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Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi

Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi

This creamy ground beef gnocchi recipe combines tender potato gnocchi with savory beef and a velvety tomato-cream sauce. It’s a 30-minute one-pan meal that’s comforting, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (85-15% lean-fat ratio)
  • 1 pound potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon
  • chef's knife
  • cutting board
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Gather and measure all ingredients. Dice the onion, mince garlic, and set seasonings aside for quicker cooking.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, break it up, and cook until no longer pink (5–7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed, keeping 1 tbsp in pan.
  3. Add diced onions and cook until translucent (3 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
  4. Pour in beef broth, scrape up browned bits, and stir in Italian seasoning and smoked paprika. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Add gnocchi and heavy cream. Stir, cover, and simmer 3–4 minutes until gnocchi is tender and sauce thickens.
  6. Stir in Parmesan and spinach (if using) until melted and wilted. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 28gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1120IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 240mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

To make it lighter, use half and half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. For a Mexican twist, add cumin, chili powder, and top with cilantro and avocado. Frozen gnocchi can be used directly — just increase cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Let the dish rest 2–3 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.

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