This creamy beef and gnocchi is the kind of one pot dinner that makes weeknights a whole lot easier. It’s packed with ground beef, soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and thyme. Everything comes together in one pot for a hearty meal without a sink full of dishes. Say it with me- Oh yeah, Oh yeah that’s Off the Chain!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef and Gnocchi
- One-pot meal: Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup easy.
- Hearty and filling: Ground beef and tender gnocchi make this a satisfying dinner.
- Rich and creamy: Beef broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan create a flavorful sauce.
- Smoky flavor: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth without overpowering the dish.
- Easy weeknight dinner: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a great meal for busy nights.
What You’ll Need
- Ground beef – One pound of ground beef gives this dish plenty of hearty, savory flavor.
- Gnocchi – Soft potato gnocchi cook right in the sauce and soak up all that goodness.
- Fresh spinach – Adds a little color and balances the richness of the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream – Creates a smooth, rich sauce.
- Beef broth – Builds the savory base and helps cook the gnocchi.
- Yellow onion – Adds sweetness and flavor to the beef.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic brings everything together.
- Tomato paste – Adds depth and a little richness to the sauce.
- Smoked paprika – Provides a warm, smoky flavor throughout the dish.
- Dried thyme – Adds an earthy, savory note.
- Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for extra richness and flavor.
- Olive oil – Helps brown the ground beef and cook the aromatics.
- Salt and black pepper – Bring all the flavors together.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Gnocchi
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Seasonings
Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Let everything cook for about a minute to develop the flavor. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate all that flavor into the sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook according to the package directions, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce begins to thicken. Avoid a hard boil once the cream is added.
Step 6: Add the Spinach and Parmesan
Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted into the sauce. Add the fresh spinach and cook for another minute or two, just until wilted.
Step 7: Serve
Give everything a final stir and taste for seasoning. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.
Tips for the Best Creamy Beef and Gnocchi
- Brown the beef well. Getting a little color on the meat adds extra flavor to the sauce.
- Use smoked paprika. It gives the dish a deeper, smokier flavor than regular sweet paprika.
- Watch the gnocchi. Cooking times vary by brand, so check the package and avoid overcooking.
- Adjust the consistency. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of beef broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer gently for another couple of minutes.
- Add Parmesan gradually. Stirring it in while the sauce is warm helps it melt smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use shelf-stable gnocchi?
Yes! Shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen gnocchi can work. Cooking times and the amount of liquid needed may vary, so follow the package directions and check for tenderness.
Can I substitute ground beef?
Ground turkey or ground Italian sausage can work, although each will change the flavor of the dish. If using sausage, taste before adding extra salt.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh because gnocchi continue to absorb liquid as they sit. If making it ahead, reserve a little extra broth to loosen the sauce when reheating.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream.
Can I freeze creamy beef and gnocchi?
You can freeze it, but the cream sauce and gnocchi may change texture after thawing. For the best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerate leftovers.
What to Serve with Creamy Beef and Gnocchi
This is a filling meal on its own, but a few simple sides make it even better.
- Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Green salad – A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness.
- Roasted broccoli – Adds a little crunch and some extra vegetables.
- Roasted green beans – An easy, savory side that pairs well with the beef.
Stay Connected
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Creamy Beef and Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 3 ounces fresh spinach
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 3⅓ cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Stir in the gnocchi and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook according to the package directions until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with extra Parmesan.
