Many pasta dishes can feel heavy without delivering enough flavor. This cheesy beef gnocchi skillet strikes the perfect balance.

It’s hearty, flavorful, and filled with pillowy gnocchi, tender beef, and a mix of creamy mozzarella with tangy feta.

A rich tomato base and plenty of garlic tie it all together into a one-pan meal that tastes like comfort food at its best.

Why This Cheesy Beef Gnocchi Stands Out

The best skillet meals are simple, but they also need depth. What makes this recipe shine is how easily everyday ingredients transform into something layered and satisfying.

The gnocchi soaks up a garlicky tomato broth, creating a sauce that clings to each bite. Beef adds richness, while mozzarella melts into stringy goodness.

Feta brings brightness and cuts through the heaviness with a tangy finish.

All of this happens in one pan. That means no juggling multiple pots, no sink full of dirty dishes, and dinner on the table in under 40 minutes.

Choosing the Right Gnocchi

Fresh, shelf-stable, and frozen gnocchi all work well in this recipe. Fresh gnocchi gives the lightest, most delicate texture.

Shelf-stable gnocchi, which is commonly found in the pasta aisle, holds up nicely in skillet dishes and won’t break apart. Frozen gnocchi is a great backup to keep on hand.

Whichever type you use, add it directly to the sauce to simmer. Cooking it this way allows it to absorb flavor rather than just being boiled in water.

The gnocchi softens while also thickening the sauce slightly, creating a silky texture.

Building the Base: Garlic and Onion

Every good skillet meal begins with aromatics. Garlic and onion are sautéed in olive oil until golden and fragrant. This short step sets the tone for the entire dish.

Using whole garlic cloves creates a mellow sweetness, while the red onion adds just enough sharpness.

Together, they form the backbone of the sauce, balancing both the beef and the cheese.

Cooking the Beef Perfectly

Ground beef brings savory richness. Browning it properly makes a big difference in flavor. Let it sear in the skillet without stirring too often so it develops golden edges.

This caramelization deepens the taste of the sauce.

If you prefer a lighter dish, you can drain the fat after browning, but leaving some behind helps the sauce coat the gnocchi more smoothly.

Tomatoes and Broth: The Heart of the Sauce

Canned diced tomatoes provide acidity and sweetness, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese. Chicken broth keeps the sauce light yet flavorful.

As the mixture simmers, the tomatoes break down slightly, blending with the broth into a rustic sauce. It’s not overly thick, but it clings perfectly to the gnocchi once the cheeses are stirred in.

The Cheese Combination

What makes this skillet stand out is the combination of mozzarella and feta. Mozzarella melts into creamy strands, giving that classic cheesy pull everyone loves.

Feta crumbles into the sauce, adding tang and saltiness that keep the flavors lively.

Butter is added along with the cheese, rounding out the sauce with richness and giving the dish a smooth finish.

Herbs and Seasonings

The seasoning is simple yet effective. Garlic powder and garlic salt intensify the already present fresh garlic. Basil lends a subtle sweetness, while sage adds earthy undertones.

Fresh parsley makes a beautiful garnish, brightening up the finished skillet both in taste and appearance. Adjust salt and pepper at the end for balance, since the cheese already contributes some saltiness.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can round it out with a few extras. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.

A side of crusty bread is ideal for scooping up the sauce.

If you want variety, consider pairing it with roasted vegetables or even a fresh tomato-based salad, similar to this caprese cucumber corn salad.

The contrast between hot, cheesy gnocchi and cool, refreshing sides works beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

When reheating, add a splash of broth or water before warming on the stovetop. This prevents the gnocchi from becoming too dense or dry. Microwave reheating works as well, though stirring halfway helps the cheese melt evenly.

This skillet isn’t ideal for freezing since the gnocchi can become mushy after thawing, so enjoy it fresh if possible.

Variations to Try

Once you master the base recipe, it’s easy to customize. Try swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

Add mushrooms for an earthy boost or spinach for a pop of green.

You can also switch the mozzarella for provolone or fontina, which melt beautifully but offer slightly different flavors. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes during cooking.

For another hearty one-pan option, you might also enjoy cheesy beef tortellini with mushrooms, which shares a similar comforting quality.

Step-by-Step Guide

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté garlic and onion until softened. Add the beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through.

Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, and gnocchi. Season generously with garlic powder, garlic salt, basil, sage, salt, and pepper. Add butter and feta, stirring until melted into the sauce.

Simmer for a few minutes until the gnocchi is tender. Layer mozzarella over the top and stir until it melts. Finish with parsley and serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the beef and sauce base ahead of time. Add the gnocchi and cheeses just before serving for the best texture.

Is there a vegetarian option?
You can replace the beef with mushrooms or lentils. The sauce still develops depth with garlic, onion, and cheese.

What type of gnocchi works best?
Shelf-stable gnocchi is sturdy and perfect for skillet dishes. Fresh gnocchi is softer and gives a more delicate bite. Both are excellent choices.

Can I substitute the cheeses?
Yes, provolone, fontina, or even goat cheese can work in place of mozzarella and feta, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

What can I serve this with?
A light green salad, roasted vegetables, or bread to soak up the sauce are all excellent companions.

How spicy is this dish?
It isn’t spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or chili powder for a kick.

How do I prevent the gnocchi from turning mushy?
Simmer the gnocchi gently and avoid overcooking. Once they are tender, remove the skillet from the heat and serve.

Can I use another protein?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work well. Adjust the seasonings slightly to complement the different meats.