Description
This Ground Beef Gnocchi is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender gnocchi simmered in a rich, creamy tomato and beef sauce. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s an ideal family dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves, finely diced
Seasonings & Sauces
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
Pasta & Cheese
- 1 pound gnocchi, uncooked
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan
Finishing Touches
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens but doesn’t brown.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spoon, until it is thoroughly browned and no longer pink.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in the finely diced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then add the Italian seasoning mix, red chili flakes, and tomato paste. Cook and stir for another minute to develop the flavors.
- Simmer Tomato Base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
- Create Creamy Sauce and Cook Gnocchi: Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to simmer for one more minute. Then add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the dish and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a lower-fat cream.
- Fresh gnocchi works best, but frozen gnocchi can be used; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi to maintain their pillowy texture.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
