Cheeseburger Gnocchi Quick, Easy, Weeknight Skillet

Introduction

This one-skillet Cheeseburger Gnocchi turns pantry staples into a fast, comforting meal. It crisps store-bought gnocchi, browns seasoned beef, and finishes with melty cheddar for maximum satisfaction. Prep and cook in about 25 to 30 minutes, so it works for busy weeknights. Follow a few quick tips below to save time without sacrificing flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is built for speed and fuss free cooking. Pre-made potato gnocchi browns quickly and gives a toasted exterior that mimics homemade texture. Using a single large skillet keeps cleanup minimal and concentrates flavors as everything cooks together. Canned diced tomatoes with green chiles add acidity and a gentle kick without extra chopping. A splash of cream and sharp cheddar tie everything into a rich, creamy finish. The sear on the beef and the broiler finish on the cheese create contrast that feels indulgent but takes minutes.

Flavor and Texture

The contrast between toasted gnocchi and juicy, browned beef is the core appeal. Smoked paprika and cumin add warm savory notes while Ro-Tel brings tomato brightness and mild heat. Heavy cream softens the sauce and helps the cheddar cling to each gnocchi for gooey bites. Scallions on top add a fresh onion snap that lightens the rich elements. Overall you get crunchy edges, tender centers, and a creamy, tangy sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
• 1/2 lb lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• 2 cups diced onion (about 1 whole onion)
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10-oz) can Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions

Step by Step Instructions

1. Melt butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add gnocchi in a single layer and cook on one side for 2 to 3 minutes until browned and toasted.
3. Shake the pan to toss the gnocchi and continue cooking another 2 to 3 minutes, tossing occasionally, until both sides are toasted.
4. Remove gnocchi to a plate and set aside.
5. Turn heat to high and return skillet to stove until very hot and smoking.
6. Add the beef and season with salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and mustard powder if desired.
7. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned and onions are golden.
8. Drain excess fat if necessary.
9. Add the tomatoes, beef broth, and gnocchi back into the skillet and stir to combine.
10. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 5 minutes until gnocchi is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
11. Remove skillet from heat and add the cream and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar, stirring to combine.
12. Top with the remaining cheddar and scatter the scallions over the top.
13. Place the skillet under the broiler in the oven until the cheese is browned and bubbly, about 3 minutes.
14. Remove from oven and serve immediately.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Use pre-shredded sharp cheddar and pre-cut scallions to shave prep time. If you prefer a quicker cleanup, swap the broiler finish for a covered low oven bake at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes. To reduce steps, brown the beef in a second pan while you toast the gnocchi then combine everything in the skillet. Keep a can of Ro-Tel and shelf-stable broth on hand for last-minute dinners. Taste and adjust salt at the end since canned ingredients can vary.

Storage and Meal Prep

Cool leftovers completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. For meal prep, store components separately if possible so the gnocchi keeps some texture: keep the browned beef and tomato mix in one container and toasted gnocchi in another. Reassemble and broil briefly when ready to serve.

Short Closing Note

This Cheeseburger Gnocchi is exactly the kind of speedy comfort food that saves a busy night. It scales well, freezes acceptably, and is a true one-skillet crowd pleaser.

Conclusion

For a tested, full recipe and extra variations you can try, see the original Cheeseburger Gnocchi recipe on Kevin and Amanda.

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Cheeseburger Gnocchi

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This one-skillet Cheeseburger Gnocchi turns pantry staples into a fast, comforting meal, with crispy gnocchi, browned beef, and melty cheddar.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
• 1/2 lb lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• 2 cups diced onion (about 1 whole onion)
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10-oz) can Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add gnocchi in a single layer and cook on one side for 2 to 3 minutes until browned and toasted.
3. Shake the pan to toss the gnocchi and continue cooking another 2 to 3 minutes until both sides are toasted.
4. Remove gnocchi to a plate and set aside.
5. Turn heat to high and return skillet to stove until very hot and smoking.
6. Add the beef and season with salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and mustard powder if desired.
7. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned and onions are golden.
8. Drain excess fat if necessary.
9. Add the tomatoes, beef broth, and gnocchi back into the skillet and stir to combine.
10. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 5 minutes until gnocchi is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
11. Remove skillet from heat and add the cream and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar, stirring to combine.
12. Top with the remaining cheddar and scatter the scallions over the top.
13. Place the skillet under the broiler in the oven until the cheese is browned and bubbly, about 3 minutes.
14. Remove from oven and serve immediately.

Notes

Use pre-shredded cheese and pre-cut scallions to save time. Adjust salt at the end since canned ingredients can vary.

• Author: Chef Hanna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: None

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg