Gnocchi with Meat Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1-tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 pounds ground chuck (80 percent lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced small
  • 3 carrots, shredded
  • 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes, pureed in a blender
  • 1 pound fresh or frozen gnocchi, cooked according to package instructions
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (1 ounce)
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Directions:

In a large heavy pot, heat oil over high. Add meat and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add onion, carrots, and garlic and cook until meat is browned and onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, add tomato puree, and bring to a rapid simmer.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is slightly reduced, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve sauce over gnocchi, topped with Parmesan and basil, if desired.