Beef Ragu with Parmesan Gnocchi & Mushrooms
This Beef Ragu with Parmesan Gnocchi & Mushrooms brings together melt-in-your-mouth shredded beef, earthy mushrooms, and pillowy gnocchi enriched with Parmesan. It’s slow cooking at its finest — simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or someone special, this dish delivers heart, depth, and satisfaction in every bite.
Equipment
- Lodge Oval Brasier/Casserole optional
- Soup Pot / Dutch Oven optional
Ingredients
For the Beef & Mushroom Ragu:
- 2 pounds beef chuck
- 2 medium red onions chopped
- 6 garlic cloves crushed
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced (cremini, button, or mixed)
- 3 cups tomato purée about 26 ounces
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 5 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups beef stock
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for searing
For the Parmesan Gnocchi:
- 2 pounds baking potatoes Russet or another fluffy potato
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 –1½ cups all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Start the Ragu:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a heavy oven-safe pot.
- Pat the beef dry and season well with salt and pepper.
- Sear the beef on all sides until deep golden and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook 5–7 minutes, until lightly browned and reduced in size.
- Stir in the tomato purée, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, beef stock, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Return the beef (along with its juices) to the pot.
- Cover with a lid and transfer to the oven.
- Braise for 3–4 hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender.
Make the Parmesan Gnocchi:
- Place whole potatoes on a baking sheet and bake 45–60 minutes, until very tender.
- Let them cool slightly, then cut open and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
- Add the Parmesan and mash until smooth.
- Mix in the egg yolks.
- Gradually add flour—about ½ cup at a time—until a soft dough forms.
- Use only as much flour as needed to avoid tough gnocchi.
- Break the dough into sections and roll each into long ropes.
- Cut into small pieces about ½ inch thick.
- Place on a tray dusted with semolina or flour.
- Optional: Roll each piece gently over a fork to create grooves.
Finish the Ragu:
- When the beef is tender, remove it from the pot.
- Shred the meat, discarding excess fat or connective tissue.
- Return the shredded beef to the sauce.
- Simmer on the stovetop for a few minutes to thicken.
- Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed.
Cook the Gnocchi:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Drop the gnocchi into the water.
- When they float to the surface, they’re ready—this takes just a minute or two.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer them directly into the ragu.
Serve:
- Ladle the mushroom-rich beef ragu and tender gnocchi into bowls.
- Top with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley, if you like.
- Comforting, hearty, and full of deep flavor!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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