Taco Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it brilliantly combines the cozy comfort of potato gnocchi with the zesty flavors of a taco-inspired fiesta, creating a truly irresistible weeknight meal that’s quick and easy to whip up. Plus, the melted cheddar and optional fresh cilantro add a delightful touch of gooey goodness and vibrant freshness that makes every bite a party in my mouth!

Uncover a delicious combination of flavors in my Taco Gnocchi Skillet. I love how the soft gnocchi—made with nutritious Idaho potatoes—match up with the savory ground beef, onions, and garlic that I cook until the mixture is just shy of browned.

Add some taco seasoning for flavor, then stir in juicy diced tomatoes, sweet corn, and black beans, and then cover the whole thing with a melted layer of cheddar and fresh chopped cilantro. You might think that’s a weird thing to do with gnocchi, but it’s not.

You’ll like this better than taco night, and it’s just as easy. I promise.

Ingredients

Potato Gnocchi:
It is composed of potatoes, flour, and eggs, and it is the source of a lot of the carbohydrates we eat.

Ground Beef:
High in protein and iron, giving a robust flavor and body.

Onion:
Contributes depth and sweetness, is abundant in antioxidants and nutrients.

Garlic:
Powerful odor and taste, recognized for their capacity to enhance the immune system.

Black Beans:
An outstanding source of fiber and plant protein.

Cheddar Cheese:
Provides dreamy meltability, a creamy texture, and calcium.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Sour cream and lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. In a big frying pan over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onion is tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, if necessary.

2. Combine the beef with the taco seasoning mix and stir until well incorporated.

3. Incorporate the can of diced tomatoes, with their juices, and bring to a simmer.

4. In a skillet, add the frozen corn and black beans and heat until they are warmed through. This should take about 3 minutes.

5. At the same time, in another pot, prepare the potato gnocchi as directed on the package. Drain well and set aside.

6. The cooked gnocchi should be added to the mixture of beef and other ingredients in the skillet, and everything should be stirred together to form a single, well-combined dish.

7. Distribute the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.

8. Decrease the heat and cover the skillet, allowing the cheese to melt for approximately 2-3 minutes.

9. When fully melted, take off the heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro, if you are using any.

10. Accompany with and give out sour cream and wedges of lime for optional toppings. season with salt and pepper to your personal taste. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large frying pan
2. Skillet
3. Medium pot
4. Cutting board
5. Chef’s knife
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Measuring spoons
8. Colander (for draining gnocchi)
9. Can opener
10. Grater (if shredding cheese yourself)

FAQ

• Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought? Yes, homemade gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe. Just cook them according to your recipe before proceeding with the skillet.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?Making it vegetarian is simple: just swap the ground beef for plant-based meat, beans, or more vegetables.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time?Certainly, you can make the whole dish ahead of time and then reheat it right before serving. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll be good for 3 days max.
• What other toppings can I add?Toppings like diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese can be added for extra flavor.
• Can I use a different type of cheese?Using Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even Pepper Jack cheese for a bit of spice is absolutely fine!
• Is there a way to make this dish spicier?For an extra kick, think about tossing in chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when preparing the ground beef and onions.
• How do I store leftovers?Leftover food can be kept in an oxygen-tight container and refrigerated for no more than three days. Reheat via skillet or microwave before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

1 pound potato gnocchi: Use cauliflower gnocchi or a gluten-free gnocchi for a substitute.
1 lb ground beef: You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or crumbled tofu in place of the beef for a vegetarian option.
1 small onion, chopped: Use 1 cup chopped leeks or shallots in place of a small onion.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Substitute with avocado oil or canola oil.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Replace it with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or use a dairy-free cheese substitute, instead.

Pro Tips

1. Crispy Gnocchi For an extra layer of texture, instead of just boiling the gnocchi, sauté them in olive oil until golden and crispy before adding them to the beef mixture. This can add a delightful contrast to the dish.

2. Flavor Boost Enhance the flavor of the beef by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika when browning it for additional depth and complexity.

3. Cheese Varieties Try using a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack or a spicy Pepper Jack, to add a mix of flavors that complement the taco seasoning well.

4. Freshness Tip For a bright, fresh twist, add some diced avocado or a spoonful of homemade pico de gallo as a topping when serving. This can complement the rich flavors of the dish with some freshness.

5. Herb Infusion If you like cilantro but want a more subtle hint, stir some chopped cilantro into the dish just before serving rather than only as a garnish. This will infuse the whole dish with a mild herbal note without overpowering it.