Name: Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp dried parsley; ½ tsp salt; pepper, to taste; 28 oz marinara sauce; ½ cup chicken broth; 4 oz mozzarella, shredded or sliced; ¼ cup fresh Parmigiano Reggiano, grated; 24 oz potato gnocchi; Fresh basil, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 23 reviews

If you are craving the comforting layers of a classic lasagna but want something a bit quicker and with an exciting twist, this Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender potato gnocchi, savory ground beef, rich marinara, and gooey mozzarella in a single skillet for a one-pot feast that’s bursting with Italian flavors. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed, packing all the depth of traditional lasagna without the long oven time or the fuss of layering noodles. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large metal pan filled with a thick, rich meat sauce that covers the bottom layer completely. The sauce has a deep reddish-brown color with small, textured bits of cooked ground meat and visible tiny chunks of tomato scattered evenly throughout. The surface is glossy with a slight oily sheen, showing a mix of smooth sauce and textured meat pieces. The pan handle is visible on the right side, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here is a star on its own but together, they create magic. The balance of fresh herbs, hearty beef, creamy cheese, and pillowy gnocchi ensures your dish is flavorful, satisfying, and beautifully textured.

1 lb ground beef: Provides a savory base with rich umami that blends into the sauce perfectly.
1 tbsp olive oil: Helps to sauté the aromatics and adds a hint of fruity richness.
1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth; cook until translucent for best flavor.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with bold, fragrant notes that elevate every bite.
½ tsp onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor even more, layering complexity.
½ tsp garlic powder: Gives an extra punch of garlic without overpowering.
½ tsp dried oregano: Brings an earthy, classic Italian herbiness.
½ tsp dried parsley: Adds a gentle, fresh touch and hint of color.
½ tsp salt: Essential for highlighting all the other ingredients’ flavors.
pepper: Adds mild heat and balance; freshly cracked works best.
28 oz marinara sauce: The heart of the dish — rich, tangy, and tomato-forward.
½ cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce nice and saucy while adding subtle savory depth.
4 oz mozzarella, shredded or sliced: Melts beautifully into gooey, stringy cheese layers.
¼ cup fresh Parmigiano Reggiano, grated: A nutty, sharp finish to sprinkle over the top.
24 oz potato gnocchi: The star carbohydrate that soaks up all those incredible flavors.
Optional: fresh basil: For a fragrant, fresh pop of herbal brightness at the end.

How to Make Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add your ground beef. Break it up as it cooks until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. This step brings out the rich meaty flavors you want to build on. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease to keep the dish balanced and not greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Spices

To the pan, add olive oil followed by the chopped onion and minced garlic. Toss in the onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and everything is fragrant, giving your sauce a well-rounded flavor foundation.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Now pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Lower the heat and cover the pan so the flavors can meld while simmering gently. This slow cooking allows the herbs and spices to truly infuse into the sauce for about 20 minutes of pure deliciousness.

Step 4: Add the Gnocchi

Once your sauce has simmered, stir in the potato gnocchi. Cover again and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to cook the gnocchi through and let them soak up all those wonderful saucy flavors. This step is key for achieving that comforting, pasta-like feel without the usual standing time.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Finally, stir in the mozzarella cheese so it starts to melt into the sauce, creating a luscious cheesiness in every bite. Then sprinkle on the grated Parmigiano Reggiano for a burst of sharp, nutty flavor on top. Your stovetop gnocchi lasagna is now ready to serve!

How to Serve Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe

A white round plate holds a single-layer serving of gnocchi covered in thick, rich reddish-brown meat sauce with visible chunks of ground meat and small bits of green herbs sprinkled on top. The gnocchi pieces are golden and soft looking, mixed evenly with the sauce, which has a creamy texture and some tomato pieces. A silver fork rests on the left side of the plate, and a beige cloth napkin is placed near the bottom edge. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface with a wooden pepper grinder visible in the upper right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves scattered on top add a lively, herbal finish both in flavor and color that really bring the dish to life. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a luxurious touch, while an extra sprinkle of Parmesan provides that irresistible salty edge.

Side Dishes

This hearty, cheesy meal pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to lighten things up. For extra comfort, serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up every last bit of the sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus can add balance and color on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the dish straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style appeal that invites everyone to dig in. Alternatively, dish it into individual oven-safe bowls, sprinkle cheese on top, and quickly broil for a golden crust finish. This adds a whole new dimension to your stovetop gnocchi lasagna recipe presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your gnocchi lasagna cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its flavors and texture. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the gnocchi.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Freeze in portioned airtight containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the oven for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat slowly over low heat on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and keep the gnocchi tender. Avoid using a microwave for reheating as it tends to dry out cheese and gnocchi.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat besides ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great for a leaner option, or you can even use Italian sausage for a spicier twist. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Do I have to use potato gnocchi? What about other pasta?

Potato gnocchi is key for the unique texture of this lasagna, but if you want to switch it up, mini ravioli or small pasta shapes like orecchiette can work. Keep in mind the cooking time might vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also use lentils or plant-based meat substitutes to keep the heartiness.

Can I prepare this dish in advance and just reheat?

Definitely. This Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. Prepare it fully, then store and reheat gently when ready to serve. The flavors often deepen after chilling.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?

This recipe is mild by default, focusing on classic Italian herbs and cheese flavors. You can easily add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking if you like a little heat.

Final Thoughts

If you love the idea of a cozy, cheesy lasagna but need something faster and less fussy, the Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s a delicious, comforting dish that brings everyone to the table with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how effortless and tasty stovetop cooking can be!