This ground beef gnocchi is a one-pot wonder recipe that's creamy, cozy, and oh-so-comforting. With pillowy gnocchi in a rich, tomato-based beef sauce, it's an easy meal that's sure to become a family favorite!

And if you love gnocchi, why not try my delicious Gnocchi Lasagna next?

ground beef gnocchi with tomatoes on the side

Gnocchi are such a versatile ingredient, and I particularly love them in one-pan recipes that make dinner such a breeze even on the busiest of weeknights.

This ground beef gnocchi recipe is super easy to make without pre-cooking the gnocchi first and it's so creamy and comforting, you won't hear any complaints even from the pickiest of eaters.

For another picky-eater-approved ground beef dinner, have a look at my homemade hamburger helper stroganoff next!

Why you'll love ground beef gnocchi

It all comes together in just 30 minutes.
It's a one-skillet recipe so there's less washing up to think about.
The sauce is super creamy and flavorful - totally addictive if you ask me!

What you'll need

Gnocchi - The best gnocchi to use in this recipe are the ones you find in the refrigerated section of the supermarket. If you want to use shelf-stable gnocchi, you'll need to increase the cooking time as directed on the package.

Ground beef - I opted for leaner ground beef but feel free to use your favorite. You can always drain any excess fat as needed.

Onion + garlic - The flavor base for these creamy ground beef gnocchi. I chop it all finely so it blends nicely in the sauce.

Italian seasoning mix - For extra flavor; if you don't have it, you can use a mix of dried oregano and basil instead.

Tomato paste + crushed tomatoes - I love how the tomato paste enriches the crushed tomatoes in the sauce for an amazingly rich sauce.

Beef broth - Use low-sodium so you can easily control the saltiness of the dish. Chicken stock also works well if that's what you have.

Heavy cream - For that extra creamy sauce!

Parmesan - Freshly grated is always best for flavor and it also melts perfectly in the sauce.

Pro tip

Fresh gnocchi cook quickly! Make sure you follow the instructions on the package, but it's also a good idea to test one a minute early to avoid them turning mushy.

How to make gnocchi with ground beef

This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos. See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.

Heat some olive oil in a skillet and cook the onion until it starts to soften. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, and let it brown nicely.

Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and tomato paste, and let it cook for a minute.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, give it a good stir, and let it simmer. Add the heavy cream and let it bubble gently for a minute.

ground beef gnocchi step by step instructions

Toss in the gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the Parmesan, season to taste, and finish with fresh basil on top.

Substitutions and variations

Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine for that restaurant-worthy flavor.
Stir in some baby spinach or chopped kale for a pop of color and extra vitamins.
Sub the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes with your favorite marinara sauce.
Stir in some ricotta with the heavy cream for some extra cheesiness!

Helpful tips

Use a wooden spoon to crumble the beef as it cooks so it mixes perfectly into the sauce.
Stir the tomato paste in and let it cook for a minute before adding the liquids. It makes the sauce richer and more flavorful.
Fresh gnocchi are delicate, so stir them carefully to avoid breaking them while they cook.

What to serve with creamy beef gnocchi

Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce.
A crisp green salad is another great idea, perhaps with a vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the sauce.
Or simply serve the beef gnocchi with some roasted veggies like asparagus, zucchini or broccoli.

Leftovers and storage

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
I wouldn't recommend freezing this one - gnocchi tend to get mushy after thawing, and the sauce loses its creaminess.