The Juiciest Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Weeknight dinners demand delicious ground beef gnocchi that come together in a flash.

This hearty Italian-inspired dish combines tender potato dumplings with savory seasoned meat.

Rich, comforting flavors meld perfectly in every single bite.

The recipe offers a quick and satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with these simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how fast this dish comes together.

Serve this ground beef gnocchi and watch everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Why Ground Beef Gnocchi Is So Satisfying

• Prepare a hearty meal with minimal cleanup, using just one skillet from start to finish. This recipe eliminates multiple dishes and reduces kitchen chaos, making cooking a breeze.
• Packed with rich, creamy sauce and tender gnocchi, this dish delivers ultimate comfort and satisfaction. Ground beef adds protein and depth, creating a filling meal that warms both body and soul.
• Kids and adults will love the familiar ingredients and irresistible taste. The combination of beef, tomatoes, and cheese creates a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies even picky eaters with its familiar, delicious profile.
• Easily customize by swapping ground beef with turkey, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to suit your taste preferences. This flexible recipe welcomes personal touches and creativity in the kitchen.

Ground Beef Gnocchi Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein for this comforting dish.
• Onions: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the ground beef base.

• Diced Tomatoes: Provides a tangy and bright base for the creamy sauce.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the overall savory flavor of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and luxurious sauce texture.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning: Brings robust herbs and aromatic warmth to the recipe.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and nutty finish to the dish.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that serve as the primary carbohydrate and main starch of the recipe.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Helps to balance and elevate the overall taste of the dish.

Instructions for Cooking Ground Beef Gnocchi

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Beef and Onions

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in ground beef and onions, letting them dance and sear together for 7-10 minutes.

Watch for the beef to turn a rich golden brown and onions to become translucent.

If excess fat pools in the pan, carefully drain some, but keep a touch for extra flavor.

Step 2: Awaken Garlic and Herbs

Sprinkle minced garlic and Italian seasoning into the skillet.

Stir quickly and cook for one minute.

The kitchen will fill with an enticing aroma as herbs and garlic release their magical essence.

Be vigilant to prevent garlic from burning.

Step 3: Create a Luscious Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Broth
• Heavy cream

Stir thoroughly to blend.

Gently add gnocchi, ensuring they’re mostly submerged in the sauce.

Bring to a soft bubble, cover the pan, and reduce heat to medium.

Step 4: Steam and Simmer Gnocchi

Cover and cook for 5 minutes, allowing gnocchi to steam perfectly.

Uncover, stir, and continue cooking 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.

Gnocchi should become tender and sauce wonderfully creamy.

Step 5: Enhance with Cheese and Seasoning

Fold in grated Parmesan, letting it melt into the sauce.

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.

Step 6: Serve Piping Hot

Scoop into warm bowls and savor immediately.

The dish will continue to thicken as it cools, so enjoy while it’s at its peak creaminess.

Smart Tips for Great Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Select ground beef with lower fat content (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, healthier dish without sacrificing flavor.
• Stir gnocchi gently and frequently during cooking to prevent clumping and ensure each piece gets evenly coated with the delicious sauce.
• Add a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of tomato paste while browning beef to enhance the overall richness and complexity of the sauce.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms to create a delicious meat-free version that maintains the recipe's hearty texture.
• If sauce becomes too thick, gradually add a little pasta water or extra broth to achieve your desired creamy consistency without losing flavor intensity.

How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Gnocchi Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.
• Transfer cooled gnocchi to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for maximum 2 months to preserve quality and flavor.
• Place portions in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of broth or cream to restore moisture. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm gnocchi in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir gently and frequently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes, maintaining creamy consistency.

Foods That Pair Nicely with Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the ground beef and creamy sauce. Its tannic structure cuts through the heaviness while enhancing the dish's rustic Italian essence.
• Serve with Crisp Garlic Bread: Prepare toasted sourdough or ciabatta slices rubbed with fresh garlic and drizzled with olive oil. The crunchy texture and garlic notes perfectly balance the soft gnocchi and provide an excellent sauce-dipping companion.
• Create Fresh Herb Salad: Toss together arugula, fresh basil, and parsley with a light lemon vinaigrette. The bright, peppery greens will contrast the dish's richness and add a refreshing element to the hearty meal.
• Recommend Smooth Italian Ale: Choose a malty, medium-bodied Italian craft beer like Moretti or Peroni. Its crisp carbonation and subtle hop profile will cleanse the palate between bites of the creamy gnocchi.

Flavor Options for Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Vegetarian Gnocchi Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free protein option that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Solution: Use certified gluten-free gnocchi made from potato or rice flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals while keeping the recipe's core essence.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap traditional gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra nutrients for health-conscious eaters.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Bowl: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, dairy-free version suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.

FAQs

• What are gnocchi, and how are they different from pasta?

Gnocchi are soft, pillowy dumplings typically made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. Unlike traditional pasta, they have a denser, chewier texture and are more like a dumpling than a noodle.

• Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly. Just add them directly to the sauce without thawing, and they’ll cook quickly and absorb the delicious flavors.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy sauce, tender gnocchi, and ground beef make this a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. The mild Italian seasoning adds flavor without being too spicy.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free gnocchi, which are available in many grocery stores. Just substitute the regular gnocchi with a gluten-free version to make the entire dish gluten-free.

Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor homemade ground beef gnocchi, where Italian comfort meets hearty flavors in a single skillet. Packed with rich beef, pillowy potato dumplings, and a robust tomato sauce, this dish delivers a satisfying meal that welcomes you to indulge in pure culinary warmth.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 (14 ounces/397 grams) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or to taste)

Liquid and Starch Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) chicken or beef broth
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) heavy/whipping cream
• 1 pound (454 grams) uncooked potato gnocchi
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear ground beef with onions until meat browns and onions soften, approximately 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat while preserving a small amount for enhanced flavor.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 60 seconds until fragrant. Carefully prevent garlic from burning to maintain a rich aroma.
3. Introduce diced tomatoes, broth, and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to create a cohesive sauce. Gently nestle gnocchi into the liquid, ensuring most pieces are submerged.
4. Cover the pan and reduce heat to medium, allowing gnocchi to steam for 5 minutes. Uncover and stir, permitting sauce to reduce and thicken for an additional 2-3 minutes until achieving a creamy consistency.
5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture, allowing it to melt and integrate seamlessly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences.
6. Transfer the creamy beef gnocchi into serving bowls immediately. Consume while hot to experience optimal texture and flavor, noting the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish without compromising flavor.
• Consider swapping beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein alternative that fits different dietary needs.
• Use gluten-free gnocchi to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly meal that everyone can enjoy.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the final presentation and add a bright, fresh layer of flavor to the creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg