Ground Beef Gnocchi (30 Minutes, One-Pan)

Ground Beef Gnocchi (30 Minutes, One-Pan) is a delightful recipe that brings comfort food to your table in just half an hour. This dish combines the rich flavors of savory tomato sauce and spicy jalapeno pepper jack cheese with soft potato dumplings, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its one-pan preparation, cleanup is easy, allowing you to focus on enjoying every bite of this delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one pan means less cleanup and more time to relax after a meal.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of spicy cheese and hearty ground beef delivers a satisfying taste that warms the soul.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adjust the spices or add vegetables based on your preferences, making this dish adaptable for everyone.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this creamy and cheesy gnocchi dish that’s packed with flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make Ground Beef Gnocchi effectively, having the right kitchen tools is essential. These tools help streamline the cooking process while ensuring delicious results.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Large skillet: Provides ample space for cooking all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware; it helps break up the ground beef easily.
• Measuring cups: Ensure precise ingredient amounts for consistent flavor in every batch.

Ingredients

This ground beef gnocchi recipe includes the same ingredients you’d find in homemade hamburger helper, with the addition of potato dumplings. Ready in just 30 minutes and made in one pan, this comfort food meal combines all the favorite flavors: savory tomato sauce, spicy jalapeno pepper jack cheese, chili powder, garlic, and onions!

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (or paprika)

For the Sauce

• 1.5 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Gnocchi

• 1 lb potato gnocchi (shelf-stable)
• 1 cup jalapeno pepper jack cheese (shredded)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Ground Beef Gnocchi (30 Minutes, One-Pan)

Step 1: Heat Oil and Cook Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for about 10 minutes while stirring and crumbling the beef until fully cooked.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices

Add chopped garlic and chili powder to the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes while stirring constantly.

Step 3: Combine Sauces and Gnocchi

Pour in marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add uncooked potato gnocchi. Bring to a boil over medium heat and stir everything together. Cover with a lid and let cook for about 5 minutes on medium or low-medium heat while the sauce simmers.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese

Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Remove from heat and season with additional salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Enjoy your quick and delicious Ground Beef Gnocchi as a comforting main course that’s sure to please everyone at your table!

How to Serve Ground Beef Gnocchi (30 Minutes, One-Pan)

Serving Ground Beef Gnocchi is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit your taste. This dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also allows for various serving styles to enhance your meal.

Family Style

• Serve the gnocchi directly from the skillet for a casual family meal that invites everyone to help themselves.

Individual Bowls

• Dish out portions into individual bowls, allowing for easy serving and personal customization with toppings.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each serving with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Topped with Extra Cheese

• For cheese lovers, sprinkle additional jalapeno pepper jack cheese on top before serving for an extra creamy touch.

Spicy Kick

• Serve with a side of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit more heat in their dish.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

• Offer slices of crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying crunch.

How to Perfect Ground Beef Gnocchi (30 Minutes, One-Pan)

Perfecting Ground Beef Gnocchi is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions enhance the overall flavor profile and aroma of your dish.
• Cook beef thoroughly: Ensure the ground beef is well-cooked before adding other ingredients for safety and flavor.
• Adjust spice levels: Customize the amount of chili powder based on your preference for spice; start small if unsure.
• Simmer sauce well: Letting the sauce simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully; don’t rush this step!
• Don’t overcook gnocchi: Follow package instructions closely; overcooking can lead to mushy gnocchi.
• Taste before serving: Always taste your dish before serving to adjust seasoning as needed.

Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Gnocchi (30 Minutes, One-Pan)

To complement your Ground Beef Gnocchi, consider these delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with it.

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic side that is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and adding a crunchy element.
2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich gnocchi.
3. Steamed Broccoli
   Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing the meal’s heaviness.
4. Roasted Vegetables
   A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender can add depth and variety to your plate.
5. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a light and flavorful option alongside the gnocchi.
6. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw can offer a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the softness of gnocchi.
7. Grilled Asparagus
   Lightly seasoned asparagus spears grilled until tender provide a sophisticated touch to your meal.
8. Mixed Green Salad
   A simple salad with mixed greens dressed lightly keeps things fresh while enhancing your dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ground Beef Gnocchi, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to properly brown the ground beef can lead to a lack of flavor. Always cook until it’s nicely browned for a richer taste.
• Not Removing Excess Fat: Leaving too much fat in the pan can make your dish greasy. Make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking the beef.
• Overcooking the Gnocchi: Cooking gnocchi too long can result in a mushy texture. Follow cooking times closely and keep an eye on them as they float.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Skipping seasoning can result in bland flavors. Be generous with salt, pepper, and spices to enhance the dish’s overall taste.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold ingredients can slow down cooking and affect consistency. Allow broth and cream to reach room temperature before adding them.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing the container.

Freezing Ground Beef Gnocchi (30 Minutes, One-Pan)

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Ground Beef Gnocchi (30 Minutes, One-Pan)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover lightly, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm throughout.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ground Beef Gnocchi (30 Minutes, One-Pan)?

Ground Beef Gnocchi is a quick one-pan meal that combines ground beef with potato dumplings in a savory tomato sauce, ready in just 30 minutes.

Can I customize my Ground Beef Gnocchi?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or swap out cheeses based on your preferences.

How do I store leftover Ground Beef Gnocchi?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months.

What can I serve with Ground Beef Gnocchi?

This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients and make it your own. Give this comforting dish a try; your family will love it!

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