Quick & Savory Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe for Busy Evenings

Weeknight dinners demand a quick and satisfying solution that doesn’t compromise on flavor or comfort.

This ground beef gnocchi recipe delivers a hearty meal that blends tender potato dumplings with rich, seasoned meat in a delightful one-pan wonder.

Savory aromas will fill your kitchen as the beef sizzles and the gnocchi turns golden brown.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and robust flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily prepare at home.

Minimal prep work and straightforward cooking techniques make this meal a weeknight champion that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ground Beef Gnocchi: Flavorful Intro

• Whip Up a Hearty Meal: This ground beef gnocchi recipe offers a delicious one-pan wonder that combines comfort and convenience for busy home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients like adjustable spice levels and optional red pepper flakes let you personalize the dish to match your taste preferences.
• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Ready in less than half an hour, this recipe provides a satisfying meal that appeals to both adults and kids with its creamy, cheesy texture and robust flavors.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just one skillet means fewer dishes to wash, making this recipe a stress-free option for weeknight cooking and quick meal preparation.

Gnocchi Dish Ingredients At A Glance

• Ground Beef: A rich and hearty meat that provides a robust flavor and protein base for the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Essential vegetables that create a deep and savory flavor foundation for the recipe.

• Diced Tomatoes: A tangy and bright ingredient that adds moisture and acidity to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: A creamy element that helps create a rich and smooth sauce texture.

• Gnocchi: A soft potato-based pasta that offers a comforting and substantial element to the recipe.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: An optional ingredient that adds a subtle heat and spicy kick.

• Shredded Cheese: A melty ingredient that provides additional creaminess and richness to the recipe.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Herbs that add a fresh and bright finishing touch to the dish.

Steps To A Tasty Beef Gnocchi

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles.

Once cooked, drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their incredible flavors, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Robust Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and blend together beautifully.

Step 4: Create Creamy Comfort

Pour in heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Fold in the gnocchi and cook for 4-5 minutes until the pillowy pasta becomes perfectly tender and absorbs the luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Melt and Merge

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet and stir until it melts completely, creating a wonderfully creamy texture that coats every morsel.

Step 6: Finish with Freshness

Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley.

Serve the dish piping hot, ready to delight everyone at the table.

Beef Gnocchi Cooking Tips

• Remove excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and improve overall flavor and texture.
• Cook onions and garlic at medium-low heat to release their sweet, mellow flavors without burning.
• Select fresh or vacuum-sealed gnocchi for best results, avoiding pre-frozen options that can become mushy.
• Add cream gradually and stir constantly to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley just before serving to add brightness and enhance the dish's visual appeal.

Beef Gnocchi: Switch Things Up

• Vegetarian Gnocchi Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Turkey Swap: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option.
• Dairy-Free Comfort: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Gluten-Free Gnocchi: Choose gluten-free gnocchi and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Beef Gnocchi Presentation Ideas

• Rustic Family Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty ground beef gnocchi with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that adds freshness to the rich dish.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Top with extra shredded parmesan or sprinkle some crispy breadcrumbs for added texture and a delightful crunch that elevates the entire recipe.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which complements the tomato and beef flavors beautifully.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Offer warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complete the satisfying dining experience.

Gnocchi Dish Storage Advice

• Transfer cooled gnocchi to an airtight container and seal tightly. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish fresh and ready for quick reheating.
• Pack the beef gnocchi in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining flavor and texture.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed and steaming.
• Warm the gnocchi in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and heat until completely hot, restoring its creamy consistency.

FAQs

• What makes gnocchi different from other pasta?

Gnocchi are soft potato-based dumplings originating from Italy, with a unique pillowy texture unlike traditional wheat pasta. They’re made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, creating a denser, more compact pasta alternative.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or ground chicken work perfectly in this recipe. Each meat will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dish while maintaining the same cooking method.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from optional red pepper flakes. You can control the spice level by adding more or less pepper flakes, or omitting them completely for a non-spicy version. The cream helps balance any potential heat.

Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef gnocchi delivers comfort on a plate, blending Italian pasta tradition with rich, savory meat sauce. Warm, filling flavors invite you to savor each delightful bite of this homemade classic.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or lean)
• 1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Crusty bread

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling the meat while cooking. Discard any accumulated fat.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Add diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Allow mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, developing rich, complex flavors.
4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce. Gently fold in gnocchi, cooking for 4-5 minutes until pasta is pillowy and tender.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the dish, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Finish the dish by scattering fresh basil or parsley on top for a vibrant, aromatic garnish. Serve immediately while hot and inviting.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and enhance the meat’s crispy texture.
• Use fresh garlic and onions for deeper, more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced alternatives.
• Choose shelf-stable or fresh gnocchi based on desired texture; fresh gnocchi provides a softer, more delicate experience.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, reducing overall calorie content without sacrificing richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 497 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 578 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 97 mg