Ground Beef Gnocchi: A Delicious & Easy Weeknight Dinner

Ground Beef Gnocchi: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly comforting and surprisingly simple dish! Forget complicated sauces and hours in the kitchen; this recipe delivers a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering. Have you ever wondered how to elevate those pillowy potato dumplings into a truly satisfying main course? Look no further!

Gnocchi, originating from Italy, has a rich history as a staple comfort food, enjoyed for generations. While traditionally served with pesto or tomato sauce, this Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe takes a delicious detour, infusing the classic Italian dumpling with the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef. It’s a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of tender gnocchi, rich and savory ground beef, and a creamy, flavorful sauce that coats every bite. People adore this recipe because it’s quick, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying. The soft, pillowy texture of the gnocchi complements the hearty ground beef beautifully, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up ground beef and create a meal that the whole family will love. Get ready to experience gnocchi in a whole new way!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 (17.6 ounce) package potato gnocchi
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
• 1/4 cup beef broth (optional, for thinning sauce)

Browning the Beef:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Make sure your pan is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients later on.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want to ensure there are no large clumps of beef remaining.
3. Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial to prevent the final dish from being too oily. I usually tilt the skillet and carefully spoon out the grease.

Creating the Tomato Sauce:

1. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Softening the onion is key to building a flavorful base for the sauce.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be enticing!
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir to combine all the ingredients.
4. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate the spices evenly throughout the sauce.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth to thin it out.

Cooking the Gnocchi:

1. While the sauce is simmering, prepare the gnocchi according to the package directions. Generally, this involves bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the gnocchi. They will initially sink to the bottom, but as they cook, they will rise to the surface.
3. Cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface and are tender, usually about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
4. Once the gnocchi are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them directly to the skillet with the meat sauce. Don’t drain them completely; a little bit of the starchy water clinging to the gnocchi will help thicken the sauce.

Combining and Finishing:

1. Gently stir the gnocchi into the meat sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Be careful not to break the gnocchi while stirring.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine. The heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan cheese will melt into the sauce, adding a salty and savory flavor.
4. Continue to simmer the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to your liking.

Serving:

1. Serve the ground beef gnocchi hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves (if desired) and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
2. This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
3. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce when reheating.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Add vegetables: Saut茅 some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onion for added nutrients and flavor.
• Use different meat: Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as spinach or kale. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Cheese lover’s delight: Add a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top before serving and broil for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Fresh herbs: Use fresh oregano and basil instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their freshness.
• Wine addition: Add 1/2 cup of dry red wine to the sauce after browning the beef. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce before adding the tomatoes. This will add depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Slow cooker option: Brown the beef and saut茅 the onions and garlic as directed. Then, transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cooked gnocchi during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Freezing instructions: This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (approximate):

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
• Protein: 25-35 grams
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

Why I Love This Recipe:

This ground beef gnocchi recipe is a weeknight winner in my house! It’s quick, easy, and satisfying, and it’s a great way to use up ingredients you probably already have on hand. The combination of the savory meat sauce, the pillowy gnocchi, and the creamy Parmesan cheese is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that you can easily customize to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a cold evening or a simple dinner to feed a crowd, this recipe is sure to please!

Enjoy your homemade Ground Beef Gnocchi!

Conclusion:

This Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, and I truly believe it’s a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal. The combination of the savory ground beef, the pillowy soft gnocchi, and that rich, flavorful sauce is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, and trust me, you’ll be happy to oblige!

But what makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t?), sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the top before serving. You could even melt some mozzarella under the broiler for a bubbly, cheesy crust.

Looking for some serving suggestions? A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to balance the richness of the gnocchi. Crusty bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce, is also a fantastic addition. And for a truly decadent experience, try pairing it with a glass of full-bodied red wine.

Beyond the basic recipe, there are so many ways to customize this dish. If you’re looking to add more vegetables, consider incorporating some saut茅ed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach into the sauce. For a vegetarian option, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. You can also experiment with different types of gnocchi, such as sweet potato gnocchi or spinach gnocchi, to add a unique twist.

I’ve personally made this Ground Beef Gnocchi countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even a casual dinner party. The best part is that it’s so easy to make, even for beginner cooks. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that everyone will love.

So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll be amazed by how delicious and satisfying it is. And more importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? What did you serve it with?

Please, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Cooking is all about sharing and experimenting, and I believe that together, we can create even more amazing dishes. So go ahead, get in the kitchen, and start cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think of this comforting and flavorful Ground Beef Gnocchi. Happy cooking!