I love, love, love pasta, but sometimes I needed a break from the same-old. I could turn to a veggie alternative like Spaghetti Squash. I sometimes get a “hankering” for something else like another Italian favorite recipe:  Gnocchi with Meat Sauce. So I dropped in at Mark’s Table to find out how?

Did You Know? Gnocchi holds its shape well and adds pillowy goodness to any sauce, including tomato-based meat sauces, pesto, Alfredo, and butter-garlic.

Cook Time:  30 mins.     Total Time:   40 mins

• 1.5 lbs ground chuck 
• 1 bay leaf
•  1 tsp oregano 
•  1 tbsp olive oil 
• 1 tsp onion powder 
•  1 cup onions 
•  1/2 cup celery chopped finely 
•  1/2 cup carrots chopped finely 
•  2 garlic cloves minced finely 
•  2 tbsp tomato paste 
•  ½ cup dry red wine 
•  26.46 oz Pomi Chopped Tomatoes 
•  1.5 lbs homemade or store-bought gnocchi

Ingredients Salt and Pepper to taste.  Grated Parmesan to garnish Instructions: In a large skillet, fry the ground chuck, approximately 7-10 minutes until browned. Add:

• Bay Leaf
• Oregano
• Onion Powder

Stir again. Next, add the olive oil and sauté the onions, carrots and celery w/ the cooked meat. Add minced garlic and stir well. Then, add the tomato paste and the chopped tomatoes. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the red wine and continue simmering for another 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi, (according to package instructions) or if fresh, in a large pot of boiling salted water.   When the gnocchi rise to the top, drain or use a slotted spoon or stainless steel strainer. Place the gnocchi directly into the simmering meat sauce. Stir gently. Remove from the heat. Cook for another 5 minutes. Serve immediately.