Bacon Cheeseburger Gnocchi Skillet

By Tyla | Last modified on Jan 22, 2026

Featured in: Dinner

Experience the comforting flavors of an all-in-one skillet meal where crispy bacon, savory ground beef, and pillowy gnocchi unite in a luscious cheesy sauce. This dish is inspired by classic bacon cheeseburgers but transformed into a hearty, cozy dinner perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Every bite delivers familiar burger tastes with the softness of tender gnocchi and a rich blend of melted cheeses that make it irresistibly satisfying. It’s a simple way to bring bold American flavors to your table with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines all your favorite bacon cheeseburger flavors in one comforting skillet.
Quick prep and cook time make it a perfect weeknight dinner solution.
Flexible ingredients allow easy customization to suit your taste and pantry.

Ingredients

Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato gnocchi that cooks quickly and absorbs rich flavors beautifully.
Bacon: Six to eight slices of chopped bacon, cooked to crispy perfection for smoky, salty crunch.
Ground Beef: One pound of lean ground beef providing savory richness and protein-packed heartiness.
Onion: One small onion finely chopped to infuse sweetness and depth into the sauce.
Garlic Cloves: Two to three minced cloves for a fragrant, savory aroma that enhances all flavors.
Salt: One teaspoon to season and bring out the natural flavors in the beef and sauce.
Black Pepper: Half a teaspoon adds mild heat and aromatic notes.
Paprika (Optional): Half a teaspoon for subtle smoky warmth and vibrant color.
Marinara or Tomato Sauce: One cup to provide tangy, savory base for the gnocchi and beef.
Beef Broth: One cup to add moisture and deepen the meat flavor while cooking the gnocchi.
Shredded Cheese: One and a half to two cups, such as cheddar, American, or a blend for melty, gooey richness.
Diced Pickles or Ketchup and Mustard (Optional): Classic burger toppings to customize your serving with an extra burst of flavor.

Instructions

Cook Bacon Until Crispy: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook until golden brown and crispy to render flavorful fat and create delicious texture.
Remove Bacon and Brown Ground Beef: Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and brown thoroughly to develop rich savory taste.
Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Spices: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Stir in salt, pepper, and optional paprika, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and the aroma is inviting.
Add Gnocchi, Sauces, and Simmer: Stir in the uncooked gnocchi, marinara or tomato sauce, and beef broth. Combine well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so the gnocchi cooks through and absorbs those rich flavors.
Cover and Cook Until Gnocchi Is Tender: Cover the skillet and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the gnocchi is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Top with Cheese and Bacon, Then Melt: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet contents and distribute the reserved crispy bacon on top. Cover again and let sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Serve Warm with Optional Toppings: Serve immediately while hot. Enhance with diced pickles, or drizzle your favorite ketchup and mustard for an extra classic burger flair.

You Must Know

Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a perfect melt and balanced flavor.
Add your preferred hot sauce or chili flakes if you enjoy a spicy kick.
For added nutrition, feel free to sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach with the onion and garlic.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty skillet with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. It also goes wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the cheesy sauce.

Professional Tips

Prepare the ground beef through browning in advance to save time on busy nights.
Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to render more fat and achieve crispiness without burning.
Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to evenly distribute heat and prevent sticking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this dish?: Yes, frozen gnocchi can be used. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the simmering time until tender.
What kinds of cheese work best?: Cheddar and American cheeses melt well and provide classic burger flavor. Mixing mozzarella adds extra gooey texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and omit bacon or use vegetarian bacon substitutes.
How spicy is this dish?: The base recipe is mild; adjust by adding chili flakes or hot sauce to suit your heat preference.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?: Yes, you can brown the beef and cook bacon in advance, then finish cooking the skillet just before serving.
How do I prevent gnocchi from sticking?: Stir occasionally during simmering and ensure enough liquid is present to cook gnocchi evenly without sticking to the pan.
Can I use homemade gnocchi?: Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi works wonderfully and may provide even better texture and flavor.