If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting dish that feels both indulgent and effortless, this Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe is about to become your new weeknight superstar. Imagine pillowy gnocchi swimming in a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce, generously studded with savory ground beef and fragrant hints of garlic and Italian herbs. It’s a one-pan wonder that transforms simple store-bought ingredients into a gourmet-inspired meal that’s ready in just about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because every ingredient plays a pivotal role, bringing harmony to the plate without any unnecessary extras. From the bright acidity of diced tomatoes to the luscious cream that adds that signature silky touch, each item is essential to building the layers of flavor and the perfect texture you crave.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty foundation that adds protein and meaty richness.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped: Adds aromatic sweetness that gently caramelizes as you cook.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a wonderfully fragrant punch that makes every bite pop.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Offers a subtle blend of herbs that tie the tomato and beef together.
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices: Brings fresh zing and color to the sauce without overpowering it.
- 1/3 cup chicken or beef broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce irresistibly moist.
- 3/4 cup heavy or whipping cream: Creates that signature creamy texture that coats the gnocchi beautifully.
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi: The soft, pillowy carbs that soak up all the savory creaminess.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for an added nutty, salty finish.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and chopped onions, letting them cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions have turned translucent and slightly caramelized, usually about 7 to 10 minutes. If you notice a lot of fat collecting, carefully spoon most of it out—this keeps the sauce from feeling greasy while concentrating the flavors.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning
Once the beef and onions are perfectly browned, stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Keep the heat medium-high to let the garlic release its heady aroma without burning—this step only takes about a minute but makes a big flavor impact, setting the stage for the sauce to come.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Broth, Cream, and Gnocchi
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with juices, broth, and heavy cream, then add your uncooked gnocchi straight into the pan. Give everything a good stir so the sauce starts coming together and the gnocchi are evenly distributed. When the sauce begins to bubble, cover the skillet and turn the heat down to medium. This gentle simmer will cook the gnocchi through and allow it to soak up all those marvelous flavors, usually about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Uncover and Finish Cooking
Remove the lid to check on the gnocchi’s texture, stir gently, and let it cook uncovered for a few more minutes. This helps the sauce thicken just right and ensures your gnocchi are perfectly tender and pillowy. Adjust the consistency to your liking here—if you want it saucier, feel free to keep it a bit looser or cook slightly longer to thicken it up.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Season
Turn off the heat and immediately mix in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. This will melt into the sauce, adding a savory, cheesy finish that elevates the entire dish. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed to bring everything into perfect balance before serving.
How to Serve Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley add a burst of color and freshness to this creamy comfort food. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add delightful layers of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic-roasted vegetables creates a well-rounded meal. Crunchy breadsticks or a warm baguette are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, because let’s be honest, you won’t want to waste a single drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls with the sauce spooned generously over the top and a parmesan crisp on the side for an impressive yet approachable presentation. For a fun twist, add sautéed mushrooms or colorful roasted peppers stirred into the sauce right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, which makes it even more comforting when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that gnocchi may soften slightly after freezing. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick after refrigerating or thawing, to return it to that luscious creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or sausage work great here too and will offer different flavor profiles. Just be sure to adjust cooking times and seasonings accordingly.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream? Can I substitute it?
Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich, silky texture, but you could substitute half-and-half or a full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option, although the sauce may be slightly less thick and rich.
Do I have to use store-bought gnocchi?
Store-bought gnocchi is a huge time-saver and works perfectly here, but if you have homemade gnocchi on hand, this recipe is a fantastic way to showcase it.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic, or a few dashes of hot sauce in the sauce to dial up the heat without overpowering the creamy tomato flavors.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can brown the beef and onions ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before continuing with the recipe. This helps speed up the final assembly on busy nights.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug but takes almost no work, you need to try this Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of comfort and elegance that’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Trust me, once you taste those fluffy gnocchi drenched in creamy tomato goodness, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A quick and delicious one-pan ground beef gnocchi meal featuring tender gnocchi in a creamy tomato sauce with rich flavors from garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting and gourmet-feeling dinner in about 25 minutes.
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 ground beef and chopped onion together for 7-10 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. If there is excess fat, carefully spoon most of it out to reduce greasiness.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, allowing the flavors to meld for about a minute.
- Add liquids and gnocchi: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken or beef broth, and heavy cream. Add the uncooked potato gnocchi to the pan and stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook covered: Once the sauce begins to bubble, cover the skillet and lower the heat to medium. Let it cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to allow the gnocchi to cook through and absorb flavors.
- Finish cooking uncovered: Remove the lid, stir gently, and continue cooking for a few more minutes until the gnocchi are soft and the sauce has thickened to your preference.
- Add cheese and seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the dish immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat, but you can adjust according to preference.
- If you want a spicier sauce, consider adding red pepper flakes when adding the seasoning.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce but it may be less rich.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
