Quick & Hearty Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Savory ground beef gnocchi promises a delightful twist on classic Italian comfort food.

Soft potato dumplings mingle with rich, seasoned meat in this hearty dish.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that don’t compromise on flavor.

Home cooks appreciate meals combining simplicity and gourmet appeal.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender gnocchi and robust beef.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected spices elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ground Beef Gnocchi Flavor Highlights

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combine ground beef and store-bought gnocchi for a hearty one-pan meal that saves you precious kitchen time and cleanup effort.
• Comfort Food Champion: Create a rich, satisfying dish packed with savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and tender potato dumplings that delivers ultimate comfort in every bite.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Craft a crowd-pleasing dinner that appeals to both kids and adults, with familiar flavors and a protein-packed base that ensures everyone leaves the table happy and full.
• Quick Culinary Win: Transform basic ingredients into a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy households craving a homemade dinner without extensive preparation.

Ingredients in Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the dish.
• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that serve as the primary carbohydrate base of the recipe.
• Tomato Sauce: A key component that adds moisture and tangy depth to the meal.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational vegetables that create a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a smooth cooking base.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates and enriches the tomato flavor of the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Provides additional liquid and deepens the savory characteristics of the recipe.
• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Basil: Garnishes that add a final layer of flavor and visual appeal.

How to Prepare Ground Beef Gnocchi

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers and feels hot to the hover of your hand.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

Add chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring constantly until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until it turns a rich, golden brown with no pink remaining.

Step 4: Create Robust Sauce

• Tomato paste
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth

Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Cook Gnocchi

Add gnocchi directly into the skillet, gently stirring to ensure each pillow is coated with the meaty sauce.

Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until the gnocchi become tender and puffy.

Step 6: Finish with Flair

Remove the skillet from heat.

Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and scatter fresh basil leaves across the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Transfer to serving plates immediately while piping hot.

Enjoy this comforting, Italian-inspired meal that promises to delight every taste bud.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Select a high-quality ground beef with less fat for a leaner dish and better texture.
• Swap gnocchi with whole wheat or gluten-free versions for dietary restrictions.
• Enhance flavor by adding red pepper flakes or extra herbs like oregano and thyme.
• Quickly brown ground beef on high heat to lock in delicious caramelized flavors.
• Create a vegetarian alternative by replacing beef with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms.

Creative Spins on Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Turkey Swap: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter, lower-fat version of the dish that maintains similar flavor profiles.
• Vegetarian Gnocchi: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a meat-free alternative packed with umami taste.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free gnocchi and verify all ingredient labels to create a celiac-friendly meal that doesn't compromise on comfort and taste.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes, swap Italian seasoning for za'atar, and include kalamata olives to transform the recipe into a zesty Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Quick Family Dinner Night: Perfect for busy weeknights when everyone needs a fast, satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Cozy Comfort Plate: Transform this hearty dish into a warm, soul-soothing dinner ideal for chilly evenings, serving with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up the rich sauce.
• Italian Potluck Star: Bring this crowd-pleasing skillet to gatherings where friends and family will love the robust flavors and easy preparation that looks like you spent hours cooking.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion into containers for make-ahead lunches that reheat beautifully, maintaining the gnocchi's tender texture and bold beef sauce's depth of flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi directly from the package. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through and tender.

• What if I don't have beef broth?

You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a beef bouillon cube for similar flavor depth.

• Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during the simmering stage to give the dish a spicy kick.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe with the same cooking method and seasonings.

Easy Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty ground beef gnocchi delivers comfort on a plate with rich, savory flavors. Rustic Italian-inspired ingredients create a satisfying meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Main Ingredients:

• 1 package (16 ounces / 454 grams) potato gnocchi
• 1 large onion
• 3 cloves garlic

Seasoning and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature for even heat distribution.
2. Introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate ground beef, breaking into small crumbles while cooking until completely browned and no pink remains, about 6-7 minutes.
4. Blend tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth into the meat mixture, seasoning with Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
5. Allow sauce to simmer and reduce slightly, creating a rich, concentrated consistency for approximately 5 minutes.
6. Gently fold gnocchi directly into the skillet, ensuring each piece becomes thoroughly coated with the savory sauce.
7. Cover and cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure gnocchi become perfectly tender.
8. Remove from heat and generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish.
9. Garnish with vibrant, torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of aromatic freshness.
10. Serve immediately while piping hot, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Use gluten-free gnocchi to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising texture or taste.
• Enhance meal prep by cooking extra beef mixture, which can be stored in refrigerator for quick future meals.
• Boost nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or spinach during the simmering stage for extra vegetables and vitamins.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg