If you are looking for a fun and satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together in no time, this Easy Skillet Taco Gnocchi Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Combining the pillowy texture of potato gnocchi with the bold, savory flavors of taco-seasoned ground beef and melty Mexican cheese, this dish hits all the right notes in just about 20 minutes. It’s a perfect little twist on taco night that the whole family can enjoy, bringing vibrant color, hearty protein, and gooey comfort all in one skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These six simple ingredients pack a flavorful punch and are easy to find at any grocery store. Each one brings something special to this dish, from the spicy kick of jalapeno to the creamy melt of shredded cheese, making the Easy Skillet Taco Gnocchi Recipe a guaranteed winner every time you make it.
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey: The protein base that makes this dish hearty and satisfying, choose beef for richness or turkey for a lighter option.
- 1 jalapeno, diced (optional): Adds a fresh, spicy note—adjust based on your heat preference or leave out for milder flavor.
- 1 15 oz. canned tomatoes with green chiles: Provides a tangy, slightly smoky tomato sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- 1 packet taco seasoning plus the water it calls for: The essential spice blend that delivers classic taco flavor with minimal effort.
- 1 16 oz. package of potato gnocchi: Soft dumplings that soak up the seasoning and add a wonderful chewy texture.
- 1 ½ cups Mexican style shredded cheese (more or less to your liking): Melts into a gooey, cheesy topping that makes the dish irresistible.
How to Make Easy Skillet Taco Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat and Jalapeno
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey along with the diced jalapeno if you’re using it. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to break up any large chunks. Once done, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from getting too oily but still flavorful.
Step 2: Boil the Gnocchi
While the meat cooks, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions—usually 2 to 3 minutes or until they float to the surface. This step ensures your gnocchi are perfectly tender. For an optional texture boost, toss the cooked gnocchi in a bit of olive oil and sauté them in a pan until slightly crisp and golden.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Pour the canned tomatoes with green chiles into the skillet with the cooked meat, then add the packet of taco seasoning along with the required amount of water listed on the seasoning package. Stir everything together and let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. This will help all those bold flavors meld wonderfully.
Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Cheese
Now, stir in the cooked gnocchi until every piece is coated in the taco-spiced sauce. Pile on your shredded Mexican cheese right over the top—it’s time for that magic melt!
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
To get a beautiful, bubbly cheese topping, place your cast iron skillet (or any oven-safe pan) under the broiler in your oven. Keep a close eye as the cheese melts and bubbles to your preferred level of golden brown. If you don’t have a broiler, simply cover the skillet on the stove over low heat until the cheese melts thoroughly.
How to Serve Easy Skillet Taco Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
This dish is delightful on its own, but the right garnishes bring it to the next level. Consider dollops of cool sour cream to balance the spicy heat, fresh cilantro leaves for brightness, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for extra kick. Salsa or diced avocado on top also adds wonderful texture and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
To round out this meal, serve the skillet taco gnocchi with a fresh green salad, some warm corn tortillas on the side, or a simple Mexican street corn (elote) salad. These sides add freshness and variety without distracting from the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at family dinners or casual get-togethers, serve the Easy Skillet Taco Gnocchi Recipe in individual small skillets or heavy ramekins. You could also layer it into a casserole dish with extra cheese for a baked version that’s perfect for serving a crowd. Add a squeeze of lime on the side for a bright burst of citrus.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Easy Skillet Taco Gnocchi Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it great for quick lunches or second-night dinners.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers if needed. Allow the gnocchi to cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, keeping in mind that the texture of gnocchi may soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce and keep the gnocchi from drying out. Topping with a little extra cheese before reheating can bring back that melty magic too!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef or turkey for plant-based crumbles, black beans, or sautéed mushrooms to keep it vegetarian while still delivering hearty flavor and satisfying texture.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
No problem! Simply leave out the jalapeno and choose mild taco seasoning or make your own spice blend without the heat. The dish will still be delicious and kid-friendly.
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works well here as long as you follow the package instructions for cooking. Just be sure to cook them straight from frozen without thawing to prevent them from getting mushy.
Is it okay to substitute other cheese?
Definitely! Feel free to use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. Just pick something that melts well to achieve that gooey, cheesy finish.
How spicy is this dish with the jalapeno?
The jalapeno adds a moderate spicy kick that enhances the taco flavor without overwhelming most palates. You can always adjust the amount or skip it if you prefer a milder meal.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the Easy Skillet Taco Gnocchi Recipe is a speedy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings a fresh twist to taco night with minimal fuss and maximum yum. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy this delicious skillet meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Print
Easy Skillet Taco Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Easy Skillet Taco Gnocchi is a flavorful and quick weeknight dinner that combines tender potato gnocchi with seasoned ground beef, spicy jalapenos, and a zesty tomato sauce. Topped with melted Mexican cheese, this comforting dish is perfect for family meals and can be customized with your favorite toppings like sour cream or cilantro.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 jalapeno, diced (optional)
Dry & Canned Goods
- 1 15 oz. canned tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Water as called for by taco seasoning packet
- 1 16 oz. package potato gnocchi
Dairy
- 1 ½ cups Mexican style shredded cheese, more or less to your liking
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Jalapeno: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey along with the diced jalapeno if using. Cook thoroughly until the meat is browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. Optionally, sauté the cooked gnocchi in a little olive oil to add a crispy texture.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add the canned tomatoes with green chiles, taco seasoning packet, and the amount of water called for by the taco seasoning instructions to the skillet with the browned meat. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the mixture cook and simmer for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Gnocchi and Cheese: Stir the cooked gnocchi into the skillet until everything is well combined. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese over the top.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the skillet under a broiler until the cheese melts and bubbles to your liking. Alternatively, cover the skillet on the stove until the cheese melts.
- Serve: Serve the taco gnocchi hot with optional toppings such as sour cream, hot sauce, cilantro, or salsa for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno or omit for less heat.
- Adding a sauté step for the gnocchi adds a nice crispy texture.
- Use a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet for broiling the cheese.
- Serve with tortilla chips or a side salad for a complete meal.
