Cheeseburger Gnocchi with Cheese

This cheeseburger gnocchi transforms America's favorite sandwich into a cozy one-skillet dinner that combines crispy-tender potato dumplings with seasoned ground beef in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It's the ultimate comfort food mashup that brings together the best of both worlds.

The first time I made this for my family, my picky teenager went back for seconds and then asked if we could have it again the next night. Now it's in our regular rotation for those busy weeknights when everyone needs comfort food fast.

Ingredients

• Potato gnocchi: Packaged variety works perfectly and saves time compared to homemade
• Lean ground beef: Provides the classic burger flavor without excessive grease
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness that balances the savory beef
• Rotel tomatoes and green chiles: Bring just enough heat and acidity to cut through the richness
• Beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and creates the perfect sauce consistency
• Heavy cream: Transforms the sauce into something truly luxurious
• Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and delivers that authentic cheeseburger taste
• Green onions: Provide a fresh pop of color and flavor to finish the dish
• Spices like cumin and paprika: Add depth without overwhelming the classic cheeseburger profile

Step-by-Step Instructions

Toast the Gnocchi:

Melt butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until foaming. Add gnocchi in a single layer and let them sit undisturbed for a full 2 minutes until they develop a golden crust. Gently toss and continue cooking another 2 minutes. The toasting creates texture contrast and deepens flavor. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Brown the Beef Mixture:

Return the same skillet to medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Immediately season with salt, pepper, cumin and paprika. Add onion and garlic and cook until beef is completely browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat to prevent a greasy final dish.

Combine and Simmer:

Add the Rotel with all its juices, beef broth, and toasted gnocchi back to the skillet. Stir gently to avoid breaking the gnocchi. Bring the mixture to a brief boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer about 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Create the Cheesy Finish:

Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and half the cheese until melted and incorporated. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly across the top. Broil just until the cheese turns bubbly and develops light golden spots. Watch carefully as it can burn quickly. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions for freshness and color.

Gnocchi has always been my secret weapon for quick, satisfying meals. The first time I substituted it for pasta in this cheeseburger-inspired dish, my family was skeptical. But the way the pillowy dumplings soak up the savory sauce while maintaining their texture converted everyone immediately. Now they request this "burger in a bowl" regularly.

Make-Ahead Options

This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can brown the beef mixture up to two days ahead and refrigerate it. The day of serving, toast the gnocchi fresh and combine with the reheated beef mixture, then finish with cream and cheese. This cuts your active cooking time in half on busy weeknights.

Easy Substitutions

If you cannot find Rotel tomatoes, substitute regular diced tomatoes plus a small can of diced green chiles or even a tablespoon of hot sauce. Ground turkey works beautifully instead of beef for a lighter option. Plant-based ground "meat" also performs well for vegetarian eaters. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream, and use a good melting plant-based cheese alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cheeseburger gnocchi with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For true burger authenticity, offer small bowls of traditional toppings like diced pickles, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce so everyone can garnish their portion to taste. A drizzle of burger sauce made from mayo, ketchup, and relish takes this dish into gourmet territory.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you toast gnocchi properly?

To toast gnocchi, heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook one side for 2 minutes until golden, flip, and brown the other side for another 2 minutes.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for beef. Adjust seasoning slightly to complement the leaner flavor.

→ What type of cheese works best?

Mild cheddar cheese melts smoothly and enhances the flavors, but you can use Monterey Jack or mozzarella for variation.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare it ahead and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven to preserve the texture and flavor.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.