Bacon Cheeseburger Gnocchi Skillet

Bacon cheeseburger gnocchi is my answer when everyone wants big flavor but hardly any cleanup. Pillowy gnocchi soak up the flavors of savory beef, smoky bacon, and melty cheese all in a single skillet. This cozy dish takes less than thirty minutes and is a real crowd pleaser for kids and grownups alike.

I first tried this on one of our super busy nights when everyone wanted cheeseburgers but I was out of buns. Now it is on heavy rotation in our house whenever we need something fast and cozy.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: gives that classic burger flavor and is the main protein
• Chopped onion: builds a savory base try to find a firm heavy onion for best results
• Salt and pepper: season every layer
• Onion powder and paprika: deepen both the color and taste use a good quality smoked or sweet paprika for best results
• Cayenne: brings a touch of heat you can adjust the amount for your spice tolerance
• Minced garlic: adds a fresh punch buy whole bulbs and mince yourself for fresher flavor
• Tomato sauce: gives richness look for a brand with few additives and good tomato taste
• Beef broth: enhances the meaty depth use low sodium if watching salt
• Heavy cream: makes everything luscious and ties the sauce together fresher cream gives a smoother texture
• Shelf stable gnocchi: cooks up fast and fluffy choose packages with no cracks in the dumplings
• Colby Jack cheese: melts like a dream and has just enough tang buy a block and shred yourself if possible
• Bacon: brings the smoky crunch precook and chop to preference
• Chopped green onions: add color and a hint of brightness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Bacon:

Chop bacon and cook in a large skillet until crisp then drain on a plate lined with paper towels and set aside

Brown the Beef and Seasonings:

Add ground beef to the same skillet and let it brown thoroughly over medium high heat breaking it up as it cooks Then stir in the chopped onion salt pepper onion powder paprika and cayenne Continue to cook until onions are translucent which should take another five minutes

Deglaze and Add Aromatics:

Once beef is cooked through pour off any extra fat If there are browned bits on the bottom add a splash of beef broth and scrape them up for extra flavor Now stir in minced garlic and let it cook until just fragrant about one minute

Build the Sauce and Add Gnocchi:

Pour in the tomato sauce beef broth and heavy cream Add the gnocchi right in Stir well so every dumpling is coated and then let the mixture start to bubble

Simmer with Lid On:

When the sauce bubbles place a lid on the skillet and reduce to medium low heat Let it cook covered for around five minutes This allows the gnocchi to soak up flavor and soften

Melt the Cheese and Finish:

Remove the lid Stir well to check if the gnocchi are tender Scatter the shredded Colby Jack cheese and chopped cooked bacon over the top Cover again and let sit so the cheese melts or place under a broiler for a golden top

Garnish and Serve:

Finish with a handful of chopped green onions Serve straight from the pan and enjoy every cheesy bacon packed bite

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I always look forward to adding a little extra cheese on top because nothing brings my family to the dinner table faster than the scent of bubbling Colby Jack. One of my favorite memories is sneaking a piece of crispy bacon just before serving and my kids catching me in the act.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating add a splash of beef broth or cream to keep the texture creamy. This dish does not freeze well due to the gnocchi texture but it is almost always gone before that is an issue.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or plant based crumbles if you prefer. For a lighter dish use half and half instead of heavy cream. Try cheddar or mozzarella in place of Colby Jack if that is what you have.

Serving Suggestions

This gnocchi skillet is best served right out of the pan with a side of simple salad. You can add a few dill pickle slices or a squeeze of ketchup and mustard for a full cheeseburger vibe. For company, pair with roasted broccoli or green beans.

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Cultural Context

Gnocchi is a classic Italian dumpling but this cheesy all American twist combines the homestyle comforts of a bacon cheeseburger. It is the best of both worlds and perfect for weeknights when you want something a little different and totally satisfying.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?

Yes, homemade gnocchi works well. Be gentle when stirring and adjust cooking time to ensure the gnocchi is tender.

→ What cheese can I substitute for Colby Jack?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella are tasty substitutes that melt smoothly and complement the beef and bacon.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare it ahead and reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

→ Can the bacon be omitted?

Absolutely. The dish will still be flavorful from the seasoned beef and cheese, though you'll miss the smoky crunch of bacon.

→ How spicy is this meal?

The cayenne adds a mild kick. Feel free to reduce or omit it for a milder flavor, or add more if you like extra heat.

→ Can other meats be used instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey or chicken can easily be substituted, though the flavor will be slightly lighter. Adjust seasonings as desired.