This paleo gnocchi bolognese is so comforting, and made easy and gluten free using Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi. You can cook the gnocchi in the air fryer or on the stovetop!
It took me a long to warm up to Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi. The first time I tried it and followed the directions on the package, it came out sticky and not appetizing. After seeing how much everyone loved it so much, I started experimenting with different ways to cook it.
After multiple attempts and variations, I now can’t get enough of this delicious paleo gnocchi these days. It really makes a difference how you cook the cauliflower gnocchi. Using the air fryer or a quick sear on the skillet turned out to be the secret sauce to making them taste fantastic!
Paleo Gnocchi Bolognese Recipe
This paleo and gluten free gnocchi bolognese is so comforting and flavorful, and it’s one of my new favorite meals. I used the air fryer method to cook the cauliflower gnocchi, as well as searing them on the skillet, and the results are both pillowy soft bites wrapped in an addicting crispy outer layer. Cooking them using these methods ensure that the gnocchi will not get soggy, even when you reheat the leftovers!
How to Cook Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
If you want to learn how to cook Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi so they have the most perfect texture, I highly advise that you DON’T follow the instructions on the package. Here are 2 foolproof methods on how to cook cauliflower gnocchi for this paleo gnocchi bolognese recipe:
- Air fryer method: I find that this way is easier in terms of cleanup and effort, and the result is always so crispy and fantastic. Air fryer cauliflower gnocchi can be made by just coating the gnocchi in ghee then cooking in a single layer for just 8 minutes on each side.
- Stove top method: You can also cook in a skillet with oil. This method is quicker and will also result in crispy gnocchi. Just pan fry on each side for 4 minutes over medium high heat.
For both of these methods, you don’t have to defrost the cauliflower gnocchi before cooking. You can use it straight out of the freezer!
How to Make Paleo Gnocchi Bolognese Sauce
Once you figure out how to cook Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi, you can set it aside while you make the paleo bolognese sauce. The sauce is the most important part since the gnocchi will soak it all up and provide all the flavor and moisture!
Bolognese is a tomato and cream based sauce with cooked down meat and veggies, and the flavor is just so comforting and amazing.
- Cook bacon bits until almost cooked through, then add the vegetables to stir fry in the rendered bacon fat.
- Add ground beef and cook stirring until browned.
- Add diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and nutritional yeast, and simmer until thickened.
- Stir in cooked gnocchi, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm.
The nutritional yeast is completely optional, but I just love the cheesy flavor that it gives the dish. For the coconut milk, make sure to use full-fat to create a thick and creamy sauce like in traditional bolognese.
The final result is a delicious and easy meal that looks fancy, and you can easily heat up leftovers without sacrificing on the flavor or texture!
Other recipes you might love…
- Paleo Cauliflower Gnocchi with Spinach and Mushrooms
- Paleo Cauliflower Gnocchi with Avocado Pesto
- Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)
- Paleo & Whole30 Cauliflower Falafel (Air Fryer, Pan Fried, or Oven Baked)
- Instant Pot Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (Paleo, Whole30)
Paleo Cauliflower Gnocchi Bolognese
Ingredients
- 1-2 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
- 2 bags Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi 24 oz
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 carrot diced
- 1 celery stalk chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes
- 1/3 cup full fat coconut milk
- Optional: 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
Instructions
Cook the cauliflower gnocchi
- Air fryer method: Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F, if needed. Toss the frozen gnocchi with 1 tbsp of ghee until evenly coated. Add to the air fryer in a single layer and cook for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Stovetop method: Heat 2 tbsp of ghee in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the frozen gnocchi in a single layer. Pan fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Gnocchi Bolognese
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add chopped bacon. Cook for about 5 minutes until almost cooked through.
- Add onion, carrot, and celery, and cook stirring for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon.
- Add tomatoes, coconut milk, and nutritional yeast (if using). Stir and simmer for 5-8 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in cooked gnocchi and add salt and pepper, to taste.
- Remove from heat, then sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
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