Savory Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe: Cozy Comfort Made Simple

Whipping up a delectable ground beef gnocchi brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Soft potato dumplings nestle perfectly with rich, seasoned meat in this hearty meal.

Weeknight cooking becomes a delightful adventure when you combine simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Italian-inspired dishes often spark memories of warm kitchens and shared moments around the table.

Home chefs can easily master this straightforward recipe with minimal preparation time.

Robust flavors and tender textures make this dish a crowd-pleasing favorite that promises satisfaction in every single bite.

Let’s unlock the secret to creating a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ground Beef Gnocchi Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of this delicious dish.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that provide a comforting and satisfying texture to the recipe.

• Onion, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables add depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential spices that enhance and balance the taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté the vegetables and creates a smooth base for the sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture, tanginess, and creates a classic sauce for the beef and gnocchi.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Basil: Optional toppings that provide a fresh, cheesy, and herbaceous finish to the meal.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ground Beef Gnocchi

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften until they release their fragrant aroma.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown color.

Step 3: Create Saucy Goodness

Pour diced tomatoes into the skillet and coax the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble and meld flavors for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Prepare Gnocchi

Cook gnocchi following package directions. Drain the pillowy pasta and carefully add them to the beef mixture.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Gently stir the gnocchi, allowing them to absorb the delicious sauce. Shower the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and scatter fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Plate the steaming Ground Beef Gnocchi immediately. Dive into this comforting, hearty meal that promises to warm your soul and delight your taste buds.

Tips for Ground Beef Gnocchi Success

• Opt for high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content to ensure rich, juicy flavor without excess grease.
• Fresh gnocchi works best, but frozen varieties can be substituted if drained thoroughly to prevent watery sauce.
• Boost nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or spinach during the cooking process for extra vegetables.
• Experiment with different cheese options like mozzarella or pecorino romano for varied taste profiles.
• Make the dish gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi and checking seasoning ingredients for potential gluten content.

Flavor Variations for Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Spicy Jalapeño Beef Gnocchi: Add diced jalapeños and red pepper flakes for a hot kick. Sprinkle extra cheese to balance the heat.
• Mediterranean Lamb Gnocchi: Replace ground beef with ground lamb. Mix in oregano, mint, and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired meal.
• Creamy Mushroom Beef Gnocchi: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the beef. Stir in heavy cream and a splash of white wine for a rich, velvety sauce.
• Vegetarian Spinach Gnocchi: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms. Add fresh spinach and ricotta cheese for extra nutrition and flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty ground beef gnocchi in deep ceramic bowls with extra Parmesan on the side, creating a warm and inviting family-style meal that brings everyone together.
• Rustic Italian Lunch Plate: Present the dish on a wooden cutting board with crusty garlic bread and a small side salad, mimicking a traditional trattoria experience that transports diners straight to Italy.
• Quick Weeknight Comfort Bowl: Pack leftovers in individual meal prep containers for a delicious next-day lunch, ensuring a satisfying and convenient meal that saves time and delivers maximum flavor.
• Game Night Sharing Platter: Serve in a large communal cast-iron skillet placed in the center of the table, allowing friends to scoop and share during casual gatherings, creating a fun and interactive dining experience.

Storage Tips for Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Transfer cooled ground beef gnocchi to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pack the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen gnocchi in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until the dish is thoroughly warmed and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This gnocchi dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container.

• How can I make this recipe more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef while cooking to increase the heat level.

• Do I need to buy fresh gnocchi?

No, you can use frozen or shelf-stable packaged gnocchi from the grocery store. Just follow the package cooking instructions.

Why Ground Beef Gnocchi Is a Crowd Favorite

• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Tackle dinner in a flash with this one-pan marvel that transforms ordinary ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal faster than ordering takeout.
• Customize Your Comfort: Swap proteins, switch up cheese varieties, or add extra veggies to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for picky eaters and adventurous cooks alike.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults will love the zesty taco-inspired taste that brings excitement to the dinner table without complicated cooking techniques.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Using just one skillet means less dish washing and more time enjoying a delicious meal together, making this recipe a smart choice for busy households.

Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Savory ground beef gnocchi emerges as a comforting Italian-inspired dish with rich, hearty flavors. Tender potato dumplings mingle with seasoned meat, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb potato gnocchi
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat (375°F) and sauté chopped onions with minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce ground beef into the skillet, carefully crumbling the meat while cooking. Generously season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even distribution and thorough browning.
3. Add diced tomatoes to the beef mixture, allowing the sauce to gently simmer and develop rich flavors for 10-12 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
4. Simultaneously prepare gnocchi in a separate pot according to package recommendations, typically boiling for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface.
5. Drain gnocchi completely and fold them into the beef and tomato sauce, ensuring each pillow-like dumpling is evenly coated and absorbs the robust flavors.
6. Remove skillet from heat and generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, creating a creamy and savory finish.
7. Optional: Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for an aromatic and vibrant presentation before serving immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting Italian seasoning or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• For a lighter version, swap ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Quickly toast fresh basil leaves before garnishing to enhance their aromatic flavor and release more intense herbal notes.
• Store leftover gnocchi dish in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain texture and prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg