Description
This comforting Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe combines tender potato gnocchi with a savory tomato and cream sauce enriched with ground beef, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or to taste)
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1/3 cup chicken or beef broth
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
Main Ingredient
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
Cheese and Final Touches
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and onion: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and onions are softened. If there is excess fat, spoon most of it out to avoid greasiness.
- Add garlic and Italian seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning into the skillet, cooking briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Combine liquids and gnocchi: Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken or beef broth, heavy cream, and uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Stir everything together well.
- Simmer covered: Once the sauce begins to bubble, cover the pan and reduce heat to medium. Let it cook gently for 5 minutes so the gnocchi can begin to soften.
- Finish cooking uncovered: Remove the lid, stir the mixture, and allow it to cook for a few more minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Add parmesan and season: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately: Dish out the warm gnocchi and beef mixture while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the dish.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Freshly grate the parmesan for better flavor and melting consistency.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce will be less rich.
- To make this gluten-free, ensure the gnocchi used is gluten-free as some contain wheat flour.