Description
This Cheesy Bratwurst Gnocchi recipe combines savory crumbled bratwurst, tender potato gnocchi, and a rich tomato-cream sauce infused with garlic and Dijon mustard. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this hearty and comforting one-pan dish comes together quickly on the stovetop, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage Mixture
- 10.6 ounces bratwurst sausages, casings removed
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
Sauce and Gnocchi
- 1 (14 fluid ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Bratwurst and Onion: Remove the bratwurst meat from the casings and crumble it into a skillet. Add the chopped onion and sauté over medium-high heat for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the onion has softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning it.
- Incorporate Mustard and Broth: Mix in the Dijon mustard and chicken broth. Stir well and let the mixture bubble for about one minute, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom to enhance flavor.
- Add Tomato Sauce, Cream, and Gnocchi: Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, then add the uncooked gnocchi. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan once the mixture begins to gently bubble, and cook for 4 minutes to allow the gnocchi to start softening.
- Finish Cooking the Gnocchi and Thicken Sauce: Stir the gnocchi and check if it is tender and the sauce has thickened. If needed, continue cooking uncovered and stir frequently until the desired texture and thickness are achieved.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Stir in half of the grated cheddar cheese until melted. Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover for a couple of minutes to melt it completely, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- This recipe uses bratwurst sausages—removing the casing before cooking ensures the crumbled texture integrates well with the gnocchi.
- You can use fresh or frozen potato gnocchi; adjust cooking time slightly if frozen.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper towards the end as the tomato sauce and cheese add saltiness.
- For a slightly spicier dish, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the onions.
- Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
