Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi

Introduction

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi a satisfying dish packed with tender gnocchi, savory beef, and a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for cozy nights, this easy one-pan meal comes together in just 30 minutes for a hearty and flavorful dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
4. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, gently stirring to coat the gnocchi in the creamy sauce.
7. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

• For an extra depth of flavor, try browning the mushrooms separately before adding them to the skillet.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
• Want some spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Leftovers? Store in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth.

Helpful Tips

1. Brown the beef properly – Let the ground beef develop a deep brown color before stirring. This caramelization adds a richer, more savory flavor to the dish. If the beef releases excess liquid, drain it to avoid a greasy sauce.
2. Simmer for better flavor – Allowing the sauce to simmer for a few extra minutes helps the flavors meld together. If you have time, let it cook for up to 10 minutes before adding the gnocchi for an even more developed taste.
3. Don’t overcook the gnocchi – Gnocchi cook quickly, often in just 2-3 minutes. Overcooking can make them mushy, so remove them from the water as soon as they float to the surface. If adding them directly to the sauce, let them simmer briefly to soak up the creamy goodness.

Serving Suggestions

1. Pair with a fresh salad – A simple side salad with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish and adds a refreshing contrast.
2. Serve with garlic bread – A warm, buttery garlic bread or a slice of crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, making sure you don’t miss a single bite.
3. Add a glass of wine – For an elegant touch, pair this dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or a light white wine like Pinot Grigio. The acidity helps cut through the creaminess for a well-rounded meal.

Substitutions and Variations

1. Swap the protein – Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Sausage adds a slightly spicy, herby kick that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
2. Make it lighter – Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-packed alternative while still maintaining creaminess.
3. Boost the veggies – Add spinach, kale, or bell peppers for extra color, texture, and nutrition. Stir in fresh spinach at the end, letting it wilt into the sauce for an effortless nutrient boost.

Conservation and Storage

1. Store leftovers properly – Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to bring back its creamy consistency.
2. Freeze for longer storage – If you want to store it for an extended period, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
3. Reheat gently – Avoid microwaving on high heat, as it can make the gnocchi too soft or rubbery. Instead, reheat over low-medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding a little liquid (cream, milk, or broth) to prevent drying out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the gnocchi – Cooking gnocchi for too long can make them mushy and fall apart. As soon as they float to the top of the boiling water, they’re ready to be drained and added to the sauce.
2. Not draining excess grease – If using higher-fat ground beef, draining the grease after browning is essential. Otherwise, the sauce may become too oily and heavy, affecting the dish’s overall balance.
3. Skipping the seasoning adjustment – The flavors in the dish can change as it simmers, so always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. If the sauce tastes too bland, a pinch of salt, extra Parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon juice can help brighten the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of packaged gnocchi?
   Yes! Fresh gnocchi cooks even faster than packaged gnocchi, usually in 1-2 minutes. Be sure to watch closely and remove them as soon as they float to avoid overcooking.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it separately from the gnocchi. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook fresh gnocchi, and combine them just before serving to keep the texture perfect.

3. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
   If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk works well. You can also use Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a thicker, tangier alternative. Just mix it in gradually to maintain a smooth consistency.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes! Use gluten-free gnocchi, which is typically made from rice flour or potato starch. Also, check that your diced tomatoes and seasonings are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives with gluten.

Conclusion

Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi is the perfect quick and comforting meal that delivers rich flavors with minimal effort. The combination of tender gnocchi, savory ground beef, and a luscious creamy sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

By following simple tips like properly browning the beef, avoiding overcooked gnocchi, and adjusting seasonings to taste, you can elevate this dish to restaurant-quality levels. Plus, with customizable variations, such as adding extra veggies or swapping proteins, you can make it your own every time.

Whether served with a fresh side salad, crusty garlic bread, or a glass of wine, this dish is guaranteed to be a comforting favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy, and happy cooking! 🍽️😊

Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi

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• Author: Avery
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi—a satisfying dish packed with tender gnocchi, savory beef, and a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for cozy nights, this easy one-pan meal comes together in just 30 minutes for a hearty and flavorful dinner the whole family will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
• Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, gently stirring to coat the gnocchi in the creamy sauce.
• Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

• For an extra depth of flavor, try browning the mushrooms separately before adding them to the skillet.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
• Want some spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Leftovers? Store in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Creamy beef gnocchi, one-pan gnocchi, easy gnocchi recipe, ground beef recipes, gnocchi with beef sauce, quick comfort food