Alfredo Ground Beef Gnocchi Bake

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (16-ounce) package gnocchi, cooked
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, salt, and pepper; cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. 3 Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
4. 4 Pour in heavy cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
5. 5 Stir in cooked gnocchi until coated with sauce.
6. 6 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. 7 Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
8. 8 Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. 9 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish

Variations

• Add cooked broccoli florets for extra texture and nutrition.
• Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

Substitutions

• If you can't find gnocchi, use small pasta shells.
• For a lighter option, use half-and-half in place of heavy cream.

Pairings

• Caesar salad
• Garlic bread

Nutrition

Tips

• Use a splash of milk to thin the sauce if it gets too thick.
• For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered in a 350°F oven until hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp Caesar salad.
• Pair with garlic bread for a hearty meal.

FAQ