Description
Ground Beef Gnocchi: Comforting and crowd-pleasing recipe with tender gnocchi in savory ground beef sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
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.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg