Sizzling Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a delectable ground beef gnocchi dish promises a culinary adventure that’ll spark joy in your kitchen.

Soft potato dumplings nestled alongside savory seasoned meat create a comforting combination.

Italian traditions blend seamlessly with hearty ingredients in this satisfying meal.

Robust flavors dance across your palate, promising a delightful dining experience.

Minimal preparation ensures you can whip up this recipe quickly and easily.

Home cooks love how simple techniques yield such impressive results.

We bet you’ll want seconds of this mouthwatering creation.

Flavor-Packed Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Quick and Satisfying Meal: Whip up a hearty dish that combines tender gnocchi with flavorful ground beef in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Packed with Bold Flavors: Enjoy a robust combination of Italian seasonings, tangy tomatoes, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Create a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults, offering a delicious twist on traditional pasta dishes with soft, pillowy gnocchi.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this streamlined recipe that cooks everything in a single pan, making preparation and washing up a breeze.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Add depth and fragrant base notes to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Bring a subtle heat and spicy kick to the recipe.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the aromatics and create a smooth cooking base.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds richness to the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provide a smooth, tangy sauce foundation.
• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that serve as the main pasta element of the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and creamy texture.
• Fresh Basil: Offers a bright, fresh herbal garnish to complete the recipe.

Preparation Steps for Ground Beef Gnocchi

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent and release their fragrant aroma.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.

Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the meat’s flavor.

Cook until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains.

Step 3: Create Robust Sauce

• Tomato paste
• Crushed tomatoes
• Red pepper flakes

Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Gnocchi

Bring a separate pot of water to a boil.

Cook gnocchi according to the package directions until they float to the surface, indicating they’re perfectly tender.

Drain the gnocchi thoroughly.

Step 5: Combine and Garnish

Transfer the cooked gnocchi directly into the skillet with the meat sauce.

Gently toss to ensure each pillow-like gnocchi is generously coated with the rich sauce.

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves on top.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Cook gnocchi just until they float to the surface to prevent becoming mushy, ensuring a perfect al dente bite.
• Let the sauce simmer longer to develop richer, more concentrated tomato flavors and allow seasonings to meld together.
• Use freshly chopped basil right before serving to add bright, aromatic notes that elevate the entire dish.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to make the recipe mild for kids or extra spicy for heat lovers.

Variations to Enhance Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Turkey Swap: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option with lower fat content.
• Vegetarian Gnocchi Bake: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to enhance the flavor profile with Mediterranean ingredients.

Serving Ideas for Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Rustic Family Dinner Night: Gather everyone around the table and serve this hearty ground beef gnocchi as a comforting main course with warm bread and a simple green salad.
• Cozy Weeknight Meal Prep: Package individual portions in meal prep containers for easy lunches or quick dinners during busy workweeks, keeping the gnocchi and sauce separately to maintain texture.
• Italian-Inspired Side Pairing: Complement the dish with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to enhance the Italian flavors.
• Wine and Dine Experience: Pair this rich dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to balance the robust tomato sauce and ground beef, creating a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.

Storing Ground Beef Gnocchi Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and frequently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

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

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them completely for a milder version.

• Do I need to buy fresh gnocchi, or can I use frozen?

Both fresh and frozen gnocchi work well in this recipe. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it, adding freshly cooked gnocchi just before serving to maintain the best texture.

Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade ground beef gnocchi merges Italian comfort with hearty meat sauce, creating a deeply satisfying meal. Generous portions of tender potato dumplings nestled with seasoned beef promise a delicious family dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound potato gnocchi

Aromatics:

• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 (14.5 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, crumbling and browning the meat thoroughly. Enhance with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
3. Incorporate tomato paste, stirring to develop a rich depth, then pour in crushed tomatoes and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Allow the sauce to simmer and meld together for 10 minutes, developing robust flavors.
4. Meanwhile, prepare gnocchi in a separate pot according to package guidelines, cooking until they float to the surface, indicating perfect doneness. Drain the pillowy pasta carefully.
5. Transfer gnocchi directly into the simmering sauce, gently folding to ensure each dumpling is luxuriously coated with the hearty meat sauce.
6. Finish the dish by generously sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves, creating a vibrant, aromatic presentation. Serve immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier dish.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes or using mild alternatives like paprika for sensitive palates.
• Fresh gnocchi works best for a softer, more delicate texture compared to packaged dried versions.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by selecting gluten-free gnocchi and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg