Ground Beef Gnocchi

Name: Ground Beef Gnocchi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (454g) lean ground beef; 16 oz (454g) shelf-stable potato gnocchi; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 4-5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Save

Post

Send

Jump to Recipe

by: Julie

Published: April 16, 2025

Imagine diving into a bowl of pillowy gnocchi enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce with perfectly seasoned ground beef. This Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying without hours in the kitchen.

Fans of gnocchi will fall in love with the rich flavor of creamy tomato gnocchi, or Creamy Chicken Gnocchi highly recommended!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi

This crowd-pleasing one-pan wonder will quickly become a family favorite for several reasons:

Quick and effortless: Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal prep work
Budget-friendly: It uses affordable ingredients you likely have on hand
Versatile: It is Easily customizable with different proteins, vegetables, or cheeses
One-pot meal: Less cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet
Comfort food perfection: The creamy sauce combined with tender gnocchi delivers maximum satisfaction
Kid-approved: A dish that even picky eaters will devour

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Base Recipe:

1 lb (454g) lean ground beef
16 oz (454g) shelf-stable potato gnocchi
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

onions and ground beef in a pan until browned/-2

onions and ground beef in a pan until browned

Pro Tip: For the best flavor, use 85/15 ground beef. The slight extra fat adds tremendous richness without making the dish greasy.

Supplies & Tools Needed

Large skillet or deep sauté pan (12-inch recommended)
Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife and cutting board
Cheese grater (if using block Parmesan)
Garlic press (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients:

Prep work: Dice onion and mince garlic. Measure out the remaining ingredients and have them ready.

Cook the Ground Beef:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook for 5-7 minutes until beef is completely browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Create the Sauce:

Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to coat the beef.
Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits (this is flavor gold!).
Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the liquid.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce begins to thicken.

Finish the Dish:

Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcook the gnocchi! It continues to soften as it sits in the hot sauce, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly firmer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not draining excess fat: If using higher-fat ground beef, drain off most (but not all) of the fat after browning to prevent a greasy sauce.
Overcooking the gnocchi: Shelf-stable gnocchi cooks very quickly. Once it floats to the surface, it’s done!
Sauce too thin: If your sauce seems watery, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken.
Boiling versus simmering: Keep the heat at a gentle simmer to prevent the cream from separating.
Skipping the rest period: Those few minutes of standing time allow the sauce to thicken beautifully.

Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips

Serving Ideas:

Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil
Serve with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for sauce-sopping
Add a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for extra nutrition

Storage and Reheating:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Microwave on 70% power, stirring halfway through.

Pro Tip: If planning to freeze the gnocchi, slightly undercook it initially, as it will soften more during reheating.

Variations & Substitutions

Protein Swaps:

Italian sausage: Replace half or all of the ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor
Ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter version with less fat
Meatless option: Use plant-based ground meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms

Dairy Alternatives:

Half and half: Use instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce
Milk + cornstarch: Combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch as a lighter thickening option
Non-dairy: Use coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version

Flavor Boosters:

Add vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini work beautifully
Cheese variations: Try Asiago, Romano, or smoked Gouda instead of Parmesan
Herb upgrades: Add fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary for more complex flavors
Wine enhancement: Add 1/4 cup red wine before the broth for depth and richness

FAQs About Ground Beef Gnocchi

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?

Yes! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe. No need to thaw first—simply add directly to the skillet and increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes or until the gnocchi is tender.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Absolutely! Substitute ground turkey for beef, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and increase the vegetables. You’ll maintain great flavor while reducing calories and fat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep components ahead: brown the meat with seasonings and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, continue with the recipe, simmering until gnocchi is tender and sauce thickens.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?

If your sauce hasn’t thickened after the standing time, try removing the gnocchi and simmer the sauce for a few more minutes. Alternatively, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce.

What can I use instead of gnocchi?

If you can’t find gnocchi, substitute with short pasta shapes like orecchiette, shells, or bowties. Cook the pasta separately according to package directions and reduce the broth in the recipe by half.

Concluding Thoughts

This Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The combination of pillowy gnocchi, seasoned beef, and velvety sauce creates a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together in minutes. Try it tonight, and watch it become your new go-to comfort food recipe!