Beef Gnocchi One Pan: Easy Recipe & Quick Cleanup

Beef Gnocchi One Pan – the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that’s ready in under 30 minutes and bursting with flavor! Imagine tender, pan-seared beef mingling with pillowy soft gnocchi, all simmered in a rich and savory tomato-based sauce. Are you ready to ditch the complicated recipes and embrace a comforting, satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup?

Gnocchi, those delightful little potato dumplings, have a rich history rooted in Italian culinary tradition. While their exact origins are debated, they’ve been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, evolving from simple peasant fare to a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide. This Beef Gnocchi One Pan recipe takes the classic comfort of gnocchi and elevates it with the heartiness of beef, creating a complete and balanced meal in a single pan.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The slightly crispy beef, the soft and chewy gnocchi, and the tangy tomato sauce create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, the convenience of a one-pan meal is a major win for busy weeknights. Less time spent cleaning means more time spent enjoying delicious food with loved ones. So, get ready to experience the magic of Beef Gnocchi One Pan – your new go-to recipe for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dinner!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (17.6 ounce) package potato gnocchi
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Getting Started: Preparing the Ingredients

Okay, let’s get this Beef Gnocchi One Pan party started! First things first, we need to prep our ingredients. This will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Trust me, a little prep goes a long way!

1. Chop the Onion: Grab your trusty cutting board and knife. Peel the yellow onion and chop it into small, even pieces. We want it to cook evenly and blend nicely into the sauce.
2. Mince the Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely. You can use a garlic press if you have one, or just chop them as small as you can. Garlic is a flavor powerhouse, so don’t skimp!
3. Measure the Spices: Get your measuring spoons ready. Measure out the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Having these ready to go will save you time later.
4. Grate the Cheese: Shred the mozzarella cheese and grate the Parmesan cheese. You can use pre-shredded mozzarella if you prefer, but freshly grated cheese always melts better.

Cooking the Beef and Aromatics

Now for the fun part – cooking! We’re going to start by browning the ground beef and building a flavorful base with the onion and garlic. This is where the magic happens!

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy gnocchi!
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is a sad garlic.

Building the Sauce and Adding the Gnocchi

Time to create our delicious sauce and introduce the star of the show – the gnocchi! This is where all the flavors come together to create a comforting and satisfying meal.

1. Add the Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), and beef broth. Stir well to combine everything.
2. Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but you can’t take it away!
3. Bring to a Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the Gnocchi: Gently stir in the potato gnocchi. Make sure the gnocchi is submerged in the sauce.

Baking the Gnocchi

Now, we’re going to bake the gnocchi in the oven to ensure it’s cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and delicious. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture and flavor.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cover and Bake: Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
3. Uncover and Bake: Remove the lid or foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

Adding the Cheese and Finishing Touches

Almost there! Now we’re going to add the cheese and give our Beef Gnocchi One Pan that final touch of deliciousness. This is the part where it goes from good to amazing!

1. Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the gnocchi.
2. Broil (Optional): If you want a bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping, broil the gnocchi for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!
3. Let it Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together even more.

Serving and Enjoying

Congratulations, you’ve made Beef Gnocchi One Pan! Now it’s time to serve and enjoy the fruits of your labor. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

1. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic touch.
2. Serve: Serve the Beef Gnocchi One Pan hot, straight from the skillet.
3. Enjoy!: Dig in and enjoy! This dish is best enjoyed with a side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
• Use Different Meat: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add more vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Creamy Sauce: Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamier sauce.

Storage Instructions:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Conclusion:

This Beef Gnocchi One Pan recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it. From the tender, browned beef to the pillowy soft gnocchi, all bathed in a rich and savory tomato sauce, every bite is pure comfort food bliss. The best part? It all comes together in a single pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal that the whole family will love, this is it.

But the deliciousness doesn’t have to stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley over the finished dish. A dollop of creamy ricotta cheese adds a luxurious touch, while a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese provides a salty, savory finish. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Looking to customize the recipe further? Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost the nutritional value and add some extra texture. You could even stir in a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a healthy dose of greens.

For a truly decadent experience, try broiling the Beef Gnocchi One Pan for a few minutes after it’s cooked. This will create a bubbly, golden-brown crust that’s simply irresistible. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce, or pair it with a simple green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

This Beef Gnocchi One Pan is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even a cozy date night at home. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s easy to adapt to your own preferences and dietary needs, making it a truly customizable dish.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of a delicious, easy-to-make meal. Once you’ve given it a go, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Don’t forget to rate the recipe too! Your feedback helps other home cooks discover this amazing Beef Gnocchi One Pan recipe and enjoy the same deliciousness. Happy cooking!