Ground Beef Gnocchi in Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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Welcome the Flavors of Ground Beef Gnocchi in Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love how this Ground Beef Gnocchi in Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe comes together so quickly without any fuss, yet delivers a wonderfully cozy, comforting meal. The combination of juicy, savory ground beef with tender gnocchi swimming in a bubbly, rich tomato cream sauce is pure weeknight magic. Whether you’re cooking for the family or craving a tasty solo dinner, this dish hits all the right notes with minimal effort.

What’s great is how versatile it is—you can whip up this recipe any day when you want a fulfilling dinner that feels special but doesn’t tie you to the kitchen all evening. I remember the first time I made it, the fragrant aroma of garlic and Italian seasoning filled my whole kitchen, and I just knew I’d found a new favorite to keep in the rotation.

Market Basket & Pantry Picks

Before you dive in, picking fresh ingredients is the key to nailing this recipe’s vibrant flavors. For example, using onions that are firm with no spots, fragrant garlic, and a quality canned diced tomatoes will really elevate the sauce. If you’re short on certain ingredients, don’t worry—I’ve included some smart substitutions below that won’t compromise taste.

• 1 pound lean ground beef: Choose 85% lean for good flavor with less grease.
• 1/2 medium onion chopped: Yellow onions work best, but white onions are fine too.
• 3 cloves garlic minced: Fresh is best, but jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Fresh oregano and basil are wonderful if you have them.
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices: Opt for no-salt-added to control seasoning.
• 1/3 cup chicken or beef broth: Broth boosts the sauce’s depth—water plus a bouillon cube can substitute.
• 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream: Adds a velvety, creamy finish.
• 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi: Fresh or frozen both work well.
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated truly makes a difference over pre-grated.
• Salt & pepper to taste: Season carefully, tasting as you go.

Cook Ground Beef Gnocchi in Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe Step by Step

This Ground Beef Gnocchi in Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is genius because it all cooks in one skillet—meaning less cleanup and a quicker dinner on busy nights. Follow along these steps and soon you’ll be scooping up rich, creamy bites that taste like they simmered all afternoon.

1. Brown the Beef and Onion: Heat your skillet over medium-high and add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for 7-10 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. If you notice excess fat pooling, carefully spoon most of it out to keep the sauce from getting greasy while still retaining flavor.
2. Add Garlic & Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. The moment the garlic hits the hot pan, the kitchen fills with a warm, inviting aroma that makes you eager for the next steps.
3. Combine Tomatoes, Broth, Cream & Gnocchi: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, broth, and heavy cream. Add the uncooked gnocchi right into the sauce and give everything a good stir so that gnocchi is fully coated in the luscious mixture. This is where the creamy tomato sauce starts to come alive.
4. Simmer Covered: Once you see gentle bubbliness, cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to soften and soak up all those savory flavors.
5. Finish Uncovered: Remove the lid, stir gently, and cook for an additional few minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
6. Cheese and Season: Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese, and taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamy, bubbly best.

Serving the Dish with Flair

Now that you’ve created this delicious Ground Beef Gnocchi in Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe, it’s time to share the love around your table. I love how its bright, golden-tinged sauce looks vibrant when plated—just sprinkle a bit more parmesan and maybe some chopped fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness. This is comfort food that feels just a little fancy, perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Fun Variations with Ground Beef Gnocchi in Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

• Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for an extra spicy, savory note.
• Add sautéed spinach or kale in the last minutes of cooking for a pop of green and nutrition.
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes to amp up the sauce’s richness and tang.
• Top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
• Try a splash of white wine when adding broth to deepen the flavor complexity.
• Mix in a handful of fresh basil or parsley right before serving for fresh herbal brightness.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Leftover Ground Beef Gnocchi in Tomato Cream Sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
• Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Add a splash of cream or broth if sauce thickens too much.

Ground Beef Gnocchi in Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe FAQs

• Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or a meat blend works well if you want a lighter or different flavor.
• Do I need to boil the gnocchi first? No need — the uncooked potato gnocchi cooks perfectly in the simmering sauce, soaking up all those tasty flavors.
• What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
• How can I make this dish vegetarian? Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of meat broth.
• Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Yes! Just store in airtight containers and thaw overnight before reheating gently.

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