If you are looking for a fun, flavorful twist on taco night that comes together in a flash, the Easy Skillet Taco Gnocchi Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brilliantly combines the comforting pillowy texture of potato gnocchi with the bold, zesty flavors of a classic taco filling, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that will have your whole family asking for seconds. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious one-pan meal that’s hearty, cheesy, and full of personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a few simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create layers of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a crucial role in transforming everyday pantry staples into a cheerful, satisfying meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey: This is your protein powerhouse, bringing savory richness and a meaty base for the taco flavors.
- 1 jalapeno, diced (optional): Adds a fresh, spicy kick—adjust the amount to suit your heat tolerance.
- 1 15 oz. canned tomatoes with green chiles: These provide juiciness plus a gentle flame of chile heat, infusing vibrant color and brightness.
- 1 packet taco seasoning plus water: The magic spice blend that instantly turns your dish into a taco fiesta with classic southwest notes.
- 1 16 oz. package of potato gnocchi: Pillowy dumplings that soak up all the flavors, giving you a comforting, chewy texture.
- 1 ½ cups Mexican style shredded cheese: To sprinkle on top and melt into every nook, adding creamy, gooey delight.
How to Make Easy Skillet Taco Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Meat and Jalapeno
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef or turkey along with diced jalapeno if you’re using it. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, then drain any excess grease. This step builds your flavor foundation as the spices and meat meld together.
Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi
While your meat is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they start to float to the surface. This indicates they’re perfectly tender. For an extra texture boost, you might want to sauté the cooked gnocchi briefly in olive oil to give them a subtle crispness before mixing in.
Step 3: Combine with Tomatoes and Taco Seasoning
Add the canned tomatoes with green chiles to the browned meat in your skillet. Pour in the taco seasoning packet as well as the water amount specified on the seasoning package, then stir everything together. Let this simmer for about two minutes so the sauce thickens and your spices bloom beautifully.
Step 4: Stir in the Gnocchi and Cheese
Now it’s time to add the tender gnocchi to your skillet. Stir gently to coat each dumpling with the zesty sauce. Once everything is combined, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese over the top evenly. This step is where your dish becomes irresistibly cheesy and appetizing.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese to Perfection
To get that perfect gooey, slightly browned cheese finish, place your skillet under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese bubbles and golden spots appear. If you prefer, you can cover the skillet on the stove over low heat just until the cheese melts. Either method is delicious and sure to satisfy.
How to Serve Easy Skillet Taco Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your serving by topping the hot skillet with fresh sour cream, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce, chopped cilantro, or a spoonful of salsa. These finishing touches add freshness, creaminess, and an extra pop of excitement that will delight your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully versatile. Pair it with a crunchy side salad, a scoop of guacamole, or some roasted Mexican street corn to complement the comforting skillet flavors and round out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the taco gnocchi in individual small skillets or colorful bowls, and let everyone add their preferred toppings. It’s perfect for casual dinners or even a family taco night with a fun new centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors can even deepen overnight, making for an easy next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This Easy Skillet Taco Gnocchi Recipe freezes nicely. Portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, and keep them frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the gnocchi doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of ground beef or turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and will provide a lighter flavor while still absorbing the taco seasoning beautifully.
Is it necessary to cook the gnocchi before adding it to the skillet?
Yes, cooking the gnocchi in boiling water until they float ensures they are tender and not doughy. Sautéing afterward is optional but adds a lovely crisp texture.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning packet?
No worries! You can mix your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper—adjust quantities to taste for a personalized spice blend.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the ground meat for plant-based crumbles or even consider using black beans or lentils for protein. The other flavors will still shine beautifully.
How spicy is the dish, and can I adjust the heat?
The heat primarily comes from the jalapeno and canned tomatoes with green chiles. You can skip the jalapeno or use mild tomatoes to tone it down, or add extra spice if you prefer it hotter.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that the Easy Skillet Taco Gnocchi Recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. It’s cozy, bursting with bold flavors, and unbelievably simple to prepare—so why not give it a try and make taco night a little more exciting and delicious? Your family and your taste buds will thank you!
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Easy Skillet Taco Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Easy Skillet Taco Gnocchi is a flavorful and quick weeknight dinner that combines tender potato gnocchi with seasoned ground beef, spicy tomatoes, and melted Mexican cheese. With just six simple ingredients, it’s perfect for a family-friendly meal that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat & Protein
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 jalapeno, diced (optional)
Canned Goods & Seasonings
- 1 (15 oz) can tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Water (amount as called for on taco seasoning packet)
Pasta & Cheese
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 1 ½ cups Mexican style shredded cheese (more or less to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Jalapeno: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef or ground turkey along with the diced jalapeno (if using). Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Boil the Gnocchi: Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. Drain the gnocchi. (Optional: sauté the cooked gnocchi in a little olive oil in a pan to add a crispy texture.)
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Add the canned tomatoes with green chiles, the taco seasoning packet, and the amount of water specified on the seasoning packet to the cooked meat in the skillet. Stir well to combine and let the mixture cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Gnocchi with Meat Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi into the skillet with the meat sauce. Stir gently until the gnocchi are fully coated and everything is evenly combined.
- Top with Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Place the skillet under the oven broiler just until the cheese melts and bubbles to your liking. Alternatively, cover the skillet on the stovetop until the cheese melts.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the taco gnocchi hot, optionally garnished with sour cream, hot sauce, cilantro, salsa, or any other preferred toppings.
Notes
- Using ground turkey instead of beef reduces the fat content for a leaner meal.
- For extra crispiness, sauté the cooked gnocchi briefly in olive oil before combining with meat sauce.
- You can adjust the spice level by omitting or adding more jalapeno and choosing mild or hot taco seasoning.
- Broiling the cheese helps create a deliciously melty and slightly browned topping.
- Additional toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or salsa add freshness and variety to each serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
