Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
A creamy and comforting Ground Beef Gnocchi skillet dish featuring tender potato gnocchi simmered in a flavorful sauce of lean ground beef, diced tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning, finished with a rich cream and Parmesan cheese topping. Ready in just 25 minutes, it makes an easy and satisfying weeknight dinner for four.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onion: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef and chopped onion together for 7 to 10 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened. If there is excess fat, spoon out most of it to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning into the browned beef and onion mixture, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Combine Tomatoes, Broth, Cream, and Gnocchi: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken or beef broth, and heavy cream. Add the uncooked potato gnocchi to the skillet. Stir the mixture well, and once the sauce begins to bubble, cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium.
- Simmer Until Gnocchi is Tender: Cook covered for about 5 minutes, then uncover and stir. Continue cooking for a few additional minutes until the gnocchi is soft and cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your preferred consistency.
- Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve the dish immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and calories.
- Spoon out excess fat during cooking to improve texture and healthfulness.
- Feel free to swap chicken broth with beef broth or vegetable broth as preferred.
- Heavy cream adds richness but can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Parmesan cheese adds depth and umami; freshly grated is best for optimal flavor.
- Serve with a side of green vegetables or a salad for a balanced meal.
- Gnocchi cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to prevent it from getting mushy.
