Description
Bacon Cheeseburger Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until browned. Drain excess grease. Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, then drain. Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream to the beef. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese, mixing until melted. Fold in the cooked gnocchi and half of the crumbled bacon. Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining bacon and paprika. Broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your broiler and grease a medium baking dish. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble once cooled.
2. In the same skillet (drain excess bacon fat if desired), cook the ground beef over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon. As it browns, add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until no pink remains, then drain any excess grease.
3. While the beef cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions (they typically float when done). Drain immediately.
4. Reduce the skillet heat to low. Pour the heavy cream into the beef, stirring to combine. Let it warm for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
5. Remove the skillet from heat. Gently fold in the drained gnocchi and half of the crumbled bacon until everything is evenly coated.
6. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining bacon and sprinkle the paprika over everything.
7. Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbly. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Serving Suggestions
This rich bake is a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with a crisp, simple side to cut through the richness. Consider a classic side salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or garlic breadsticks. For a lighter option, serve with sliced cucumbers or a fresh tomato and onion salad.
How-to Summary
Brown seasoned beef and boil gnocchi separately. Create a cheese sauce with cream and shredded cheeses in the beef skillet. Combine sauce, gnocchi, and half the bacon. Transfer to a dish, top with remaining bacon and paprika, then broil until golden. Garnish and serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes. While gnocchi provides a unique texture, small pasta like shells, rotini, or penne work well. Adjust cook times accordingly.
How can I make this dish less heavy? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk and use a lighter cheese blend. You can also use lean ground turkey and turkey bacon.
Can I prepare this bake ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the dish completely but do not broil. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time at 375°F before finishing under the broiler.
My cheese sauce seems grainy. What happened? This often occurs if the heat is too high when melting the cheese. Always add cheese to warm (not boiling) cream off direct heat and stir gently until melted.
Is there a way to add vegetables? Definitely. Sautéed diced onions, mushrooms, or spinach can be mixed in with the beef. For spinach, simply stir in a handful until wilted after making the cheese sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the gnocchi during boiling, as it will continue to cook in the bake. Do not boil the heavy cream after adding the cheese, as this can cause separation. Never walk away from the broiler—it can burn the top in seconds. Finally, ensure you drain the ground beef well to prevent a greasy final dish.
Conclusion
This Bacon Cheeseburger Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate comfort food fusion, delivering familiar flavors in a wonderfully creamy, cheesy format. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings. By following the detailed steps and tips, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a perfectly golden, decadent meal every time.