Name: Ground Beef Gnocchi
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; ½ medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices; ⅓ cup chicken or beef broth; ¾ cup heavy/whipping cream; 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; Salt & pepper to taste

This Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a rich, comforting one-pan meal. With tender gnocchi simmered directly in a creamy tomato sauce alongside savory ground beef, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or when I crave something hearty without the hassle. Ground Beef Gnocchi

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I find this recipe to be a true gem in my collection of one-pan meals. The combination of beef and gnocchi is both satisfying and flavorful. What makes it even more appealing is that there’s no need to pre-cook the gnocchi—it cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors and making cleanup a breeze. The creamy tomato sauce, reminiscent of a Bolognese, gets an extra touch of luxury from a splash of cream and freshly grated parmesan. It’s a comforting, simple meal that I find myself returning to time and again.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound lean ground beef
½ medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or to taste)
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
⅓ cup chicken or beef broth
¾ cup heavy/whipping cream
1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I brown the ground beef and chopped onion for 7–10 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, I spoon most of it out.
I stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking until fragrant.
Next, I add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), broth, heavy cream, and uncooked gnocchi to the pan. I give it a good stir to combine.
Once the mixture starts to bubble, I cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium. I let it cook for 5 minutes.
After uncovering, I stir the mixture and let it simmer for a few more minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened to my liking.
Finally, I stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. I serve it immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings. The preparation time is approximately 5 minutes, and the cooking time is about 20 minutes, making the total time around 25 minutes.

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with this recipe to suit different tastes:

For a lighter version, I might use ground turkey instead of beef.
Adding a handful of fresh spinach at the end provides a pop of color and added nutrition.
Swapping the parmesan for cheddar gives it a comforting, cheesy twist reminiscent of classic Hamburger Helper.
For an elegant touch, I sometimes replace the broth with a splash of white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. When reheating, I do so over low heat until warmed through. The sauce tends to thicken over time, so I add a splash of broth or cream to revive it if needed. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of the gnocchi may change.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe?

I don’t recommend using homemade gnocchi, as it’s often too delicate for the one-pan cooking method and may fall apart during the process.

Do I need to cook the gnocchi before adding it to the sauce?

No, there’s no need to pre-cook the gnocchi. It cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing the flavors and releasing starch that helps thicken the sauce.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

While I prefer heavy cream for its richness, if I need a lighter option, I might use half-and-half. However, I keep in mind that the sauce may not be as creamy, and there’s a risk of curdling due to the acidity of the tomatoes.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, I can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and using a plant-based broth. Adding vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini can provide additional texture and flavor.

How can I add more spice to the dish?

To add a kick, I sometimes include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when adding the garlic and Italian seasoning.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Gnocchi is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table with minimal effort. Its versatility allows me to tailor it to various preferences, and the one-pan approach simplifies both cooking and cleanup. Whether I’m serving it for a family dinner or enjoying leftovers the next day, it’s a recipe that consistently satisfies.