Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Start Here: Cozy Cravings with Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

There’s something so comforting about a warm, hearty plate of gnocchi, especially when it’s smothered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with savory ground beef. I first stumbled into this Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe on a chilly evening when I needed something quick, filling, and just downright delicious. The way the tender gnocchi soaks up the luscious sauce and the savory beef mingle with subtle Italian spices—well, it quickly became a favorite around my kitchen table.

This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll enjoy how the creamy sauce cuts through the juicy ground beef, while the gnocchi adds that pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth delight. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters tend to love!

What really excites me about this dish is how flexible it is—you can tweak it with bold flavors or fresh herbs, making it your own without losing the comforting base. Let’s dive in—I promise you’re going to love how simple and tasty this Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe is to whip up.

Prep Like a Pro

Before you get going, I always find it helpful to organize everything ahead of time. This classic kitchen move—mise en place—makes cooking smoother and way less stressful. Chop your onion and mince the garlic first, open your cans, and measure out your cream and broth. When it’s all ready and waiting, you can focus on the fun part: cooking!

• A large non-stick skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Grater for fresh parmesan
• Lid for the skillet (or foil if you don’t have one)

Gather Your Ingredients

Using accurate measurements keeps this Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe perfectly balanced every time. I recommend having everything ready measured out before you start cooking to avoid surprises.

• Lean ground beef – for a juicy, meaty base
• Medium onion, chopped – adds sweetness and depth
• Fresh garlic cloves, minced – aromatic punch
• Italian seasoning – classic herb blend for savory flair
• Canned diced tomatoes with juices – bright and tangy sauce foundation
• Chicken or beef broth – to bring everything together
• Heavy or whipping cream – for that indulgently smooth texture
• Uncooked potato gnocchi – tender, pillowy dumplings
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese – sharp, nutty finish
• Salt and pepper – seasoning to taste

If you want to lighten it up, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a milk alternative, but keep an eye on consistency. And for a vegetarian twist, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms.

Step-by-Step to Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe Bliss

Ready to cook? Follow these steps, and you’ll have a cozy dinner on the table in about 25 minutes. I find this recipe both forgiving and rewarding, so you can tweak it as you go and make it your own.

1. Brown the beef and onion: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beef loses its pink color and onions are soft and translucent, about 7-10 minutes. If you notice a lot of excess fat, carefully spoon most of it out to keep the sauce rich but not greasy.
2. Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning: Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the pan. Let the aromas develop for about a minute, stirring often so the garlic doesn’t burn.
3. Add tomatoes, broth, cream, and gnocchi: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, broth, and heavy cream. Toss in the uncooked gnocchi and give everything a good stir to combine.
4. Simmer covered: Once the sauce starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 5 minutes. This steams the gnocchi and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
5. Finish thickening: Uncover the pan and stir carefully. Keep cooking for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Season and cheese it up: Remove from heat; stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest.

Serve & Savor

This Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe is a crowd-pleasing comfort food that calls for no-fuss plating—just heap it generously onto warm plates, sprinkle a little extra parmesan, maybe a fresh herb or two, and dig in. The velvety sauce, tender gnocchi, and savory beef meld into every bite, promising satisfying mouthfuls and happy bellies.

Creative Variations with Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add fresh spinach or kale in step 4 for a boost of greens and color.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes for a richer, tangier sauce.
• Stir in a spoonful of pesto before serving for a herby twist.
• For dairy-free, swap cream with coconut milk and skip parmesan or use a nut-based alternative.
• Switch out gnocchi for small pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne if you prefer.

Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the sauce and beef mixture up to step 5; cool and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze well in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s creaminess.
• Note: Avoid microwaving too long at once as gnocchi can turn gummy; stir occasionally while warming.

Your Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe Questions Answered

• Can I use frozen gnocchi? Yes! Just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time to ensure they cook through.
• What if I don’t have heavy cream? Half-and-half or whole milk works in a pinch, but expect a slightly thinner sauce.
• Can I make this gluten-free? Use gluten-free gnocchi or replace with gluten-free pasta shapes.
• How do I prevent the sauce from splitting? Cook gently on medium heat and stir often, avoiding boiling the cream harshly.
• Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Absolutely, freeze leftovers in airtight containers and thaw before reheating slowly.

Print