Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil for the gnocchi. Quarter the celery and carrot lengthwise and thinly slice.
Step 2 — Start sauce
Heat 1 tbs olive oil in a medium deep frypan over medium-high heat. Cook the celery and carrot, stirring regularly, for 3-4 mins until softened.
Step 3 — Brown beef mince
Increase the heat to high, add the beef mince to the vegetables and cook, breaking up the lumps with a spoon, for 3-4 mins until browned.
Step 4 — Finish beef sauce
Add the tomatoes, Italian seasoning, 1 tsp balsamic vinegar and ½ tsp sugar to the mince mixture and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 mins until slightly reduced. Taste, then season with salt and pepper.
Step 5 — Cook gnocchi
Add the gnocchi to the pan of boiling water (make sure the water is at a rapid boil). Stir to separate the gnocchi, then return to the boil and cook for 3 mins. Drain.
Step 6 — Get ready to serve
Add the gnocchi to the beef sauce and stir to combine. Taste, then season with salt and pepper. Divide the gnocchi among bowls to serve.