Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe

If effortless comfort food is what your heart craves, Ground Beef Gnocchi is destined to become your new obsession. Picture this: tender gnocchi simmered in a velvety, tomato-kissed cream sauce, studded with juicy morsels of ground beef and kissed with Parmesan. All of this unfolds in just one pan and under thirty minutes, giving you a rich Italian-American flavor experience without the mess or the fuss. This is the sort of cozy, gourmet magic that feels almost too simple—and once you try it, you’ll understand why Ground Beef Gnocchi is a weeknight hero and a crowd pleaser alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this Ground Beef Gnocchi is how every ingredient makes a difference, but you don’t need a sprawling shopping list. Each element brings its own unique flavor, texture, or bit of color, so don’t skip the essentials!

• Lean ground beef: Provides a hearty, meaty base and keeps the sauce deliciously rich without being greasy.
• Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks down with the beef.
• Garlic: Gives the dish that irresistible classic Italian aroma and an extra burst of flavor.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs for a well-balanced, herby punch that lifts the sauce.
• Diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds acidity and tang to brighten the creamy richness—it’s essential for balance!
• Chicken or beef broth: Enhances the sauce’s savory notes—use whichever you have on hand.
• Heavy/whipping cream: Transforms the tomato sauce into something silky and lush.
• Uncooked potato gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi makes this so easy—tender and pillowy when simmered right in the sauce.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that umami kick and dreamy creaminess.
• Salt & pepper: Perfect for seasoning it just right; taste as you go for the best results.

How to Make Ground Beef Gnocchi

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onion

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground beef and chopped onion. Let everything cook together for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is translucent. If you notice a lot of grease in the pan, carefully spoon most of it out—this keeps the finished sauce from being heavy.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning

Now, sprinkle the minced garlic and Italian seasoning straight into the pan. Stir them in and cook for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant—this wakes up the little flavor bombs in every bite.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Simmer

Pour in the diced tomatoes (juices and all), broth, and heavy cream, then add the uncooked potato gnocchi. Giving everything a gentle stir ensures each gnocchi is nestled in and ready to soak up flavors. Bring the mixture up to a gentle bubble, cover with a lid, then reduce the heat to medium. Let it cook for 5 minutes so the gnocchi can start softening up and absorbing those savory juices.

Step 4: Uncover and Thicken

Take off the lid and give the pan another good stir. Let it simmer for a few more minutes, uncovered, until the gnocchi is plush and tender and the sauce thickens to perfection. You’ll see it turn creamy and almost cling to the gnocchi—this is the dreamy texture you’re after!

Step 5: Finish With Parmesan and Seasoning

Turn off the heat and shower in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and blends into the sauce. Now is the time to taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Scoop the Ground Beef Gnocchi into bowls and serve right away while it’s gloriously hot and creamy.

How to Serve Ground Beef Gnocchi

Garnishes

Fresh herbs truly make Ground Beef Gnocchi pop, so go ahead and sprinkle over chopped basil or parsley just before serving. If you want to gild the lily, add an extra swirl of Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil for shine and flavor.

Side Dishes

This hearty main practically begs for something fresh and light on the side. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness, or try a crisp roasted veggie like broccoli or asparagus. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce left in your bowl!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, spoon the Ground Beef Gnocchi into individual ramekins and top each one with a little cheese before popping them under the broiler for a bubbly finish. Alternatively, serve this family-style in a big, rustic dish, letting everyone help themselves. For a weeknight twist, fold in baby spinach just before serving to sneak in some greens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Ground Beef Gnocchi stores beautifully. Let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days, making this perfect for meal prepping or easy next-day lunches.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? You can freeze Ground Beef Gnocchi! Once cooled, spoon portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To bring your Ground Beef Gnocchi back to life, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each, until evenly heated through.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi will work beautifully and might even elevate the dish further. Just make sure your homemade gnocchi are nicely airy and add them right at the same step so they cook through with the sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative for the heavy cream, and swap the Parmesan for a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. The texture and flavor will be a little different, but still delicious!

What other proteins can I use in place of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage are excellent swaps if you’re looking to change things up. Just keep an eye on cooking times—leaner meats may need less time, and sausage will bring a different seasoning profile.

Can I add vegetables for extra nutrition?

Definitely! Chopped spinach, kale, or zucchini are wonderful additions—just stir them in towards the end so they stay fresh and vibrant. For a classic touch, a handful of peas can be thrown in with the gnocchi.

My sauce seems too thin/thick. How can I adjust it?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer until it thickens up. If it’s too thick, simply splash in a bit more broth or cream, stirring until perfect. Cooking is all about making it just right for you!

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve made Ground Beef Gnocchi, you’ll see how a handful of simple ingredients can deliver knockout comfort and big flavors in every bite. Give it a try for a stress-free weeknight dinner or a special, cozy meal—don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to favorite!

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