Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi Skillet – One Pan, 30-Minute Meal

Your New Favorite Weeknight Hero is Here!

Hey friends, Beau here from Feastical! Let’s be real for a second. Some nights, you just need a dinner that feels like a warm, comforting hug without turning your kitchen into a war zone. You want something hearty, something cheesy, something that makes everyone at the table go quiet for a second because they’re too busy enjoying the first bite. But you also want to be in and out of the kitchen in, oh, about 30 minutes flat.

Sound like a dream? Well, pull up a chair and get ready to meet your new weeknight bestie: the Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi Skillet.

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s your ticket to a stress-free, soul-satisfying meal. We’re talking plump, pillowy gnocchi, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce that all come together in one single skillet. Yes, just one! That means flavor for days and cleanup in a flash. It’s the kind of meal that looks and tastes like you fussed for hours, but our little secret is that it’s practically effortless. So, if you’re ready to turn simple ingredients into pure dinnertime magic, grab your favorite skillet and let’s get cooking!

The Night This Skillet Saved My Sanity

I’ll never forget the first time I threw this dish together. It was a classic “What’s-in-the-pantry?” kind of night. You know the one. It had been a long day of recipe testing, the kitchen was a mess, and my stomach was growling louder than my blender. I had a pack of gnocchi, some ground beef from the freezer, and the usual tomato sauce suspects staring back at me. In a moment of “what’s the worst that could happen?” inspiration, I decided to just go for it—all in one pan.

The second that cream hit the tomato sauce and swirled into that gorgeous pinky-orange color, I knew I was onto something. The smell that filled my kitchen was pure, unadulterated comfort. I remember sitting down at my counter, eating straight from the skillet (no judgment here!), and thinking, “Wow. This is it.” It was the perfect balance of hearty and luxurious, all with minimal effort. It’s been a Feastical family favorite ever since, and I have a feeling it’s about to become one of yours, too.

Gathering Your Flavor Dream Team

Here’s the beautiful part: this recipe doesn’t require a special trip to the store. You probably have most of this hanging out in your kitchen right now! Let’s break down the all-star cast of characters.

• 1 lb Ground Beef: I like an 80/20 blend for the best flavor, but leaner beef works great, too. Chef’s Insight: For a lighter twist, ground turkey or Italian sausage are fantastic swaps!
• 1 package (16 oz) Store-Bought Potato Gnocchi: The humble hero! These soft potato dumplings are the ultimate shortcut to a satisfying meal. No need to boil them first—we cook them right in the sauce! Chef’s Insight: Look for them in the pasta aisle. You can also use shelf-stable or fresh refrigerated gnocchi.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Just enough to get our aromas sizzling.
• 1 Small Onion, finely chopped: Our flavor foundation. It adds a subtle sweetness that balances the rich sauce.
• 3 Garlic Cloves, minced: Because is it even a cozy recipe without the beautiful scent of garlic hitting the pan? I think not.
• 1 can (14 oz) Crushed Tomatoes: This is the body of our sauce, giving it that classic, rich tomato base. Substitution Tip: If you have diced or pureed tomatoes on hand, those will work in a pinch, though the texture will be a bit different.
• ½ cup Heavy Cream: This is what transforms our sauce from a simple tomato base into a luxuriously creamy dream. Substitution Tip: For a lighter version, half-and-half will work, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick and rich.
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning: A perfect little blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. It’s like a flavor shortcut in a jar!
• ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional): My little secret for a subtle kick of heat. It doesn’t make the dish spicy, just more interesting! Feel free to leave it out if you’re sensitive to heat.
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste: The dynamic duo of seasoning. Don’t be shy!
• ½ cup Shredded Mozzarella or Parmesan: The glorious, melty finish! I’m a mozzarella guy for that epic cheese pull, but Parmesan adds a wonderful salty, nutty flavor.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley, for garnish: A sprinkle of green at the end makes it pretty and adds a pop of fresh flavor.

Let’s Build Some Flavor, Step-by-Step

Alright, team, it’s go time! This is where the magic happens. I’ll walk you through every step, sharing my favorite little hacks to make this dish absolutely perfect.

1. Heat the Oil & Sauté the Aromatics: Grab your largest, trustiest skillet (make sure it has a lid!) and place it over medium heat. Add that tablespoon of olive oil. Once it shimmers, toss in your chopped onion. We’re not looking for color here, just softness. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they’ve turned translucent and sweet. Chef’s Hack: While the onion cooks, this is the perfect time to mince your garlic. Multitasking for the win!
2. Wake Up the Garlic & Brown the Beef: Now, add your minced garlic to the pan. Ah, smell that? That’s the sound of deliciousness. Stir it around for just 30 seconds—we just want to fragrance the oil, not burn the garlic. Next, crumble in your ground beef. Use your spatula to break it up as it cooks until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains. Chef’s Tip: If you’re using a higher-fat beef, you can drain off the excess grease now. A little bit adds flavor, but we don’t want a pool of it!
3. Create the Sauce Base: Time for the main event! Pour in that entire can of crushed tomatoes. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give it all a big, hearty stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those little bits are pure flavor gold! Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the Gnocchi Right in the Sauce: Here’s the best part—no separate pot of boiling water needed! Simply pour the uncooked gnocchi directly into the simmering sauce and stir to coat them. Pop the lid on your skillet and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. The gnocchi will cook by steaming in that flavorful sauce, absorbing all its goodness. Give it an occasional stir to make sure nothing sticks. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and floating to the top.
5. The Creamy Transformation & Cheesy Finish: Turn the heat down to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until everything is combined into a smooth, creamy, rosy-colored sauce. Now, sprinkle that glorious cheese evenly over the top. Place the lid back on for just 1-2 minutes to let the cheese get all melty and fantastic.
6. The Grand Finale: Take the skillet off the heat. Tear up some fresh basil or parsley and scatter it over the top. This adds a fresh, bright note that cuts through the richness perfectly. And there you have it—dinner is served, straight from the pan!

How to Serve This Cozy Masterpiece

Presentation is part of the fun, even on a busy weeknight! You’ve got a few awesome options here.

The Rustic Family-Style Approach: My personal favorite. Just plop the skillet right in the middle of the table (on a trivet, please!), with a big serving spoon. Let everyone dig in family-style. It’s inviting, it’s communal, and it screams, “Come and get it!”

The Plated Perfection Method: Use a large spoon or ladle to portion the gnocchi into shallow bowls. The bowls help cradle that incredible sauce. I love to add an extra little sprinkle of fresh herbs and maybe a dusting of Parmesan on top to make it extra pretty.

What to Serve on the Side: This dish is a full meal in one, but a simple side can round it out beautifully. A crisp, green salad with a sharp vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy skillet. A few slices of crusty, warm garlic bread are also non-negotiable in my book—you’ll need them to sop up every last drop of that sauce!

Make It Your Own: 5 Delicious Twists

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to get creative and make it suit your mood or dietary needs!

• “Tuscan” Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach: Stir in ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and two large handfuls of fresh spinach right after you add the cream. The spinach will wilt beautifully into the sauce.
• Spicy Italian Sausage Swap: Replace the ground beef with a pound of Italian sausage (casings removed) for a deeper, fennel-spiced flavor. It’s a game-changer!
• Mushroom Lover’s Delight: Sauté 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions for an earthy, savory, and wonderfully hearty vegetarian version (just swap the beef for more mushrooms).
• Pumpkin Gnocchi Autumn Bake: In the fall, use pumpkin-shaped or sweet potato gnocchi and add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. It’s the coziest seasonal twist.
• Lighter & Leaner: Use ground turkey or chicken and swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.

Beau’s Kitchen Notes & Stories

This recipe has truly evolved in my kitchen. The first time, I was so hungry I almost forgot the cream! Thank goodness I didn’t, because that’s what makes it special. Over time, I’ve learned that letting the sauce simmer for an extra minute or two after adding the cream helps it thicken up to the perfect coating consistency. I’ve also been known to throw in a splash of red wine when I add the tomatoes if I have a bottle open—it adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Honestly, don’t be afraid to play around. The best family recipes are the ones that become your own.

Your Questions, Answered!

I’ve made this dish countless times, and I’ve heard all your brilliant questions. Here are the answers to the most common ones.

Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A: You can! There’s no need to thaw it first. Just add it directly to the skillet as you would with shelf-stable gnocchi. You may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time since it’s starting from frozen.

Q: My sauce is too thin! How can I thicken it?
A> No worries, this happens! The simplest fix is to let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes after adding the cream. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the sauce will naturally thicken. If you’re still in a rush, you can stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.

Q: Can I make this creamy ground beef gnocchi ahead of time?
A> You can, but with a chef’s warning: the gnocchi will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so it will be much thicker when reheated. I recommend making the sauce and browning the beef ahead of time, but cooking the gnocchi fresh when you’re ready to serve. If you do reheat leftovers, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A> Let the skillet cool completely, then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove over low heat, adding that splash of liquid I mentioned.

Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi Skillet

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• Author: BeauCollier

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Description

Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi Skillet

One pan • 30 minutes • Cozy, creamy, and super filling

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cheesy Finish

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan

Optional Garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley

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Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large lidded skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until soft.

3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

2. Brown the beef

1. Add ground beef.

2. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.

3. Drain extra grease if needed.

3. Build the sauce

1. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Cook the gnocchi right in the sauce

1. Add the uncooked gnocchi straight to the skillet.

2. Stir well and cover.

3. Simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.

5. Make it creamy + cheesy

1. Turn heat to low.

2. Stir in the heavy cream.

3. Sprinkle cheese on top.

4. Cover 1–2 minutes until melted.

6. Serve

Top with basil or parsley and serve right from the pan.

Notes

• Sausage Version: Swap beef for Italian sausage.

• Mushroom Style: Add mushrooms + omit meat.

• Lighter Version: Use turkey + half-and-half.

Nutritional Info (For Your Peace of Mind)

I’m all about balance and knowing what’s going into your body. Here’s a general breakdown for one serving (about a quarter of this recipe). Remember, these are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, like the fat content of your beef or the brand of gnocchi.

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories per serving: ~520
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 25g

This dish is a fantastic source of protein to keep you full and satisfied. To lighten it up, you can use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7), opt for a lower-fat cheese, or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, my friend—everything you need to create a truly spectacular, comforting, and incredibly easy meal that’s sure to become a regular in your rotation. This Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi Skillet is proof that you don’t need fancy techniques or a mountain of dishes to put something amazing on the table. It’s about simple, good food made with a whole lot of heart.

I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Did you add your own twist? Did your family go crazy for it? Tag me on social @feastical or shoot me an email. Seeing your kitchen creations absolutely makes my day.

Now go forth, cook with confidence, and enjoy every single bite. Until next time, keep those spatulas handy and your hearts full.

– Beau