Savory Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe: Homemade Comfort Magic

My grandma’s secret ground beef gnocchi recipe always sparks conversation at dinner parties.

Soft potato pillows nestle beneath a rich, savory sauce that makes everyone lean closer.

Hearty comfort meets Italian tradition in this simple yet impressive dish.

Robust flavors mingle effortlessly across each carefully crafted bite.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this special or effortless.

Home cooks seeking something beyond ordinary pasta will adore this combination.

She guarantees you’ll want seconds before finishing the first serving.

FAQs

• What ingredients can replace ground beef in this recipe?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein option.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free gnocchi, which are available in many grocery stores and specialty markets.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This ground beef gnocchi can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals.

• How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Consider adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the sautéing stage to increase the nutritional value and add more color to the recipe.

Ground Beef Gnocchi Serves Up A Hearty, Easy Win

Whip Up Comfort: A One-Skillet Wonder that Saves Time and Effort

• Minimal Prep Magic: Toss ingredients into a single skillet, reducing kitchen cleanup and cooking steps for busy home cooks.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe transforms ground beef and gnocchi into a satisfying meal that'll please everyone at the table.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Fusion: Combines kid-approved ingredients like beef and cheese with soft gnocchi, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that's both comforting and delicious.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily customizable by adding extra vegetables or swapping mozzarella for another cheese, making it perfect for adapting to family preferences.

Ground Beef Gnocchi Composition

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein base that adds rich flavor and substance to the dish.
• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that provide a comforting carbohydrate element to the meal.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor enhancers that build a savory foundation for the sauce.
• Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Italian herbs that add authentic Mediterranean seasoning and depth.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and highlighting the overall taste.

• Diced Tomatoes: Creates a vibrant, tangy sauce with natural acidity and texture.
• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the meaty flavor profile.
• Mozzarella (Optional): Creamy cheese topping that melts beautifully and adds richness.

Cooking Ground Beef Gnocchi Made Simple

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

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

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the skillet.

Sauté these flavor powerhouses until they become soft and translucent, releasing their incredible fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Build The Flavor Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Dried oregano
• Fresh basil leaves

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the herbs and liquids to meld together and create a mouthwatering sauce.

Step 4: Cook The Gnocchi

Slide the pillowy gnocchi into the bubbling skillet.

Cover the pan and let the potato dumplings cook for 5-7 minutes until they become perfectly tender and absorb all the delicious surrounding flavors.

Step 5: Season And Personalize

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the dish’s taste profile.

If you’re craving extra indulgence, scatter mozzarella cheese on top and cover the skillet until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Step 6: Serve And Celebrate

Transfer the beef gnocchi to serving plates while steaming hot.

Grab a fork and dive into this comforting, flavor-packed meal that combines hearty beef with pillowy gnocchi.

Beef Gnocchi – Cooking And Tossing Tips

• Use a colander or paper towels to remove excess grease from ground beef for a lighter, less oily dish.
• Swap mozzarella with parmesan, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses for varied flavor profiles.
• Watch cooking time carefully to prevent overcooking; gnocchi should be tender but not mushy.
• Add fresh chopped basil or parsley at the end for a brighter, more vibrant taste and aroma.
• Use gluten-free gnocchi and verify broth ingredients to create a celiac-friendly version of this recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Gnocchi Without Losing Texture

• Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Warm gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out and maintain the original moisture and texture.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent uneven warming.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months in a sealed freezer-safe container, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Ground Beef Gnocchi Pairing Tips

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich beef and tomato flavors, enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to add brightness, cut through the richness, and provide a vibrant herbal note to the dish.
• Create Crispy Parmesan Crostini: Toast thin baguette slices, brush with olive oil, and top with grated parmesan to serve alongside the gnocchi, adding a crunchy textural contrast.
• Craft Refreshing Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty meat and pasta, offering a zesty and fresh counterpoint to the main course.

Gnocchi with Ground Beef Rich Additions

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Swap: Replace traditional gnocchi with store-bought gluten-free potato gnocchi or use zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or crumbled tofu to maintain protein content while creating a meat-free option.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use low-sodium beef broth, skip added salt, and replace canned tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes to reduce overall sodium intake.
• Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, swap oregano with fresh thyme, and top with crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef gnocchi delivers comfort on a plate with Italian-inspired flavors that dance through each delectable bite. Rich meaty sauce nestles perfectly with pillowy potato dumplings, promising a satisfying meal you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef

Pasta and Vegetable Base:

• 1 package (16 ounces / 454 grams) gnocchi
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious skillet over medium temperature and thoroughly brown the ground beef, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the meat, gently sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, rich beef broth, and sprinkle aromatic oregano and fresh basil into the mixture, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together.
4. Carefully add pillowy gnocchi directly into the simmering sauce, covering the skillet to ensure even cooking and tenderness, which typically requires 5-7 minutes.
5. Delicately season the dish with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
6. For those desiring additional richness, generously scatter mozzarella cheese across the surface, covering the skillet momentarily to create a luxurious melted topping.
7. Transfer the aromatic mixture to serving plates, ensuring each portion receives an equal distribution of meat, gnocchi, and sauce.
8. Garnish with optional fresh herbs or additional grated cheese if desired, and serve immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, lower-fat version that’s diet-friendly.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of red wine during the simmering stage, which brings rich complexity to the sauce.
• Choose store-bought or homemade gnocchi depending on time constraints and desired texture, ensuring they’re fresh for the best result.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil to brighten the dish and add a fresh herbal note that complements the robust meat sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg