Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe

Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi is an easy skillet dinner with tender potato gnocchi, ground beef, broccoli, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Everything comes together in one pan for a hearty meal that works well on a busy weeknight. The creamy sauce brings the gnocchi, beef, and broccoli together without requiring a long list of ingredients.

What Is Gnocchi?

Gnocchi are small Italian dumplings traditionally made with potatoes and flour. They have a soft, tender texture and cook much faster than many pastas.

For this recipe, packaged potato gnocchi works well. Follow the package cooking instructions and avoid overcooking. The gnocchi will continue cooking once you add it to the beef and cream sauce.

How to Make Ground Beef Broccoli Gnocchi

Start by browning the ground beef and minced shallot in a large skillet or braiser. Break the beef apart as it cooks so you have small pieces throughout the finished dish.

While the beef cooks, prepare the gnocchi and broccoli according to the gnocchi package directions. They usually need only a few minutes to cook. Drain them and reserve some of the cooking water.

Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon.

Add the butter to the remaining beef drippings. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and cook it briefly. Cook the flour, but don’t let it brown.

Slowly whisk in the whole milk. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth, then bring it to a low boil and cook for about two minutes.

Reduce the heat and return the beef to the skillet. Add the cooked gnocchi and broccoli and stir until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.

Cover the skillet and let it simmer for several minutes. For an extra-cheesy dinner, add mozzarella on top, cover the skillet, and cook until the cheese melts.

Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

My Tip for the Best Gnocchi

Don’t overcook the gnocchi when you first boil it. Gnocchi can become soft quickly, and it will continue cooking after it goes into the skillet.

I also recommend reserving some of the gnocchi cooking water. If the sauce becomes thicker than you like, add a small amount of the reserved water until you reach the consistency you want.

Cooking Tips and Substitutions

Use lean ground beef. Lean or extra-lean ground beef works well here. If your beef produces a lot of grease, drain some before making the sauce.

Don’t brown the flour. The flour thickens the sauce. Cook it briefly with the butter, but keep it light.

Add the milk slowly. Whisk continuously as you add the milk. This helps create a smooth sauce.

Freshly grate the Parmesan. Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce more easily and gives the finished dish a better texture.

Add mozzarella. For a cheesier version, sprinkle mozzarella over the skillet before covering it. Cook until the cheese melts.

Change the vegetable. Broccoli is my choice here, but cauliflower works well too.

Use leftover cooked vegetables. If you already have cooked broccoli in the refrigerator, add it later so it doesn’t get too soft.

Adjust the sauce. Add a little of the reserved gnocchi cooking water if the sauce gets too thick.

Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi?

Yes. Frozen gnocchi can work in this recipe. Follow the package directions for cooking and avoid cooking it longer than necessary before adding it to the skillet.

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?

Yes. Ground turkey can replace the ground beef if you prefer. Since turkey has less fat than some ground beef, you may need to add a little extra butter to the skillet when making the sauce.

Can I Add Cheese?

Absolutely. Add parmesan at the end, but mozzarella is also a good option. Top with mozzarella, cover the skillet, and let it melt before serving.

Can I Make This Ahead?

This recipe is best served shortly after cooking because gnocchi keeps absorbing sauce as it sits. If you make it ahead, keep a little extra milk or reserved gnocchi cooking water on hand to loosen the sauce when reheating.

How Do I Store Leftover Ground Beef Gnocchi?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a small splash of milk or water and heat gently. This helps loosen the sauce as the gnocchi absorbs some of it while refrigerated.

What to Serve with Ground Beef Broccoli Gnocchi

This is a filling meal on its own, but you can add a simple side if you’d like.

• Green salad
• Garlic bread
• Crusty French bread
• Roasted vegetables
• Simple fruit salad

A crisp salad is especially good with the creamy sauce.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

If you like easy dinners made with familiar ingredients, try these next:

• Lazy Skillet Lasagna
• Amish Country Casserole
• Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole
• Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Spaghetti
• Sheet Pan Bell Pepper Chicken
• Shrimp Pasta in New Orleans Tomato Cream Sauce

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef Broccoli Gnocchi is a simple way to turn ground beef and potato gnocchi into a complete dinner. The creamy Parmesan sauce ties everything together, while broccoli adds color and texture. Keep this recipe in mind when you need an easy skillet meal that requires little cleanup.