Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe

If you're looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that's both hearty and flavorful, this Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe is perfect for you. This simple dish combines tender, pillowy gnocchi with savory ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese, all cooked in one pan for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you're in need of a cozy weeknight dinner or a delicious meal that the whole family will love, this ground beef gnocchi recipe hits the spot.

What is Ground Beef Gnocchi?

Gnocchi are Italian potato dumplings, typically served with various sauces or mixed into casseroles. In this recipe, we’re pairing soft gnocchi with seasoned ground beef and a rich, flavorful sauce made from tomatoes and broth. This one-pan dish is like a hearty skillet dinner, similar to pasta, but with a bit more texture and comfort.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Gnocchi

Here’s everything you need to whip up this tasty and satisfying meal:

For the Ground Beef Gnocchi:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for a juicier dish, or lean beef for a lighter option)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted or regular)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for a richer tomato flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 (16 oz) package gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier texture)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnishes (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Crusty bread (for serving)

Substitutions and Variations

This ground beef gnocchi recipe is highly versatile, so feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand:

• Meat Substitutes: You can replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
• Tomato Substitutes: If you don’t have canned diced tomatoes, you can use marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes instead.
• Cheese Options: While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can also use cheddar, provolone, or a mix of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
• Add Veggies: Bulk up the meal by adding spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the dish. Sauté the vegetables with the beef and onions before adding the broth.
• Gluten-Free Gnocchi: If you follow a gluten-free diet, you can easily swap regular gnocchi for a gluten-free variety, available in most grocery stores.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Make Ground Beef Gnocchi: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Brown the Ground Beef:

• Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned all over, about 5-7 minutes.
• Drain any excess fat from the beef, if needed.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

• In the same pan, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning:

• Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Simmer with Broth:

• Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to reduce slightly and thicken.

5. Cook the Gnocchi:

• Stir the uncooked gnocchi into the beef mixture. The gnocchi will cook directly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors.
• Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Add Cheese and Cream:

• Stir in the heavy cream (if using) to make the sauce creamy.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the gnocchi and beef mixture. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese has melted and become gooey.

7. Serve and Garnish:

• Once the cheese is melted and everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for scooping up any extra sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Draining the Beef: Be sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef after browning to avoid a greasy dish.
• Overcooking the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly, especially when simmered in sauce, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy.
• Not Enough Sauce: This dish should be saucy enough to coat the gnocchi well. If the sauce seems too dry, add a bit more broth or cream to achieve the desired consistency.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Ground Beef Gnocchi

This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but you can serve it with a few sides to make it a complete meal:

• With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of the dish.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a balanced meal, serve the gnocchi alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Gnocchi

• In a Cast Iron Skillet: Serve the ground beef gnocchi straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top with freshly chopped parsley, basil, or even arugula for a pop of color and freshness.
• Individual Portions: For a more polished presentation, serve the gnocchi in individual bowls, with extra cheese sprinkled on top and a side of garlic bread.

Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe Tips

• Use Store-Bought Gnocchi: For a quicker meal, use store-bought gnocchi. You can find fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable gnocchi at most grocery stores.
• Make It Creamy: Adding cream gives the sauce a rich, luxurious texture, but you can skip it if you prefer a more traditional tomato-based sauce.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, this recipe is easy to double. Use a large skillet or two smaller ones to cook everything evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe? Yes! If you’re using frozen gnocchi, you can add it directly to the skillet without thawing. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may take a couple of minutes longer to cook through.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply heat it up, add the gnocchi, and cook until tender.
3. Can I freeze ground beef gnocchi? This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it before adding the cheese and cream. Once thawed, reheat on the stovetop, then add the cream and cheese to finish the dish.
4. What other meats can I use? You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for different flavors. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
5. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe is the ultimate one-pan meal that combines the comfort of pasta with the richness of seasoned ground beef and a cheesy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's quick, satisfying, and customizable with different meats, vegetables, and cheeses. Whether you're feeding a family or looking for leftovers for the next day, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting, hearty dinner that’s ready in no time!

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