them for about 5 minutes until they become fragrant. Then, sprinkle in the dried herbs and optional walnuts, cooking for another minute.

Next, stir in your drained lentils, crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and sugar. Add the optional miso paste for extra depth of flavor. Pour in half a cup of vegetable broth, bringing everything to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the carrots turn tender. Afterward, gently mix in the uncooked gnocchi and the remaining broth, allowing it to cook until the gnocchi are tender.

Prepare the Vegan Bechamel Sauce

While your Bolognese is simmering, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil or vegan butter with flour and a splash of soy milk over medium heat. Whisk it together to create a smooth paste. Gradually add the rest of the soy milk and sprinkle in the nutritional yeast, continuing to whisk until your bechamel sauce thickens into a creamy texture.

To Assemble the Vegan Gnocchi Bake

If your pan isn’t oven-safe, now’s the time to transfer the mixture into a casserole dish. Pour the luscious bechamel sauce over the gnocchi and Bolognese and pop the dish in the oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Serve it hot, optionally garnished with vegan parmesan, and maybe even a side salad for a refreshing crunch.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your meal, serve it alongside a fresh side salad. The crunchy greens will compliment the creamy gnocchi beautifully. If you’re feeling indulgent, garlic bread pairs perfectly for a cozy dinner experience. For an extra pop of flavor, top with your favorite vegan cheese to enrich every bite.

Tips for Success

To make your dish even more scrumptious, consider tossing in some sautéed mushrooms with the vegetables. Adjust seasonings based on what you enjoy; remember to taste as you go for the best results. If you prefer a creamier bechamel, an immersion blender can help achieve that silky smoothness.

Variations

Why not get creative? Substitute lentils with cooked quinoa or chickpeas for a different texture. If spiciness is your thing, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a kick. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the flavors after baking.

Storage Tips

After enjoying your delicious Vegan Gnocchi Bake with Bolognese Sauce, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, freeze portions for up to a month. When you’re ready, reheat them in the microwave or oven for a quick meal.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead?
Absolutely! Just toss them into the pot without thawing for a faster meal prep.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free using gluten-free gnocchi and a suitable flour for the bechamel.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep it ahead, store it in the fridge, and bake later.
What can I substitute for the nutritional yeast?
Vegan cheese shreds work well to achieve a similar umami flavor.
How spicy is the Bolognese sauce?
This version is mild, but feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste.

This Vegan Gnocchi Bake with Bolognese Sauce is not only a nourishing and satisfying meal, but it also brings a delightful twist to traditional comfort food. With its rich flavors, creamy textures, and the ease of preparation, it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish will surely impress and satisfy.