Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe

If you’re looking for a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal that can be whipped up in no time, this Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe is exactly what you need. Perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this dish combines tender gnocchi with savory ground beef, creating a delicious and filling dish the whole family will love. Keep reading to discover the ingredients, cooking tips, and everything you need to make this recipe a success!

What is Ground Beef Gnocchi?

Ground Beef Gnocchi is a comforting Italian-inspired dish made with soft, pillowy gnocchi and hearty ground beef. Gnocchi is a type of Italian dumpling made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes egg, which pairs beautifully with rich sauces. In this recipe, we’ll use ground beef to create a savory meat sauce, making it a complete, one-pan meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Gnocchi

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious batch of Ground Beef Gnocchi:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef – Use lean ground beef for the best results. It creates a flavorful sauce without excess grease.
• 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi – You can use store-bought or homemade gnocchi for this recipe. Both work perfectly.
• 1 small onion, diced – Adds depth and flavor to the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic gives a delicious aromatic punch to the dish.
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes – The base of the sauce; crushed tomatoes can also be used for a smoother texture.
• ½ cup beef broth – Adds richness to the sauce and helps the flavors meld together.
• ¼ cup heavy cream – Optional, but it gives the sauce a luxurious, creamy finish.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste – Enhances the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to give it that classic Italian taste.
• Salt and pepper to taste – To season the dish.
• Olive oil (for sautéing) – A couple of tablespoons for cooking the beef and vegetables.
• Parmesan cheese (optional for serving) – Grated Parmesan cheese for topping adds a savory, nutty flavor.
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional garnish) – Adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

There’s plenty of room to adjust this recipe to your liking or based on what you have on hand. Here are some great substitutions and variations to try:

• Meat Options: If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage. You could also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
• Gnocchi: While potato gnocchi is the most traditional, you could experiment with sweet potato or cauliflower gnocchi if you're looking for something different or gluten-free.
• Tomatoes: If you don’t have diced tomatoes, you can substitute them with tomato sauce or passata for a smoother consistency. You can even use crushed tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
• Cream: For a lighter option, you can skip the cream or replace it with a non-dairy alternative such as coconut milk or almond milk.
• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition by adding veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Simply sauté them with the beef for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Spicy Twist: If you enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the dish a bit of a kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how you can prepare this mouth-watering Ground Beef Gnocchi dish step by step:

1. Prepare the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes for store-bought gnocchi or until they float to the surface). Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon, cooking until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Create the Sauce: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease if necessary. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Finish the Sauce: After the sauce has simmered, stir in the heavy cream for a rich, creamy finish. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine with Gnocchi: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated in the rich, flavorful sauce.
6. Serve: Once everything is combined, serve the Ground Beef Gnocchi hot. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil for an added touch.

How to Cook Ground Beef Gnocchi: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking this dish is straightforward, but here are a few key steps that will ensure it turns out perfectly every time:

1. Choose Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ground beef and fresh or high-quality gnocchi makes a big difference in the final flavor.
2. Properly Brown the Beef: Don’t rush this step. Browning the beef properly adds a lot of flavor, so make sure to cook it over medium-high heat and let it develop a nice sear before adding the tomatoes and broth.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer for at least 10 minutes helps the flavors meld and creates a more flavorful dish. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 5 minutes, but longer is better.
4. Cook Gnocchi Correctly: Gnocchi cooks quickly, so don’t overdo it! Once they float to the top of the water, they’re ready. Overcooking gnocchi can make them mushy, so be sure to watch them carefully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks fast, so don’t let them sit in the water too long, or they’ll become too soft and mushy. Remove them as soon as they float to the surface.
• Not Draining the Beef: If your ground beef is very fatty, be sure to drain the excess grease after browning. Too much grease can make the sauce overly oily.
• Skipping the Simmering Step: Allowing the sauce to simmer ensures that the flavors meld together. Don’t rush this step if you want a deep, flavorful sauce.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can elevate any dish, and Ground Beef Gnocchi is no exception. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• Use a Large Shallow Bowl: Serving gnocchi in a large shallow bowl allows the sauce to pool around the gnocchi, making it easier to scoop up each delicious bite.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil gives the dish a pop of color and a fresh flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich sauce.
• Grated Parmesan: Grate Parmesan cheese over the dish just before serving for an elegant finishing touch.
• Add a Drizzle of Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds a nice sheen and enhances the flavor.

How to Serve Ground Beef Gnocchi

Ground Beef Gnocchi is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few side dishes:

• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the gnocchi.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or carrots, add color and texture to the meal.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Serve in Individual Bowls: Serving each person their own portion in a small, deep dish creates an intimate, comforting feel.
• Garnish with Extra Parmesan and Herbs: Elevate the presentation with a generous dusting of Parmesan and some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top.
• Rustic Wooden Board: For a more rustic presentation, place the serving bowl on a wooden cutting board alongside a side of garlic bread and a small bowl of Parmesan cheese for an inviting look.

Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce and fold in the freshly cooked gnocchi before serving.
• Freezing: Gnocchi doesn't freeze well once it's been cooked, but you can freeze the sauce. When you're ready to serve, defrost the sauce, heat it up, and cook the gnocchi fresh.
• Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Yes! Homemade gnocchi works wonderfully in this dish, and it will make the meal even more special. Just be sure to follow the instructions for cooking time closely, as homemade gnocchi tends to cook faster than store-bought.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. You can use gluten-free gnocchi, which is available in many stores, and ensure that all other ingredients, such as beef broth, are gluten-free.

What can I use instead of beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken or vegetable broth will work just fine. You could even use water in a pinch, though the broth adds more flavor.

Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Yes, if you love a cheesy dish, feel free to stir in some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese into the sauce for a gooey, cheesy finish.

Can I make this dish in advance?
You can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you're ready to serve, cook the gnocchi fresh, combine it with the reheated sauce, and serve.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Gnocchi is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that combines the hearty richness of ground beef with the soft, pillowy texture of gnocchi. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. So next time you’re craving something comforting, give this Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!

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