If you’re in the mood for a hearty, easy-to-make meal that’s full of flavor, this Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe is just what you need. Tender potato gnocchi meets seasoned ground beef in a rich tomato-based sauce, creating a delicious dinner that can be made in one pan and in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or when you're craving a satisfying comfort food dish, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Read on for a step-by-step guide, tips, variations, and more!
What Is Gnocchi?
Gnocchi (pronounced “NYO-kee”) is a type of Italian dumpling traditionally made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. These soft, pillowy bites are often served with a variety of sauces, ranging from simple butter and sage to hearty meat-based sauces like bolognese. In this recipe, we pair gnocchi with seasoned ground beef and a tomato-based sauce to create a flavorful, comforting meal that comes together quickly and easily.
Ingredients List for Ground Beef Gnocchi
For the Ground Beef and Sauce:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for a juicy result)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- ½ cup tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- ¼ cup beef or vegetable broth (optional, for thinning the sauce)
For the Gnocchi:
- 1 pound (450g) store-bought potato gnocchi (or homemade if you prefer)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat Options: You can swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute for a healthier or vegetarian-friendly version.
- Vegetables: Add more vegetables for extra nutrition—spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini all work great in this dish.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even goat cheese if you want a tangier flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or even a diced jalapeño to the sauce if you like things spicy.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Cook the beef until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce
- Once the ground beef is browned and drained, stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
- If the sauce is too thick, add the beef or vegetable broth a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes, and you’ll know they’re done when they float to the surface.
- Drain the gnocchi and set them aside.
Step 4: Combine the Gnocchi and Beef Sauce
- Add the cooked gnocchi directly into the skillet with the beef and tomato sauce.
- Stir gently to coat the gnocchi with the sauce and to allow the flavors to mix.
- If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top and stir until it melts and becomes gooey. You can also sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top at this stage for extra flavor.
Step 5: Optional: Broil for a Cheesy Top
- If you love a crispy, cheesy top, transfer the gnocchi mixture to an oven-safe dish, top with extra mozzarella or Parmesan, and broil it in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks very quickly, and overcooking can lead to mushy dumplings. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the water as soon as they float to the top.
- Not Draining the Fat: After cooking the ground beef, be sure to drain any excess fat. This helps prevent the sauce from becoming too greasy.
- Skipping the Simmer: Don’t rush the simmering step for the sauce. Allowing the sauce to simmer for at least 10 minutes will deepen the flavors and improve the overall taste of the dish.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Ground Beef Gnocchi
This Ground Beef Gnocchi is a complete meal on its own, but you can always pair it with some side dishes for a more elaborate meal. Serve it with a green salad, garlic bread, or even a side of roasted vegetables to round out the meal. For a fun twist, consider serving the dish family-style, placing it in the middle of the table and letting everyone help themselves.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Gnocchi
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the gnocchi with freshly chopped parsley, basil, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve in Individual Bowls: For a more polished presentation, serve the gnocchi in individual bowls with a light sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
- Use Rustic Serving Dishes: Serve the gnocchi in a rustic cast-iron skillet or a large, decorative ceramic dish for a cozy, homey feel.
Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe Tips
- One-Pan Tip: For an even faster meal, you can skip boiling the gnocchi separately. Instead, add uncooked gnocchi directly to the sauce, along with about ½ cup of water or broth, and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and fully cooked.
- Meal Prep: This dish stores well, making it great for meal prep. Simply make a large batch and store individual servings in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the simmering stage. For a thinner sauce, increase the amount of broth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi will work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to follow your gnocchi recipe carefully and cook them according to the instructions before combining them with the sauce.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ground beef sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the gnocchi and reheat the sauce before combining the two.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, Ground Beef Gnocchi freezes well. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
4. Can I use gluten-free gnocchi?
Yes, you can find gluten-free gnocchi in many grocery stores. Simply substitute it in this recipe as directed.
5. What kind of ground beef is best for this recipe?
A ground beef blend with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content is ideal for this recipe because it provides enough fat for flavor and juiciness but not so much that the dish becomes greasy.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe is the perfect go-to for when you need a quick, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor. With its tender gnocchi, savory ground beef, and rich tomato sauce, it’s a dish that will satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. Plus, it’s versatile, easy to customize, and can be made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Give it a try for your next weeknight dinner or casual gathering, and enjoy the delicious combination of textures and flavors!
PrintGround Beef Gnocchi Recipe
This ground beef gnocchi recipe is a comforting and hearty meal made with tender gnocchi and flavorful ground beef in a rich tomato sauce. It's a one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned and crumbled.
- Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add gnocchi directly to the skillet and stir to coat. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until gnocchi are tender.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add spinach or zucchini for extra vegetables.
- For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- Substitute ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
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