Ground Beef Gnocchi Skillet in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
A quick and hearty one-pan Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe that combines tender gnocchi with savory ground beef, a creamy tomato sauce, and melted pepper jack cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Meat & Dairy
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup jalapeno pepper jack cheese, shredded
Produce
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (or paprika)
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (shelf-stable, uncooked)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the beef and onion: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking for about 10 minutes while stirring and crumbling the beef until fully cooked. Use a large spoon to remove any excess liquid or fat into a heat-proof bowl.
- Sauté garlic and season: Add the chopped garlic and chili powder to the skillet, then season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly to release the flavors.
- Add liquids and gnocchi: Pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the uncooked potato gnocchi and bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir everything together well.
- Simmer the gnocchi: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the gnocchi cook for about 5 minutes on medium or low-medium heat, allowing the sauce to simmer and the gnocchi to cook through.
- Melt the cheese and finish: Stir in the shredded jalapeno pepper jack cheese and cook until the cheese has melted completely. Remove from heat and adjust seasoning with salt, freshly ground coarse black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use shelf-stable potato gnocchi for convenience; fresh gnocchi can also be used but may require shorter cooking time.
- For a milder flavor, substitute jalapeno pepper jack cheese with regular mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
- Adjust the chili powder and red pepper flakes to control the level of spice based on your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce creamy.
