Cheeseburger Gnocchi — Easy One-Pot Gnocchi Recipe
Cheeseburger Gnocchi is a comforting one-pot dish combining tender potato gnocchi with savory ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce seasoned to mimic classic cheeseburger flavors. Perfect for a quick, hearty meal that blends Italian comfort with American favorites.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 16-ounce package potato gnocchi
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sliced green onions
- Dollop of sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant, building the flavor base of the sauce.
- Season and Build the Sauce: Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, and cream or milk, then stir well to combine all ingredients into a rich sauce.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the skillet. Cover with a lid and let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the gnocchi is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce’s flavors.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted thoroughly and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the cheeseburger gnocchi immediately, garnished with sliced green onions or a dollop of sour cream if desired, adding a fresh or tangy contrast to the creamy dish.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi when possible for faster cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Cheddar cheese can be swapped with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for variation.
- For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during seasoning.
- Ground turkey or chicken is a good lean substitute for beef.
- To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free gnocchi and verify broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop adding a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce.
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