Skillet Gnocchi Meatball Lasagna Extravaganza
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(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)Skillet Gnocchi Meatball Lasagna Extravaganza
Ingredients
- 1 pkg (280 g) Olivieri® Cheese Skillet Gnocchi™
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil, divided
- 16 frozen Italian-style chicken or beef meatballs
- 1/2 container (300 mL) Olivieri® Chunky Tomato & Basil Sauce
- 3/4 cup (175 mL) ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1 cup (250 mL) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped fresh basil (plus extra for serving)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Transfer to a bowl.
- Pinch ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
HEAT 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil in a medium cast iron or oven-proof skillet set over medium heat.
Step 2
ADD Olivieri® Cheese Gnocchi™; sauté for 5 minutes or until gnocchi are golden brown and slightly crispy. Transfer to a bowl.
Step 3
RETURN skillet to heat. Add remaining oil and meatballs; cook, turning meatballs occasionally for 5 minutes or until lightly browned.
Step 4
STIR in pasta sauce and bring to a simmer; cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until meatballs are cooked. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to broil and set a rack to the second-highest position.
Step 5
STIR ricotta with 1/2 cup (125 mL) mozzarella, basil, salt, pepper and nutmeg (if using).
Step 6
NESTLE gnocchi into skillet mixture. Dollop ricotta mixture over the dish and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
Step 5
BROIL skillet on the second-highest rack for 4 to 6 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6
SPRINKLE with additional basil to garnish before serving.
Tasty Tips
Ricotta cheese can vary in consistency, so if the cheese mixture seems dry, add a small splash of cream or milk.
This recipe can be baked in an 8-cup (2L) shallow baking dish or casserole. Once meatballs are heated in the sauce, spread them in the dish; continue with the recipe, nestling gnocchi into the sauce and topping with ricotta mixture and cheese. Broil as directed.
Double the recipe to serve a larger group, use an extra large oven-proof skillet or transfer to a 9 x 13-inch (3.5 L) baking dish.
Are Gnocchi Italian?
Yes, they are! Gnocchi, which are typically made of cooked mashed potatoes, flour, and eggs, are a type of Italian pasta. The most common type is the classic potato gnocchi, or “Gnocchi di patate.” Some recipes also include ricotta cheese in the dough. Italian food lovers can check out these Classic Italian Pasta Recipes.
How Do They Eat Gnocchi In Italy?
In Italy, gnocchi is typically served with a simple butter sauce and fresh sage. For a lighter base, try using butter or extra virgin olive oil and add small savoury ingredients such as toasted pine nuts, mushrooms, or a touch of cream when tossing the gnocchi. See this blog post, Gnocchi 101, for all you need to know about gnocchi.
Meatballs, Baked or Fried?
Baking meatballs can enhance their flavour without the need for additional oil, as the outside can be seared under the broiler in your oven. That said, frying them is always and option, and one that some people prefer. Decide what’s best for you then use your skills to cook up something like this Angel Hair and Meatballs with Tomato Basil Sauce.
Skillet Gnocchi Alternatives
Try this Breakfast Skillet Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Pesto for an early morning feast! This recipe is a delicious way for the family to start the day, featuring skillet-cooked gnocchi served with an egg, mushrooms, and pesto.
Looking for a simple but satisfying one-pan dinner? Try Skillet Gnocchi with Rapini and Pancetta! This dish features a winning combination of flavours and is perfect for busy nights.
You can also try this flavour explosion, our Cheese Filled Skillet Gnocchi with Lemon, Ricotta, and Asparagus recipe! This dish features deliciously cheesy gnocchi, along with fresh asparagus and a tangy lemon and ricotta sauce.
Cooking For The Family?
If you’re preparing this recipe for the family, you can make cooking easier by using our FAMILY SIZE GNOCCHI PACK (520g). In doing so, be sure to follow the same steps, but increase the quantity of the other ingredients. Here are our suggested ingredient quantities when adapting this recipe for the family:
1 FAMILY SIZE pkg (520 g each) Olivieri® Cheese Skillet Gnocchi™
4 tbsp (60 mL) olive oil, divided
32 frozen Italian-style chicken or beef meatballs
1 container (600 mL) Olivieri® Chunky Tomato & Basil Sauce
1.5 cups (350 mL) ricotta or cottage cheese
2 cups (500 mL) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
4 tbsp (60 mL) chopped fresh basil (plus extra for serving)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Pinch ground nutmeg (optional)
For more original crowd-pleasing recipes, along with top tips and tricks for making memorable meals, come and join us in the kitchen.
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