Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
A comforting and hearty Ground Beef Gnocchi skillet recipe featuring tender gnocchi simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce with savory ground beef, aromatic Italian herbs, and a touch of spice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this one-pan meal combines robust flavors and creamy textures for an irresistible dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound gnocchi, uncooked
- 1/3 cup Parmesan, grated
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the onion: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns evenly throughout.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in the finely diced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then mix in the Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, and tomato paste, cooking for another minute to develop the flavors.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Incorporate cream and gnocchi: Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to simmer for one minute. Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Finish with cheese and herbs: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the mixture and stir until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red chili flakes to taste.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the heavy cream and Parmesan or replace them with plant-based alternatives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Ground Beef Gnocchi, Creamy Gnocchi, One-Pan Gnocchi, Italian Beef Recipe, Easy Weeknight Dinner
