Name: Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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 and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 5 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s bursting with rich flavors and velvety textures, this Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. Tender potato gnocchi swim in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce studded with savory ground beef and aromatic garlic, making every bite feel like a warm hug for your taste buds. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that comes together quickly but feels indulgently special. Trust me, once you try this delicious dish, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for cozy nights in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two side-by-side images show the cooking process in a shiny stainless steel pan on a white marbled surface. The left image displays raw ground meat, a large square-shaped pinkish block with texture lines, layered on top of chopped white onions spread evenly at the bottom of the pan. The right image features browned ground meat broken into small crumbles mixed with translucent cooked onions, with light yellow minced garlic and greenish dried herbs added on top, all sitting flat in the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is what makes this Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe so delightfully straightforward. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, creating the silky sauce, and balancing textures perfectly.

1 pound lean ground beef: Provides hearty, savory richness without excessive fat.
1/2 medium onion (chopped): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce base.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a hint of pungency.
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that bring Mediterranean flair and subtle complexity.
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices): Brings vibrant acidity and a juicy burst of tomato goodness.
1/3 cup chicken or beef broth: Enriches the sauce with savory notes and keeps it saucy without heaviness.
3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates that irresistible creamy texture that coats the gnocchi beautifully.
1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the sauce’s flavors.
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and thickens the sauce slightly.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to elevate every flavor in the dish.

How to Make Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the lean ground beef along with the chopped onion. Let the beef brown nicely for about 7 to 10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. When the beef is fully cooked and the onions are softened, carefully drain any excess fat for a cleaner, lighter sauce. This step builds a rich, meaty foundation that carries the entire dish.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning

Next, toss in the minced garlic and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the beef and onion mixture. Stir everything together and let it cook for just a minute or two until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. This quick step layers in the essential herbs and spices that make the sauce so inviting.

Step 3: Pour in Tomatoes, Broth, Cream, and Gnocchi

It’s time to bring the sauce to life! Add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices, the chicken or beef broth, and the heavy cream straight into the pan. Then gently stir in the uncooked potato gnocchi, making sure each piece gets coated in the creamy tomato mixture. When the sauce begins to bubble, cover the pan and lower the heat to medium. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to cook and absorb the flavors.

Step 4: Uncover and Finish Cooking

Remove the lid and give everything a good stir. Keep cooking for a few more minutes uncovered so the sauce can thicken, and the gnocchi can become wonderfully soft and tender. This is the moment when the sauce transforms into its signature creamy, rich consistency that hugs each potato pillow perfectly.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Season

Finally, fold in the freshly grated parmesan cheese while the sauce is still warm. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding a savory tang and helping it cling better to the gnocchi. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve up right away to enjoy the dish at its freshest, creamiest best!

How to Serve Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a creamy dish in a silver pan on a white marbled surface. The dish has two main layers: soft, round, beige gnocchi pieces and small pieces of light brown cooked meat mixed in a thick, orange-tan sauce. There are small bits of red tomato and white onion evenly spread throughout the sauce. Green herb flecks are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch of color. A white spoon is lifting a spoonful of the dish, showing the mixture well. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over your plated gnocchi. A little extra parmesan grated on top adds delightful salty bursts. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can awaken the flavors magnificently without overpowering the creaminess.

Side Dishes

This cozy and filling recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread is also fantastic for mopping up the luscious tomato sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli can add nice color and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe in deep pasta bowls to showcase the creamy sauce pooling around those tender gnocchi bites. For a special touch, drizzle a swirl of extra cream or a dash of good olive oil on top and garnish with fresh herbs. It also works beautifully as a hearty pasta bake if you want to switch things up—just transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner. Just keep in mind gnocchi will soak up sauce over time, so you might want to loosen it with a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen if you want to prepare it well in advance. For best results, freeze the sauce and gnocchi separate from any fresh cheese toppings in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to bring back that perfect creamy texture without the sauce separating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little broth, milk, or cream to revive the sauce’s silky consistency if it thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent the cream from curdling and the gnocchi from becoming gummy.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative and will still work nicely in the creamy tomato sauce. Just follow the same cooking method, but be mindful that turkey cooks slightly faster and can dry out if overcooked.

Is it okay to substitute heavy cream with milk?

While you can use milk to lighten the sauce, the texture won’t be as rich or creamy. If using milk, consider adding a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, but heavy cream truly makes this sauce decadent and luscious.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the ground beef entirely and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a similar hearty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef to keep it vegetarian-friendly without compromising flavor.

How can I tell when the gnocchi is fully cooked?

Gnocchi cooks quickly—usually in about 5 minutes once added to the sauce. They are done when they are tender and have puffed up slightly. If you prefer, you can boil them separately until they float to the surface, then add to the sauce at the end.

What type of gnocchi is best for this recipe?

Potato gnocchi, either fresh or store-bought uncooked, works beautifully here. Avoid pre-cooked or frozen gnocchi, as cooking times and textures may vary greatly and affect the sauce consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe is a true gem for anyone who loves a delicious, fuss-free meal that feels like a warm embrace. It’s quick to make and beautifully balances comfort and flavor with each savory, creamy bite. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner that never fails to impress.