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
