Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish comes together in one skillet with minimal prep and cleanup, making it a go-to for fast and flavorful meals. The gnocchi cooks right in the skillet—no boiling required—so it soaks up all the bold taco seasoning and becomes tender and flavorful. It’s cheesy, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
ground beef or ground turkey
taco seasoning
diced tomatoes with green chilies (or plain diced tomatoes)
black beans (optional)
corn kernels (optional)
shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
olive oil
water or beef broth
salt
pepper
sour cream, green onions, or avocado (for topping)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water or broth. Mix well and let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add uncooked gnocchi, diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, and corn. Stir to combine.
- Add a little more water or broth (about ½ cup) and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi is tender.
- Remove lid and sprinkle cheese over the top. Cover again for 1–2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Top with sour cream, green onions, avocado, or your favorite taco toppings. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Use hot taco seasoning, add diced jalapeños, or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Veggie Version: Use black beans and corn as the main protein instead of meat.
- Chicken Gnocchi Taco Skillet: Use shredded cooked chicken and skip the browning step.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream at the end for a creamy texture.
- Cheesy Bake: After cooking, transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the gnocchi moist.
FAQs
Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?
Nope! The gnocchi cooks right in the skillet with the sauce, soaking up flavor as it softens.
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, just thaw it first or increase cooking time slightly if adding it frozen.
Is this dish spicy?
Only mildly spicy—adjust the heat with your choice of taco seasoning and toppings.
Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Yes! Homemade blends work great and let you control the salt and spice levels.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully and add bold flavor.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese and skip the sour cream topping.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, plant-based meat, or even lentils are great alternatives.
Does it freeze well?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it in portions. Reheat gently with a bit of water or broth.
Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely—diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach work well in this dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi and taco seasoning to make it fully gluten-free.
Conclusion
Taco Gnocchi Skillet is a quick, flavorful, and fun twist on two comfort food favorites. With just one pan and under 30 minutes, you get a cheesy, saucy, and satisfying meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just want a low-effort dinner, this skillet hits all the right notes.
PrintTaco Gnocchi Sklet
Taco Gnocchi Skillet is a cheesy, one-pan fusion of Mexican flavors and Italian comfort food. Tender potato gnocchi is cooked right in the skillet with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese for an easy, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated),1 lb ground beef or ground turkey,1 packet taco seasoning,1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (or plain diced tomatoes),1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (optional),1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned),1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese,1 tbsp olive oil,1/2 cup water or beef broth,Salt and pepper to taste,Sour cream, chopped green onions, or diced avocado (for topping)
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.,Stir in taco seasoning and 1–2 tablespoons of water or broth. Cook for 1–2 minutes to let the seasoning absorb.,Add uncooked gnocchi, diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, and corn. Stir to combine.,Pour in remaining water or broth (about 1/2 cup) and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi is tender.,Remove lid and sprinkle cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the cheese melts.,Serve hot topped with sour cream, green onions, or avocado.
Notes
No need to pre-boil the gnocchi—it cooks directly in the skillet.,Use ground chicken or plant-based meat for variation.,Stir in a bit of cream cheese at the end for a creamy twist.,Adjust spice level with hot taco seasoning, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
