Ground Beef Gnocchi

The savory aroma of sizzling Ground Beef Gnocchi wafting through your kitchen is just the beginning of this culinary adventure. Tender potato gnocchi pillows combined with perfectly seasoned ground beef create a hearty, comforting dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. This Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that comes together in just one pan. You’ll learn how to create the perfect sauce consistency, properly cook gnocchi to ideal tenderness, and balance flavors for a dish your family will request again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe stands out as a weeknight dinner superstar for numerous reasons. First, it delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort – the entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

The textural contrast is what makes this dish truly special. The pillowy softness of the gnocchi perfectly complements the hearty ground beef, while the sauce creates a silky coating that binds everything together harmoniously. Each bite offers a delightful combination of tender potato dumplings and savory meat.

What’s more, this beef and gnocchi skillet uses simple pantry ingredients that transform into something extraordinary when combined. The aromatic blend of garlic, herbs, and tomatoes creates a rich backdrop for the beef and gnocchi to shine. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable – add more veggies, adjust the seasoning, or switch up the cheese based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients

For this delicious Ground Beef Gnocchi, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (454g) lean ground beef
• 1 pound (454g) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

The quality of your ground beef matters – choose 85-90% lean for the best flavor without excessive grease. For the gnocchi, shelf-stable varieties work perfectly, but refrigerated or frozen options can also be used with slight cooking time adjustments. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses creates the ideal creamy, stretchy texture while adding depth of flavor to your beef and gnocchi skillet.

Pro Tips

Properly Browning the Beef: The secret to developing deep flavor in your Ground Beef Gnocchi starts with properly browning the meat. Don’t rush this step! Allow the beef to cook undisturbed for a few minutes before breaking it up. This creates those delicious caramelized bits that form the flavor foundation of the entire dish. Season the beef as it cooks rather than after, as this allows the salt and pepper to penetrate the meat more effectively.

Gnocchi Cooking Technique: Contrary to what many recipes suggest, you don’t need to pre-boil the gnocchi for this dish. Adding shelf-stable gnocchi directly to the sauce allows it to cook in the flavorful liquid, absorbing all those savory notes while releasing starch that naturally thickens the sauce. If using refrigerated or frozen gnocchi, adjust the cooking time slightly – refrigerated may need 1-2 minutes less, while frozen might require an additional 2-3 minutes.

Creating the Perfect Sauce Consistency: Achieve that restaurant-quality sauce by deglazing the pan with beef broth after cooking the aromatics. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more broth; if it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. For an extra velvety finish, stir in a tablespoon of butter right before adding the cheese – this creates a silky texture that coats each piece of gnocchi perfectly.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Allow the beef to develop a nice brown crust before stirring, about 2-3 minutes. Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned, about 5-6 minutes total. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a clean plate, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the diced onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing it to darken slightly and develop a deeper flavor.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These flavor-packed bits will enrich your Ground Beef Gnocchi sauce. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, then return the browned beef to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the simmering sauce, stirring gently to ensure each piece is coated. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the gnocchi cook in the sauce for about 5 minutes until they become tender and plump. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This method allows the gnocchi to absorb the savory flavors of your Ground Beef Gnocchi sauce while releasing starch that naturally thickens it.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the gnocchi are tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover again and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve your Ground Beef Gnocchi hot, making sure each portion has a good balance of gnocchi, beef, and that delicious sauce.

Variations

Vegetable-Loaded Ground Beef Gnocchi: Transform this dish into a nutrient-packed meal by adding vegetables. After cooking the onions, add 1 cup diced bell peppers, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, and 1 cup baby spinach (add the spinach during the last minute of cooking). The vegetables not only boost the nutritional value but also add beautiful color and complementary flavors to the Ground Beef Gnocchi.

Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi: For a richer, more indulgent version, stir in ⅓ cup heavy cream or cream cheese after the gnocchi has cooked but before adding the cheeses. This creates a silky, luxurious sauce that coats each gnocchi pillow perfectly. The creamy element pairs wonderfully with the savory ground beef and adds another dimension to the dish.

Spicy Italian Ground Beef Gnocchi: For heat lovers, transform this into a spicier dish by using hot Italian sausage in place of half the ground beef. Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon, add ½ teaspoon crushed fennel seeds, and finish with a drizzle of chili oil before serving. This variation adds a warming heat that builds with each bite while maintaining the comfort factor of the original Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe.

Storage and Serving

Storage Solutions: Your Ground Beef Gnocchi will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to revive the sauce, as the gnocchi tends to absorb liquid as it sits. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave at 70% power to prevent the gnocchi from becoming tough.

Perfect Serving Companions: This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the richness. For a restaurant-style presentation, serve your Ground Beef Gnocchi with garlic bread or warm crusty bread perfect for sopping up the delicious sauce. A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, consider these serving ideas: portion the Ground Beef Gnocchi into shallow bowls and top with additional fresh herbs and a light drizzle of good olive oil; serve family-style in the cooking pan for a rustic presentation at the dinner table; or create individual gratins by transferring portions to small oven-safe dishes, topping with additional cheese, and broiling until golden and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works well in this Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe. You don’t need to thaw it first; simply add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time in the sauce. Watch for the gnocchi to float and become tender before moving to the next step.

What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based meat alternatives all work well in this recipe. Each will provide a different flavor profile, with turkey and chicken being lighter options. If using poultry, consider adding a bit more olive oil as these leaner meats release less fat during cooking.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
If your Ground Beef Gnocchi sauce needs thickening, remove the lid and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, prepare everything except the gnocchi. When ready to serve, reheat the meat sauce, then add the gnocchi and cook until tender before adding cheese. This prevents the gnocchi from becoming overly soft or gummy.

What cheese works best if I don’t have mozzarella?
Provolone, fontina, or monterey jack make excellent substitutes in this Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe as they all melt beautifully and complement the savory flavors. For a sharper taste, try using aged white cheddar, which adds a delicious tang to balance the rich meat sauce.

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