Ground Beef Gnocchi Skillet

This Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi is your new go-to for quick, cozy weeknight dinners. With pillowy gnocchi, rich tomato cream sauce, and melty cheese, every bite is layered with indulgent flavor and comfort. It’s everything you love about lasagna, stew, and pasta  in one skillet.

Best of all, it cooks in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is perfect for families, busy professionals, or anyone who wants to enjoy a warm, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll love how the gnocchi soaks up all that creamy sauce, creating a dish that’s simple, filling, and absolutely crave-worthy.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 3/4 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth

• 1 lb shelf-stable potato gnocchi

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, oregano, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

3. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in diced tomatoes, cream, and broth. Stir to combine and bring to a light simmer.

4. Add gnocchi directly into the skillet. Cover and let cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi is tender and the sauce thickens.

5. Stir in mozzarella cheese until melted. Remove from heat.

6. Top with parmesan and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve warm and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 570 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

When it comes to satisfying, easy-to-make comfort food, few dishes strike the perfect balance of cozy, quick, and indulgent like a one-skillet Ground Beef Gnocchi in creamy tomato sauce. It’s the type of dish that turns a regular weeknight into something you look forward to  rich, flavorful, cheesy, and soul-soothing. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to curl up with a warm bowl of something hearty, this recipe has your back.

With its roots in Italian comfort cuisine and a modern twist that embraces pantry-friendly ingredients and fast prep, this meal is ideal for families, couples, and solo foodies alike. The combination of soft, pillowy gnocchi, seasoned ground beef, creamy tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese makes for an unforgettable flavor experience that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

What Makes This Gnocchi Dish So Irresistible?

Let’s start with the basics: gnocchi. These small potato dumplings are beloved in Italian cuisine for their light, chewy texture and ability to absorb flavor like a sponge. Unlike dry pasta, gnocchi offers a plush, satisfying bite and a unique mouthfeel that pairs incredibly well with thick sauces.

In this recipe, the gnocchi is simmered directly in a tomato-cream sauce that’s infused with aromatic herbs, garlic, and onion. This technique eliminates the need to pre-boil the gnocchi, saving time and giving the dumplings the chance to soak up every last drop of flavor.

The ground beef adds a deep, meaty base that turns what could be a side dish into a protein-rich main. When you add in melted mozzarella and parmesan at the end, the result is a gooey, stretchy, cheesy topping that ties everything together into one cohesive comfort food masterpiece.

One Skillet, One Solution: Perfect for Busy Lives

One of the greatest perks of this recipe is its simplicity. It’s a true one-skillet meal, which means less prep, less cleanup, and more time to enjoy your evening. Everything is cooked in one pan  from browning the beef, to simmering the sauce, to melting the cheese.

This makes it perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners when time and energy are limited
• Meal prep  leftovers reheat beautifully
• Beginner cooks looking for a no-fail dinner
• Families who need something kid-friendly yet flavorful for adults

This dish checks all the boxes for convenience, flavor, and versatility  without requiring advanced cooking skills or hard-to-find ingredients.

Comfort Food with a Touch of Elegance

While many one-pan meals fall into the “quick but bland” category, this dish delivers bold, balanced flavors. The tomato paste brings umami richness, while diced tomatoes and broth create a sauce with depth. A touch of cream adds velvety smoothness that elevates the entire dish, while the herbs and garlic keep it fragrant and inviting.

And let’s not forget the cheese. The mozzarella melts seamlessly into the sauce, making it creamy and slightly stringy, while parmesan adds that perfect finishing bite of salt and nuttiness. It’s comfort food through and through  but with a little finesse.

Make It Your Own: Adaptations and Variations

Another thing that makes this dish a household favorite? It’s easy to tweak based on dietary needs, preferences, or what you have in the fridge. Here are some easy ways to switch it up:

– Swap the Meat

Not into ground beef? You can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Italian sausage (mild or spicy) adds even more flavor.

– Add Vegetables

Throw in some mushrooms, spinach, kale, or zucchini for an extra nutritional boost. Spinach wilts nicely into the sauce, and mushrooms add an earthy depth that complements the beef.

– Go Spicy

If you enjoy a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste or harissa for smoky, spicy complexity.

– Make It Lighter

Substitute the heavy cream for half-and-half or use evaporated milk. For a dairy-free version, opt for a plant-based cream like cashew or oat.

– Use Shelf-Stable or Fresh Gnocchi

Most stores carry both versions, and either works. Shelf-stable gnocchi is more convenient and ideal for pantry stocking, while fresh gnocchi can give a slightly softer texture.

Serving Suggestions to Complete the Meal

This dish is rich and filling enough to stand on its own, but you can also build a complete dinner experience around it. Here are a few simple sides and accompaniments that pair beautifully with creamy ground beef gnocchi:

• Garlic Bread or Focaccia: Ideal for soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce.
• Crisp Green Salad: A mix of arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan provides a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Veggies: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots add color and crunch.
• A Glass of Red Wine: Something like a Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the richness of the sauce.

Leftovers That Reheat Like a Dream

One of the best things about this recipe? It tastes just as good  if not better  the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, a splash of broth or milk will help revive the sauce’s creamy consistency. The gnocchi may soften slightly, but it will still be incredibly satisfying.

If you’re planning to make it in advance for a gathering or meal prep, you can even freeze portions. Just note that the texture of gnocchi may change slightly upon thawing, but it’s still delicious and reheats well in the oven or on the stove.

Why This Dish is a Reader Favorite

Whether you’re a parent trying to feed a hungry family or someone cooking for one who appreciates comforting leftovers, this ground beef gnocchi recipe has universal appeal. It’s:

• Quick and convenient
• Made with affordable, everyday ingredients
• Packed with flavor and texture
• A satisfying one-dish meal
• Highly adaptable to different diets and tastes

It’s also beginner-friendly, making it a fantastic recipe to recommend to anyone just starting out in the kitchen.

Conclusion: Cozy, Cheesy, and Crave-Worthy

In a world full of complicated dinner recipes and long ingredient lists, Ground Beef Gnocchi with Creamy Tomato Sauce stands out as a go-to for simple comfort. It offers everything you want in a satisfying dinner flavor, texture, richness, and ease. With one skillet, a few pantry staples, and just 30 minutes, you can create a dish that feels like it came straight out of a cozy Italian trattoria.

So the next time you’re staring into your fridge wondering what to cook, remember this creamy, cheesy gnocchi dish. It’s quick. It’s comforting. And best of all  it never disappoints.