This Ground Beef Gnocchi is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Tender gnocchi, savory ground beef, and a rich creamy tomato sauce come together in this simple one-pan recipe that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still crave a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of ground beef, Italian seasoning, and a creamy tomato sauce creates a comforting and flavorful dish.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Ground Beef Gnocchi:
- Lean ground beef: Use your preferred fat content for the ground beef.
- Onion: Chopped, for flavor and texture.
- Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of classic Italian herbs. Adjust the amount to your liking.
- Diced tomatoes: With juices, adds sweetness and acidity to the sauce.
- Chicken or beef broth: Adds flavor and moisture to the sauce.
- Heavy cream or whipping cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce.
- Uncooked potato gnocchi: Use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Ground Beef Gnocchi
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s a lot of excess fat, spoon it out and discard it. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken or beef broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the uncooked gnocchi to the simmering sauce and stir gently to combine. Cover the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi starts to soften.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Uncover the skillet and continue to cook for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Remove from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t pre-cook the gnocchi: The gnocchi will cook directly in the sauce, saving you time and an extra step.
- Add fresh basil: For an extra layer of flavor, stir in some fresh basil leaves at the end of cooking.
- Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or water. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
How to Serve Ground Beef Gnocchi

- Main Course: This Ground Beef Gnocchi is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own.
- Side Dish: You can also serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
- Lunch or Brunch: Enjoy it for lunch or brunch with a side of crusty bread and a fresh salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a combination of meats.
Can I use a different type of gnocchi?
Yes, you can use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi, but avoid using frozen gnocchi, as it may become mushy during cooking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ground beef or substitute it with crumbled tempeh or a plant-based meat alternative.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the skillet while cooking the beef and vegetables.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Ground Beef Gnocchi that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Print
Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Tender gnocchi, flavorful ground beef, and a creamy tomato sauce come together in this comforting and satisfying dish.
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, undrained
- 1/3 cup chicken or beef broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onions over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer with Gnocchi: Add diced tomatoes, broth, heavy cream, and gnocchi to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
- Thicken Sauce: Uncover the skillet and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Gnocchi: No need to pre-cook the gnocchi, as it will cook directly in the sauce.
- Fresh Basil: Adding fresh basil at the end enhances the flavor.
- Make Ahead: The ground beef mixture can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 600kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg