One Pan Ground Beef Gnocchi: Easy Comfort Food Delight

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hearty, comforting meal that all comes together in just one pan. This one pan ground beef gnocchi recipe is exactly that—a flavorful, easy dinner that you can whip up on any busy night without a mountain of dishes to clean afterward.

this Recipe

With tender gnocchi simmered alongside savory ground beef and a rich tomato sauce, this dish hits the spot every time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite herbs and veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Minimal cleanup with only one pan required.
• Hearty and satisfying with tender gnocchi and flavorful ground beef.
• Uses common pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Customizable with your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this delicious one pan ground beef gnocchi to life. Make sure to have your pantry basics ready!

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup water or low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 520 per serving

How to Make One Pan Ground Beef Gnocchi

1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the marinara sauce, water or broth, dried Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the gnocchi directly into the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Cover and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
5. Remove the lid and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Let the sauce thicken for 1-2 minutes uncovered.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese for a delicious finish.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use fresh or frozen potato gnocchi—either works well in this recipe.
• Don’t skip draining excess fat from the ground beef to avoid a greasy sauce.
• Stir gently when cooking gnocchi so they don’t break apart.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more nutrition and texture.
• For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream before adding Parmesan.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover one pan ground beef gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more overnight!

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just brown it thoroughly and adjust seasoning to taste since these meats can be milder in flavor.

Do I need to boil gnocchi before adding it to the pan?

Nope! This recipe cooks the gnocchi right in the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors while softening perfectly. Just be sure to stir gently so they don’t break.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can! Simply swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sauté a mix of mushrooms and lentils. The tomato sauce and gnocchi will still make a satisfying meal.

What sides go well with ground beef gnocchi?

A crisp green salad or steamed veggies make great accompaniments to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or a simple bruschetta also pair nicely for extra comfort food vibes.