Ground Beef Gnocchi Skillet with Ricotta and Marinara Recipe
This Ground Beef Gnocchi Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan meal that combines golden-crisp gnocchi, savory garlicky ground beef, and creamy ricotta cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe offers a comforting, lasagna-inspired dinner perfect for busy weeknights, leveraging shelf-stable gnocchi and a flavorful marinara sauce for a fuss-free yet delicious dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 1 16-ounce package shelf-stable gnocchi
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- ⅔ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Sauce
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (about 3 cups)
Instructions
- Crisp the Gnocchi: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the gnocchi in an even layer and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden and lightly crisp. Then, transfer the gnocchi to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté the Beef: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Add the ground beef and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt and cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Make the Ricotta Mixture: While the beef cooks, combine the ricotta and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl and mix until smooth.
- Add the Sauce and Gnocchi: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef and stir well to combine. Gently return the crisped gnocchi to the skillet and stir carefully so everything is coated evenly with sauce.
- Finish with Cheese: Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta and Parmesan mixture over the top, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across the skillet.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra golden cheese, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end if desired. Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Notes
- Use a high-quality marinara sauce to avoid a watery bake. A thick, flavorful sauce works best to give a lasagna-like texture.
- Optional garnish: fresh chopped basil or parsley adds bright herbal notes and a pop of color.
- This recipe serves 6, making it great for family dinners or meal prep.
