Bacon Cheeseburger Gnocchi

This Cheesy Bacon Beef Gnocchi Skillet is the ultimate comfort food! With savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and tender gnocchi smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a hearty and indulgent dish perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner. This skillet meal combines the best of cheesy goodness and savory flavors, all in one pan.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 package potato gnocchi
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, potato gnocchi, beef broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

1. Swap the Beef: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
2. Different Cheese: Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for a different cheesy flavor.
3. Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
4. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to bring some heat to the dish.
5. Make it Dairy-Free: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm the skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of gnocchi? Yes, you can use store-bought or homemade gnocchi, but make sure to cook it according to the package directions before adding it to the skillet.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the components in advance (cooked bacon, ground beef, and gnocchi) and combine them when ready to serve.
3. Can I use a different meat? Absolutely! Ground pork, lamb, or even sausage can replace the ground beef for a different flavor profile.
4. Can I add more vegetables? Yes, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost the dish’s nutrition.
5. Can I use a different cheese? You can swap the cheddar cheese for other types, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or Gruyère, depending on your preference.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free? Traditional potato gnocchi contains gluten, but you can look for gluten-free gnocchi to make this dish gluten-free.
7. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? Yes, half-and-half can be substituted for heavy cream, though the sauce may not be as rich.
8. Can I make this recipe spicier? Yes, adding red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili will give the dish a spicy kick.
9. How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked? The gnocchi will float to the top of the skillet when it’s fully cooked, which should take about 5 minutes in the simmering sauce.
10. Can I freeze leftovers? This dish may not freeze well due to the creamy sauce, as it could separate when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored for a couple of days in the fridge.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Bacon Beef Gnocchi Skillet is the perfect hearty, flavorful meal that combines rich cheese, savory bacon, and tender gnocchi in a creamy sauce. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it as a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a get-together, this recipe will not disappoint!

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