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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling the meat while cooking. Discard any accumulated fat.
- Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the dish, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
- 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