The Sunday Supper Special Rich Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi Bake

Creamy Beef Gnocchi Bake

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:40 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Ground Beef (85/15 recommended)
• 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 1 (16 oz) package Potato Gnocchi
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (plus more for topping)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch Oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until well-browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat.
• Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Season generously with salt and pepper.
• Reduce heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavours to meld.
• Add the uncooked gnocchi directly into the simmering sauce. Stir well to coat.
• Stir the heavy cream and the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Sprinkle the top generously with extra Parmesan cheese.
• Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
• Remove from the oven, garnish liberally with fresh parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	2160 kcal
Protein	24.3 g
Fat	43.2 g
Carbs	77.1 g
Fiber	20.3 g
Sodium	6655 mg

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	Italian-American

Why This Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi Deserves Centre Stage

As an expert chef and dedicated food writer, I often find myself seeking that perfect intersection between genuine flavour complexity and straightforward execution. This Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe is the culmination of that search. It transforms humble pantry staples into something genuinely exceptional—a dish that screams sophisticated comfort food without demanding hours of your valuable time. We are taking the pillowy softness of potato gnocchi and bathing it in a deeply savoury, slow-simmered ragù built around seasoned ground beef, ultimately enriched by a luxurious dairy finish. This isn't just another Quick Ground Beef Dinner ; it’s a deeply satisfying meal designed to become a cherished tradition in your home. It’s hearty, rich, and manages to be both familiar and exciting all at once, making it an ideal addition to your rotation of Family Dinner Ideas Ground Beef Gnocchi options.

The Anatomy of Ultimate Comfort Food in a Bowl

What elevates this particular comfort dish above the rest? It's the balance. We achieve a beautiful contrast between the robust, umami-laden meat sauce and the cloud-like texture of the pasta. Understanding the role of each component is key to mastering the final product, whether you are preparing this as a Creamy Ground Beef Dinner or a weekend showcase.

Meet Your New Weekend Staple Dish

This recipe, which I lovingly call The Sunday Supper Special: Rich & Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi Bake , is designed for maximum reward with minimal fuss. Utilizing ground beef (85/15 is my preference for balanced flavour and texture) provides the necessary richness. We develop depth early by caramelizing tomato paste and utilizing beef broth, which sets the stage for the creamy elements to shine, rather than overwhelm. It quickly proves itself a fantastic example of Simple Ground Meat Recipes Gnocchi that punches above its weight class.

Elevating Store-Bought Gnocchi: A Chef's Secret

A common misconception is that great pasta dishes require hours dedicated to making fresh pasta. Not so here! We are leveraging fantastic, high-quality store-bought gnocchi. The secret lies in how we treat them.

Instead of boiling them separately until they are fragile, we often incorporate the uncooked gnocchi directly into the simmering sauce for the last phase of cooking, or gently fold in pre-cooked ones. This allows the gnocchi to absorb the flavour of the sauce while retaining just enough structure to prevent them from disintegrating into a starchy mess.

Setting Expectations: Hearty, Rich, and Effortless

When you decide to tackle this Creamy Beef Gnocchi , understand that the goal is richness. This is not a light meal; it's designed to satisfy a deep hunger. The difficulty level is delightfully low—we rely on standard sautéing and simmering techniques. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time under an hour, this Easy Ground Beef Gnocchi proves that deep flavour doesn't require complex methodology, positioning it perfectly among the best Ground Beef Gnocchi Dishes available.

Assembling the Pantry: Essential Components for Flavour Depth

Before we begin the cooking process, a well-organized pantry ensures a seamless workflow. For this Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe , every ingredient plays a defined role, from providing the savoury foundation to delivering that final luxurious mouthfeel.

The Beef and Aromatic Foundation Checklist

The foundation of any great ragù begins with high-quality beef and perfectly balanced aromatics. You will need about one pound of ground beef—leaner cuts are fine, but the slight fat content of 85/15 renders beautifully, providing flavour as it cooks down.

Crucial to the aromatic base are one medium yellow onion, finely diced, and three robust cloves of garlic, minced. To season this core, we rely on one teaspoon of dried Italian Seasoning and two tablespoons of tomato paste.

That tomato paste is non-negotiable; cooking it briefly until it deepens in colour caramelizes the sugars, unlocking profound umami notes that support the final sauce. We complete the liquid base with a full can (14.5 oz) of crushed tomatoes and one cup of low-sodium beef broth to ensure a savoury depth without unnecessary saltiness.

Selecting the Optimal Dairy for the Luxurious Finish

The "creamy" aspect of our Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi hinges on two dairy components. First, you need half a cup of heavy cream (sometimes called double cream). This is what provides the smooth, velvety texture that coats the pasta perfectly. Second, and perhaps more important for flavour integration, is freshly grated Parmesan cheese. I strongly advise against pre-shredded varieties here; the anti-caking agents prevent proper melting. Half a cup, plus extra for topping, will ensure that salty, nutty backbone cuts through the richness of the beef.

Gnocchi Procurement: Fresh vs. Shelf-Stable Considerations

For this recipe, which clocks in at approximately 55 minutes total time, we rely on good quality pre-made potato gnocchi—either refrigerated or shelf-stable works. A standard 16-ounce package is sufficient for four hearty servings. The cooking method you choose for the gnocchi will influence the next steps, as detailed in the technique section, but sourcing quality pasta is the starting point for a successful Ground Beef Gnocchi .

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Mastering the Technique: From Sauté to Simmer

The magic of this Creamy Ground Beef Dinner truly happens during the cooking process, where layering flavours replaces high heat and aggressive stirring.

Building the Savoury Beef Base: Browning and Seasoning

Begin by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon until it is beautifully browned and no pink remains. Crucially, drain off any excess grease now; we want flavour, not a greasy final product.

Next, reduce the heat to medium and introduce the diced onion, sautéing until translucent and soft, about five minutes. Now, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for just one minute until their fragrance blooms.

Finally, stir in the two tablespoons of tomato paste and cook it for another minute, allowing it to toast slightly before introducing the liquids.

Integrating the Gnocchi into the Rich Sauce

Once the tomato paste has developed its flavour, pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, taking a moment to scrape the bottom of the pan—this fond (the browned bits) holds immense flavour and is essential for the overall profile of our Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe . Allow this base to simmer for 10 minutes. This is where you decide on the gnocchi integration. If you opt for the quicker method—highly recommended if you plan to bake—stir the uncooked gnocchi directly into the simmering sauce now, ensuring they are submerged. If you prefer the traditional route, boil the gnocchi separately until they float, drain immediately, and set aside for later folding.

The Final Infusion: Stirring in the Dairy Elements

After the sauce has simmered for ten minutes (and the uncooked gnocchi have softened slightly within it), reduce the heat to low. It is time to transform this robust sauce into a creamy dream. Pour in the heavy cream and the half-cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and luxurious.

If you cooked the gnocchi separately, gently fold them in at this stage. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper before moving to the final stage.

Customizing Your Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi Experience

While the core recipe delivers perfection, this canvas is wonderfully adaptable. True culinary satisfaction often comes from personalizing a standard recipe to suit immediate cravings or dietary needs.

Brilliant Twists: Herb Pairings and Vegetable Additions

To enhance the earthy tones, consider adding finely diced mushrooms alongside the onions, which will deepen the umami profile considerably. For a touch of brighter freshness, a small amount of diced carrot or finely chopped celery cooked with the onion works wonders.

If you enjoy a hint of heat, incorporating half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes alongside the Italian seasoning in the initial sauté provides a lovely, subtle warmth without turning the dish into a spicy challenge. Finishing with fresh parsley is mandatory for colour, but a light sprinkle of fresh basil can offer a lovely Mediterranean lift.

Troubleshooting and Preservation Techniques

Even the simplest recipes can occasionally present minor challenges. Knowing how to navigate sauce consistency or storage is key to ensuring every attempt at this Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi is a success.

How Long Will This Delight Keep in the Fridge?

This is an excellent dish for meal prepping. Stored properly in an airtight container, leftovers of this Ground Beef Gnocchi will maintain excellent quality in the refrigerator for three to four days. The sauce may thicken slightly upon cooling due to the cream and starch released by the gnocchi, but it will rehydrate beautifully when reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of extra beef broth or milk.

Baking vs. Stovetop: Deciding on Your Cooking Method

While the recipe details an oven finish, this dish is perfectly viable as a purely stovetop meal. If skipping the oven, ensure the sauce is simmering gently (not rapidly boiling) when you add the cream and cheese. Cook just until the gnocchi are tender (about 5- 7 minutes total if using uncooked ones submerged in sauce). The baking step, however, provides that desirable crusty, bubbly top layer of browned Parmesan, transforming the texture slightly and making it a genuine baked casserole experience.

Addressing Sauce Consistency Issues: Why Isn't It Thickening?

If, after adding the cream and cheese, your sauce seems too thin, do not panic. This is usually due to excess liquid from the broth or crushed tomatoes. The best fix is often patience; simmer gently with the lid slightly ajar for another 5 to 8 minutes to allow natural evaporation. If you need a quicker fix, remove about a quarter cup of the sauce, whisk in one teaspoon of cornstarch or flour until smooth, and then stir this slurry back into the main pan. This gentle thickening technique ensures your Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi maintains its signature luxurious clinginess.