Name: Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried parsley; 1/2 tsp salt; pepper to taste; 28 oz marinara sauce; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 4 oz mozzarella, shredded or sliced; 1/4 cup fresh Parmigiano Reggiano, grated; 24 oz potato gnocchi; Fresh basil for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving all the cozy, comforting layers of lasagna but don’t want to fuss with the oven or the extra baking time, then this Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It takes all the flavors you love from classic lasagna—rich meat sauce, melty mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan—and combines them with pillowy gnocchi that soak up every bit of that saucy goodness. The best part? You cook it all in one pan on the stovetop, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this dish hits that perfect balance of hearty and quick.

A close-up view of a large silver pan filled with thick, reddish-brown sauce mixed with small pasta pieces and melted cheese. A wooden spoon is lifted above the pan holding a chunky scoop of the mixture, with thin strands of melted cheese stretching down from the spoon back to the pan. The sauce looks rich with a smooth and chunky texture, and the pasta pieces are soft and coated in the sauce. The background is a dark, plain surface, and the pan sits on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but pack so much flavor. Each one brings something special to the bowl: the ground beef gives it that meaty backbone, the herbs add depth and aroma, and the cheeses deliver gooey, melty happiness. Plus, using potato gnocchi instead of noodles makes this whole dish a fun twist on classic lasagna textures and feel.

1 lb ground beef: Provides a rich, savory foundation and wonderful texture.
1 tbsp olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and keeps everything juicy.
1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a fresh, punchy flavor that brightens the sauce.
1/2 tsp onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor without extra chopping.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the garlic notes in the dish.
1/2 tsp dried oregano: Gives that classic Italian herb aroma.
1/2 tsp dried parsley: Lends a subtle, fresh herbal touch.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors.
Pepper: Adds a little kick and complexity.
28 oz marinara sauce: The luscious base to tie everything together with tangy tomato goodness.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce from getting too thick and adds savory depth.
4 oz mozzarella, shredded or sliced: Melted cheese that pulls everything into that indulgent lasagna feel.
1/4 cup fresh Parmigiano Reggiano, grated: Adds a nutty, salty finishing touch.
24 oz potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the sauce like a dream.
Optional fresh basil: Adds a bright, fresh garnish if you have it on hand.

How to Make Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large sauté pan over medium heat and brown the ground beef until it’s beautifully caramelized and no longer pink. This step creates a flavorful base by developing those savory browned bits. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from getting oily, but leave just enough to keep things tasty.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Seasonings

Add olive oil to the pan with the drained beef, then toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the onions are soft and fragrant. This builds the layers of flavor that make this dish stand out.

Step 3: Stir in Marinara Sauce and Chicken Broth

Pour in the marinara sauce along with the chicken broth, giving the mixture a good stir to combine all those rich flavors. The broth helps keep the sauce nice and saucy, while the marinara brings that comforting tomato base that’s signature to lasagna.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let everything simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. This slow simmer is where the magic happens, deepening the savory taste.

Step 5: Add Potato Gnocchi

Once your sauce has simmered, stir in the potato gnocchi, making sure they’re submerged in the sauce. Cover once more and simmer for another 10 minutes. The gnocchi will cook right in the sauce, puffing up and soaking in all that rich flavor for an irresistibly soft bite.

Step 6: Stir in Mozzarella Cheese

Mix in the shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese while the dish is still warm so it melts throughout, creating gooey pockets of cheesy delight that mirror the comfort of traditional lasagna layers.

Step 7: Sprinkle with Parmigiano Reggiano

Finish by sprinkling fresh Parmigiano Reggiano over the top. This salty, nutty cheese adds a final brilliant touch that elevates the entire dish.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe is ready to serve right from the pan. Grab your favorite fork and dive into all that melty, saucy goodness!

How to Serve Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe

A close-up view of a thick stew with two main layers, showing plump, golden-yellow gnocchi pieces mixed with a rich, deep red-brown sauce filled with finely crumbled cooked meat and small bits of light beige onion. The sauce looks moist and slightly oily, clinging to the gnocchi and meat, with occasional small chunks of red tomato scattered evenly throughout. A wooden spoon with a smooth grain is partly visible, scooping up a portion of the stew from the white marbled background. The texture appears hearty and dense, with the gnocchi slightly shiny and soft, and the sauce thick but not dry. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves adds an inviting pop of color and a burst of herbal brightness that balances the richness of the dish. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil for that perfect finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This gnocchi lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or an herby roasted vegetable mix to add some freshness and crunch alongside the creamy, meaty main course.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve portions in individual shallow bowls or cast iron skillets right at the table, keeping the cheese melty and the dish warm. You can also sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the top before serving for an unexpected crispy contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even better!

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the gnocchi lasagna into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly and keep the cheese melty. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick while reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based meat alternative or extra mushrooms for a hearty texture. Adjust seasonings to taste and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, frozen gnocchi can be used directly in this recipe. Just add a few extra minutes to the simmering time to make sure they cook through completely.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to the sauce if you like a little heat with your lasagna.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, add the gnocchi and cheese to finish the dish quickly.

What’s the best type of gnocchi to use?

Potato gnocchi is ideal because of its pillowy softness and ability to absorb sauce. Fresh gnocchi works well, but store-bought frozen potato gnocchi is a perfect shortcut without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe is the perfect answer for anyone who loves luscious lasagna but wants a faster, fuss-free way to enjoy it. It’s rich, satisfying, and so inviting — a real crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your new favorite comfort food. Trust me, once you do, this recipe will become a staple in your rotation!