A hearty and flavorful dish combining tender potato gnocchi with savory ground beef, Italian seasoning, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal with family and friends!

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or to taste)
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
1/3 cup chicken or beef broth
3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef:

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat for 7-10 minutes, breaking the beef into crumbles as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, spoon most of it out.

2. Add Garlic and Seasoning:

Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add Tomatoes and Broth:

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken or beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.

4. Cook the Gnocchi:

Add the uncooked gnocchi to the pan and stir to mix. Once the sauce starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium and cover the pan. Let it cook for 5 minutes.

5. Finish Cooking:

Uncover the pan and stir the mixture. Cook for another few minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened to your preference.

6. Add Cheese and Season:

Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Filling: The combination of creamy sauce, tender gnocchi, and savory ground beef makes this dish perfect for a satisfying meal.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious dinner without much effort.
Flavorful: The mix of garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese adds incredible depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.

Tips

Avoid Overcooking the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly, so be sure to check the texture once it starts to soften. If you cook it for too long, it may become mushy.
Use a Non-stick Skillet: A non-stick skillet will help keep the gnocchi from sticking while cooking in the creamy sauce.
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a richer sauce, add a bit more cream or a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken.
Cheese Swap: If you don’t have Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese for a similar flavor.
Non-Dairy Option: Use a non-dairy cream alternative (like coconut cream or cashew cream) for a dairy-free version.

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
A: Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly fine for this recipe. Just follow the instructions on the package for cooking times.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and add the gnocchi.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove.

Serving and Suggestions

Pair with Salad: Serve with a simple green salad and a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish.
Bread on the Side: Pair with garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
Wine Pairing: This dish pairs well with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a rich white wine like Chardonnay.