Taco Gnocchi Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This skillet meal is quick, filling, and incredibly flavorful. It uses simple pantry staples, requires minimal cleanup, and is ready in under 30 minutes. The gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the taco-seasoned goodness for a rich and cohesive dish that’s perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• potato gnocchi
• ground beef or ground turkey
• onion, diced
• taco seasoning
• diced tomatoes with green chiles
• tomato sauce
• beef or chicken broth
• black beans, drained and rinsed
• corn
• shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
• olive oil
• salt and pepper
• cilantro or green onions for topping (optional)
• sour cream (optional)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened.
2. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, and broth. Mix well.
4. Add the gnocchi, black beans, and corn. Stir to combine.
5. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened.
6. Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover again, and cook for 2–3 more minutes until melted.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, or sour cream before serving if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: about 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Swap the meat for shredded chicken or cooked chorizo.
• Use cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter option.
• Add bell peppers or zucchini for extra vegetables.
• Use pepper jack cheese for added spice.
• Stir in spinach at the end for added greens.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth, or microwave until warm.
Freezing is possible, but the texture of gnocchi may soften slightly after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi?

Yes, either type works well in this recipe.

Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?

No, the gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, omit the meat and add extra beans or veggies.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mild as written, but you can add jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Absolutely—just use the equivalent amount to store-bought.

What type of cheese melts best?

Cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack all melt beautifully.

Can I cook this in a cast iron skillet?

Yes, cast iron works perfectly for this recipe.

Can I add rice instead of gnocchi?

You can, but cook the rice separately and stir it in at the end.

Will gluten-free gnocchi work?

Yes, gluten-free varieties cook the same way.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply use a larger skillet or Dutch oven to accommodate the volume.

Conclusion

This Taco Gnocchi Skillet is a fast, flavorful, and incredibly comforting meal that blends two favorites into one irresistible dish. With its creamy, cheesy finish and bold taco-inspired spices, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to become a repeat favorite. Enjoy the hearty flavors and satisfying simplicity of this one-pan wonder.

Taco Gnocchi Skillet

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A hearty one-pan fusion of tender gnocchi, taco-seasoned meat, tomatoes, beans, and melted cheese for a quick, comforting weeknight dinner.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Skillet Meal
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Fusion
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 1 lb potato gnocchi
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cilantro or green onions for topping (optional)
• Sour cream for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened.
2. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, and broth.
4. Add gnocchi, black beans, and corn. Stir to combine.
5. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until gnocchi is tender and sauce is thickened.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and cook an additional 2–3 minutes until melted.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

• Use cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter alternative.
• Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies.
• Swap meat for shredded chicken or cooked chorizo.
• Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy finish.
• Reheat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 85mg