Cozy Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe: A Rustic Family Favorite

Crafting a delectable ground beef gnocchi promises a culinary adventure that will tantalize taste buds.

Soft potato dumplings paired with savory meat create a hearty meal.

Italian comfort food reaches new heights when simple ingredients combine with passion.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers unexpected flavor combinations.

Home cooks can easily master these delightful pillows of deliciousness.

Skilled chefs and kitchen novices alike will appreciate the straightforward preparation.

You’ll find yourself craving this satisfying dish that brings warmth to the table.

Ground Beef Gnocchi Overview

• Speed Through Cooking: Super quick preparation allows you to have a complete meal ready in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for families with tight schedules and hungry appetites.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe that welcomes personal touches like adding extra vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or swapping cheeses to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Kid-Friendly Delight: Soft gnocchi and savory ground beef create a crowd-pleasing dish that even picky eaters will enjoy, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable for parents.

Ground Beef Gnocchi Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that creates the hearty base of this comforting dish.
• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that provide a delicious and filling foundation for the recipe.
• Crushed Tomatoes: A rich and tangy sauce component that adds depth and moisture to the meal.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic ingredients build a robust flavor foundation for the ground beef mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that adds a creamy, savory topping.
• Fresh Basil: A fragrant herb that brings a bright and fresh note to the final presentation.

• Olive Oil: A smooth cooking fat that helps sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking.

Cooking Steps for Ground Beef Gnocchi

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Gently sauté diced onion and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors into the pan.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it into small pieces.

Cook until the meat turns a rich, golden brown color.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the meat’s natural taste.

Step 3: Create Saucy Goodness

Pour in crushed tomatoes and let the mixture simmer gently.

Allow the sauce to develop depth and richness for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook Gnocchi Perfectly

Bring a separate pot of water to a boil.

Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions until they float to the surface, indicating they’re cooked through.

Carefully drain the gnocchi in a colander.

Step 5: Combine and Blend Flavors

Add the cooked gnocchi directly into the beef and tomato sauce.

Gently toss and stir to ensure every pillow-soft gnocchi is coated with the savory sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Flair

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them across the dish for a burst of bright, herbal flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting combination of tender gnocchi and hearty beef sauce.

Tips for Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Rinse gnocchi with cold water after boiling to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
• Use beef with higher fat content for richer, more intense taste profile.
• Simmer tomato sauce uncovered to naturally thicken and concentrate flavors.
• Chop basil just before serving to maintain maximum aroma and vibrant green color.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms for a meatless version.

Variations on Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Vegetarian Gnocchi Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Turkey Lean Option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter, lower-fat alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes and oregano to create a zesty, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty gnocchi dish with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.
• Italian-Inspired Plating: Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, creating a restaurant-quality presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
• Comfort Food Companion: Pair with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the rich flavors of the ground beef and tomato sauce.
• Leftover Magic: Store any remaining gnocchi in an airtight container and reheat the next day for a quick and delicious lunch, with the flavors becoming even more developed overnight.

Storage Guidelines for Ground Beef Gnocchi

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled gnocchi and beef mixture to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What makes gnocchi different from pasta?

Gnocchi are soft, pillowy dumplings made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, offering a more dense and chewy texture compared to traditional wheat pasta.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work perfectly as substitutes for ground beef in this recipe, providing similar protein and flavor profiles.

• How do I know when the ground beef is fully cooked?

The beef is done when it turns completely brown with no pink color remaining and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, which ensures food safety.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this ground beef gnocchi dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance.

Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef gnocchi brings Italian comfort to dinner tables with rich, savory flavors. Tender potato dumplings nestled in a robust meat sauce create a satisfying meal for hungry families seeking delicious home-cooked goodness.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Main Ingredients:

• 1 package gnocchi
• 1 can crushed tomatoes

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce ground beef to the pan, breaking it into crumbly pieces and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains, roughly 6-7 minutes.
3. Sprinkle salt and pepper across the meat, enhancing the savory profile of the protein.
4. Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and develop rich flavors for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Meanwhile, prepare gnocchi in a separate pot of boiling water according to package guidelines, typically 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface.
6. Drain gnocchi thoroughly, then carefully fold them into the beef and tomato mixture, ensuring each pillow-like dumpling is evenly coated with the robust sauce.
7. Remove skillet from heat and garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
8. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by using high-quality ground beef with at least 80% lean meat for optimal richness and juiciness.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach during the cooking process.
• Prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy by ensuring the pasta is cooked al dente and quickly added to the beef mixture to maintain its texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg