Description
This comforting Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe combines tender potato gnocchi with a rich and creamy tomato sauce, infused with Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a perfect hearty meal for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or to taste)
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/3 cup chicken or beef broth
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt & pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onions: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef along with the chopped onion. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are softened. If excess fat accumulates, spoon most of it out before proceeding.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking briefly until fragrant to enhance the sauce's flavor.
- Add Tomatoes, Broth, Cream, and Gnocchi: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken or beef broth, and heavy cream. Add the uncooked gnocchi and stir well to combine. Once the sauce begins to bubble, cover the pan and reduce heat to medium to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Simmer Until Gnocchi is Tender and Sauce Thickens: Remove the cover and stir the mixture. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the gnocchi is cooked through and tender, and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the gnocchi hot immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the dish.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer uncovered a bit longer to reduce.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh parmesan cheese adds the best flavor, but pre-grated works fine in a pinch.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cream and parmesan and use a vegetable broth instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
