Creamy Cheeseburger Gnocchi Skillet

By Tyla | Last modified on Feb 11, 2026

Featured in: Dinner

There’s something irresistibly comforting about combining tender gnocchi with the rich flavors of a cheeseburger. This Creamy Cheeseburger Gnocchi Skillet delivers all that cozy satisfaction in a single pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, flavorful meal without the fuss.

This dish marries golden toasted gnocchi with savory ground beef simmered in a smoky, spiced tomato sauce and finished with sharp cheddar cheese for a creamy, melty finish. It’s easy to customize and quick to prepare, bringing a fun twist to classic comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
One-pan meal that reduces cleanup and simplifies cooking.
Rich, creamy, and cheesy with flavors that appeal to all ages.
Flexible recipe that you can customize with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.

Ingredients

Butter: Provides a rich base to toast the gnocchi and develop golden, crispy edges adding texture.
Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that become pillowy and slightly crisp when toasted in butter.
Lean ground beef: Adds hearty, savory flavor and protein, perfectly browned with spices.
Salt & pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance and balance the natural flavors of the beef and sauce.
Cumin: Brings a warm, earthy undertone that pairs beautifully with the smoky paprika.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that enhances the cheeseburger flavor profile.
Yellow mustard: Imparts a tangy sharpness that mimics classic cheeseburger condiments.
White onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and a savory crunch after browning.
Minced garlic: Provides aromatic intensity and depth of flavor.
Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Adds moisture, a slight kick, and bright acidity to the sauce.
Beef broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that simmers with the gnocchi and beef for richness.
Cream: Incorporates a luscious smoothness that softens the spices and melds the sauce.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey layers for ultimate cheeseburger indulgence.
Green onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, bright garnish that balances richness.

Instructions

Toast the Gnocchi in Butter: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add gnocchi. Toast them until they develop a light golden crust, which adds a delightful texture contrast. Set aside to keep the toasted gnocchi crispy and ready for layering with other ingredients.
Cook Ground Beef and Aromatics: Using the same skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, mustard, and minced garlic. This layering of spices builds a robust base flavor reminiscent of classic cheeseburgers.
Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Gnocchi: Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chiles and beef broth, then add the toasted gnocchi back into the skillet. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to allow the gnocchi to cook through and the flavors to meld.
Finish with Cream and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cream and three-quarters of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. This creates a rich, velvety sauce that perfectly coats the gnocchi and beef.
Broil for a Golden Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the skillet contents and broil until the cheese on top turns golden brown and bubbly. This adds an irresistible crispy cheese crust for extra texture and flavor.
Garnish and Serve: Top the skillet with thinly sliced green onions to add a fresh, mild bite that cuts through the richness. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting, cheesy one-pan meal.

You Must Know

Use fresh gnocchi for best texture; frozen gnocchi may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Keep an eye on the broiler to avoid burning the cheese topping.
This dish can be customized by adding veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms during the beef cooking step.

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 with a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the cheesy sauce.

Professional Tips

Toast gnocchi separately to enhance texture before simmering—it prevents sogginess.
Let the skillet rest for a couple of minutes before serving to help the sauce thicken and flavors marry.
Sharp cheddar offers the best melt and tang, but feel free to mix with mozzarella for stretchiness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?: Yes, frozen gnocchi works fine but may require longer simmering. Toasting frozen gnocchi directly may be less effective, so gently thaw before toasting for best results.
Is this recipe gluten-free?: Most store-bought gnocchi contain gluten, but you can find gluten-free versions to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?: Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are great options that can be added when cooking the beef for extra nutrition and flavor.
What can I substitute for beef broth?: You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute, but beef broth offers the richest, meatiest flavor that complements the beef.
How spicy is this dish?: The recipe has mild heat from smoked paprika and green chiles. Adjust the amount of green chiles or omit them for a milder flavor if preferred.
Can I make this vegetarian?: For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How do I prevent the dish from becoming too watery?: Toast the gnocchi properly and simmer until the sauce reduces slightly. Avoid adding excess broth and ensure the finished dish rests before serving to thicken.