Name: Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or to taste); 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices; 1/3 cup chicken or beef broth; 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 2 reviews

There’s something incredibly comforting about a rich, luscious dish like this Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe. Imagine tender potato gnocchi soaking up a velvety tomato sauce, studded with savory ground beef and kissed by hints of garlic and Italian herbs. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but comes together with surprising ease, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table in just about 25 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white tray with raw ground meat placed at the top left corner on a white marbled surface. To the right, there is a brown box of gnocchi pasta with a picture of yellow gnocchi on the front. Below the meat, a small white bowl holds chopped white onions. Two small bowls are also visible: an orange bowl with dried herbs and a red bowl with minced garlic. To the right of the onions, a can is open revealing red tomato sauce inside. At the bottom of the image, there are three clear measuring cups with black handles; one has shredded cheese, the middle one holds a white liquid, and the right one has a light yellow liquid. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one is essential to building the layers of flavor and texture that make this Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe so irresistible. From the savory ground beef to the creamy sauce and soft gnocchi, every component plays a star role.

1 pound lean ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base that adds protein and richness.
1/2 medium onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed alongside the beef.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth and a wonderful pungency that elevates the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Italian flavors.
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices): Offers bright acidity and texture for a balanced sauce.
1/3 cup chicken or beef broth: Adds extra savory complexity and helps adjust sauce consistency.
3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream: Brings silky creaminess that rounds out the tomato’s acidity beautifully.
1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the sauce and provide delightful texture.
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that ties all the flavors together.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the entire dish.

How to Make Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the ground beef with the chopped onions. This step sets the foundation; as the beef browns, those caramelized edges bring incredible flavor. If there’s excess fat, scoop most of it out so the sauce won’t get greasy.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning

Once your beef and onions are perfectly browned, stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. This will release fragrant aromas that really make the dish smell irresistible, infusing the beef with classic Mediterranean flair.

Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Broth, Cream, and Gnocchi

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, broth, and cream right into the skillet, then stir in the uncooked gnocchi. Once everything starts to bubble, lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This lets the gnocchi absorb all those delicious flavors as it cooks perfectly tender.

Step 4: Finish Cooking and Thicken the Sauce

Uncover the pan and give everything a good stir. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the gnocchi are soft and the sauce has thickened to your preferred consistency. This final simmer is where the magic happens, transforming the sauce into a creamy, luscious coating for the gnocchi.

Step 5: Add Parmesan, Season, and Serve

Sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese while the sauce is still hot so it melts beautifully into the mixture. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve your Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe piping hot for the best experience.

How to Serve Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

A close-up of a creamy gnocchi dish in a silver pan sitting on a white marbled surface. The dish has a thick, light brown sauce filled with small ground meat pieces and soft gnocchi that are pale yellow and slightly shiny. There are small bits of red tomato and finely chopped green herbs sprinkled throughout. A white spoon resting in the pan scoops up a mix of gnocchi, meat, and sauce, with visible seasoned specks of black pepper and herbs on top. The texture looks smooth and hearty, with the gnocchi clearly soft and plump. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves adds a bright, fresh contrast in flavor and color, making each serving look as good as it tastes. If you love a little extra cheesiness, a light dusting of more parmesan never hurts.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for added texture and color. Garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread will help you scoop up every last bit of that creamy tomato sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the gnocchi in individual shallow bowls and top with a few roasted cherry tomatoes or a swirl of pesto for extra burst of flavor. You could even bake it briefly with mozzarella on top for a bubbly, golden crust that elevates the meal to the next level.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Freezing

While gnocchi can sometimes change texture when frozen, you can freeze this dish if needed. Place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for best flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy sauce’s perfect consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or overheating, which keeps the gnocchi tender and the beef juicy.

FAQs

Can I use another type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option, though beef offers a richer flavor that complements the creamy tomato sauce beautifully.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream creates that luxuriously creamy texture that defines this recipe, but you could substitute half-and-half for a lighter finish, though the sauce will be less rich.

How do I know when the gnocchi are fully cooked?

When gnocchi float to the surface and have a tender texture that isn’t mushy, they are ready. In this recipe, simmering covered ensures they cook gently in the sauce itself.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Using gluten-free gnocchi will allow you to enjoy this dish without gluten. Just make sure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What can I do if the sauce is too thick?

If your sauce thickens too much before the gnocchi finish cooking, simply stir in a bit more broth or cream to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe is a heartfelt, satisfying dish that perfectly blends ease and elegance. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, the rich flavors and comforting textures will make it a beloved repeat in your kitchen. Give it a try—you won’t regret bringing this creamy, dreamy meal to your table.