Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi: Comforting Gnocchi in a Rich and Creamy Beef Sauce
Looking for a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor? This Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi is the perfect dish! With tender gnocchi, a rich and creamy beef sauce, and savory mushrooms, it’s a delightful comfort food that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish will become a favorite for its delicious, creamy texture and hearty flavors.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi:
- Rich & Creamy Sauce: The combination of ground beef, garlic, and cream creates a luscious sauce that’s perfect for coating the soft gnocchi.
- One-Pan Meal: This recipe requires minimal cleanup, as everything is cooked together in one pan.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Hearty gnocchi and a savory beef sauce make this meal a perfect choice for cozy nights in.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the Gnocchi (Time: 2-3 minutes)
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Once they float to the top, they’re done. Drain and set aside. - Brown the Ground Beef (Time: 5 minutes)
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns, for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. - Sauté the Vegetables (Time: 5 minutes)
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. - Add Beef Broth & Cream (Time: 3 minutes)
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. - Combine with Gnocchi (Time: 2 minutes)
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, gently tossing to coat them in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to absorb some of the sauce. - Serve & Garnish (Time: 2 minutes)
Once the gnocchi is well-coated in the creamy sauce, remove from heat. Serve the creamy beef gnocchi in bowls, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi:
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat in your dish.
- Add Veggies: You can add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas to make the dish even heartier and more colorful.
- Substitute the Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. Just know that the sauce will be less thick.
- Make it Extra Cheesy: Top the finished dish with a bit of shredded mozzarella cheese for an even cheesier, more indulgent meal.
FAQ:
- Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe. Just cook it directly from frozen in the boiling water, and follow the same instructions. - Can I prepare this in advance?
While gnocchi is best fresh, you can prepare the creamy beef sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat and add freshly cooked gnocchi when ready to serve. - What can I serve this with?
This dish is filling on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Additional Information:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approx. 500 kcal per serving
Why You’ll Love This Meal:
Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the tender texture of gnocchi and a creamy beef sauce that’s rich and savory. It’s an easy-to-make dish that will leave you satisfied, whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion.