Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef – The star of the dish, providing rich, savory flavor.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped – Adds depth and a slightly sweet flavor when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the flavor with a fragrant, savory touch.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano and basil to elevate the taste.
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices – Adds a slightly tangy and fresh tomato base for the sauce.
- 1/3 cup chicken or beef broth – To provide moisture and extra flavor to the sauce.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce rich, creamy, and velvety.
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi – Soft, pillowy dumplings that cook directly in the sauce.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese – A finishing touch that adds saltiness and a sharp, nutty flavor.
- Salt & pepper to taste – For seasoning.
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and onion: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, breaking the beef apart as it cooks, until browned. If there’s excess fat in the pan, carefully spoon most of it out to prevent a greasy dish.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Let it cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant. This step boosts the flavor profile with aromatic herbs and spices.
- Incorporate tomatoes, broth, cream, and gnocchi: Pour in the diced tomatoes (including their juices), the chicken or beef broth, and the heavy cream. Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the pan. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the gnocchi is fully coated.
- Simmer and cook the gnocchi: Once the mixture begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium and cover the pan. Let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to soften and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Finish cooking uncovered: Uncover the pan, give the dish a good stir, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The gnocchi should be tender, and the sauce will have thickened slightly.
- Stir in parmesan and season: Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy
Notes
Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas
For a truly comforting meal, serve this Ground Beef Gnocchi alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. You can garnish the dish with extra parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of fresh basil, or a crack of black pepper to enhance the presentation. If you want a more colorful plate, try adding sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes.
For a fun presentation, serve the gnocchi in individual bowls or shallow plates with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner