Imagine the savory bliss of classic cheeseburger flavors combined into one comforting skillet meal. Crispy bacon, juicy ground beef, and pillowy potato gnocchi meld together in a rich, cheesy tomato sauce that’s sure to satisfy your heartiest cravings. This dish brings indulgence and ease to your dinner table without the fuss.
Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want an irresistible, all-in-one skillet meal that combines the best of cheeseburgers with tender gnocchi. It’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers luscious, layered flavors and textures with minimal cleanup.
- A quick one-skillet meal combining familiar burger flavors and soft gnocchi for a satisfying comfort food experience.
- Simple ingredients come together easily for a cheesy, savory dinner without complicated steps.
- Customizable with your favorite cheese blends, spices, and burger-style toppings for versatile flavor profiles.
Ingredients
- Potato Gnocchi (500 g / ≈ 1 lb): Soft and pillowy gnocchi adds tender texture that soaks up rich sauce beautifully.
- Bacon (6–8 slices, chopped): Provides crispy, smoky bites that enhance the savory burger profile.
- Ground Beef (500 g / ≈ 1 lb): Juicy, flavorful base protein that browns nicely and pairs perfectly with spices.
- Small Onion (finely chopped): Adds mild sweetness and aromatic depth to the beef mixture.
- Garlic Cloves (2–3, minced): Imparts fragrant, savory notes essential for robust flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all other flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and complexity without overwhelming.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon, optional): Gives a smoky, slightly sweet layer that complements the bacon and beef.
- Marinara or Tomato Sauce (1 cup): Provides acidity and richness that binds the components in a luscious sauce.
- Beef Broth (1 cup): Adds savory moisture for simmering gnocchi and balancing the sauce.
- Shredded Cheese (1½–2 cups): Cheddar, American, or blend creates a gooey, melty topping to finish the dish.
- Optional Burger-Style Toppings: Diced pickles or a drizzle of ketchup/mustard add classic burger flair and tang.
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon Until Crispy
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook until it turns golden brown and crispy, which releases flavorful fat to cook the beef in. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, but leave the rendered fat in the pan to retain that smoky flavor.
- Brown the Ground Beef
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Add the ground beef to the skillet with the bacon fat. Use a spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks until fully browned and no longer pink. Stir in finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika, letting the mixture cook 2–3 minutes until the onions soften and the spices bloom aromatic flavors.
- Add Gnocchi and Sauces
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Pour the uncooked potato gnocchi into the skillet, then add marinara sauce and beef broth. Stir well so all ingredients combine evenly. This mixture balances acidity from tomato sauce and savory broth, prepping the gnocchi to tenderize right in the sauce.
- Simmer to Tenderize Gnocchi
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Cover the skillet and let the gnocchi cook gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the gnocchi to absorb the flavorful liquid, become tender, and for the sauce to thicken slightly, coating every bite with cheesy goodness.
- Add Cheese and Return Bacon
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Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the hot skillet, then scatter the reserved crispy bacon pieces on top. Cover the skillet again and allow it to sit a few minutes off heat until the cheese melts into a gooey, indulgent layer that pulls apart beautifully.
- Serve and Customize
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Spoon the warm gnocchi-cheeseburger mixture onto plates. For an extra touch of burger-inspired flavor, add optional diced pickles or drizzle ketchup and mustard. This contrast of fresh tang and sweetness adds delicious dimension and fun.
- For extra cheesy pull-apart texture, combine cheddar with mozzarella cheese for melting perfection.
- Adding hot sauce or chili flakes during beef cooking introduces a welcome spicy kick.
- Veggies like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach make excellent add-ins that enhance nutrition and flavor complexity.
- Make ahead by preparing through the browning step, then refrigerate. Add gnocchi and complete cooking when ready to serve for convenience.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty skillet with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Serve with crusty bread to scoop up any extra sauce, enhancing the burger-inspired dining experience.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and to avoid burning your sauce.
- Cook gnocchi directly in sauce to infuse maximum flavor rather than boiling separately.
- Reserve some bacon fat instead of discarding it; it adds fantastic savory depth to the beef and overall dish.
- Customize with cheese blends—try smoked cheddar for an added smoky note or pepper jack for a subtle heat.
FAQs
- Can I use store-bought or homemade gnocchi?
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Both work well; store-bought gnocchi saves time, while homemade offers freshness and texture control.
- What other cheeses work best in this dish?
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Cheddar, American, mozzarella, or a blend of these create creamy melt and flavor that complement the beef and bacon.
- Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
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Yes, substitute plant-based ground meat and omit bacon, or use smoked tempeh for a similar smoky bite.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
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Freezing may change gnocchi texture; best to refrigerate and consume within a few days for optimal flavor.
- How spicy is this recipe?
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Mild by default, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce during cooking to increase heat according to preference.
- Can I add vegetables?
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Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach added after browning the beef enhance nutrition and flavor.
Bacon Cheeseburger Gnocchi Skillet
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 6 –8 slices bacon chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 –3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1½ –2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, American, or a blend
- Optional: diced pickles or ketchup/mustard for topping
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until crisp.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional paprika; cook 2–3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add uncooked gnocchi, marinara sauce, and beef broth to the skillet; stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook 8–10 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and most liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet, then return the crispy bacon on top.
- Cover and let sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve warm with optional toppings such as diced pickles or a drizzle of ketchup or mustard.
Notes
- Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for extra melty texture.
- Add hot sauce or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for more veggies.
- Prepare through beef browning in advance and finish cooking when ready to serve.
