This one-skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Gnocchi is everything you love about a classic cheeseburger with crispy bacon, seasoned beef, cheese, pickles, gnocchi, and a creamy sauce. It’s a quick and easy dinner that’s packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes! If you love gnocchi (I do!), I also have a Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup you will love!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Gnocchi: In this recipe, I used shelf-stable gnocchi, which can be found in the pasta aisle of the grocery store.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon (I like thick-cut) on top adds that smoky flavor, just like biting into a bacon cheeseburger! Want perfectly crisp bacon with easy clean-up? Check out how to bake bacon in the oven. Or, if you prefer, you can leave off the bacon; the cheeseburger gnocchi will still be absolutely delicious!
- Ground Beef: Ground beef brings that classic cheeseburger flavor to this dish. Season the beef with homemade hamburger seasoning. For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes, also called crushed red pepper, are added for just a hint of heat in each bite. If you don’t like spice, simply leave them out; or add more if you want extra kick!
- Sauce: The sauce is rich, creamy, and full of savory flavor, made with a blend of tomato sauce, beef broth, and heavy cream. It soaks into the gnocchi and seasoned beef, creating that irresistible cheeseburger taste in every bite.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese melts right into the gnocchi, giving it that classic cheeseburger flavor. You can swap in mozzarella for extra meltiness, pepper jack for a little spice, or your favorite kind of (or blend of) cheese.
- Pickles: Chopped dill pickles add a tangy, crunchy finish that complements the rich, cheesy sauce, just like a classic cheeseburger. If you’re not a fan of pickles, feel free to leave them off. Or, substitute with sliced jalapeños or banana peppers for a different kind of bite.
- Tomatoes: Chopped Roma tomatoes add a fresh, mild sweetness that balances the richness of the dish. If you don’t like tomatoes, leave them off. Or, replace them with other fresh vegetables.
Can I use Frozen or Fresh Gnocchi Instead of Shelf-Stable?
This recipe is made with shelf-stable gnocchi, which cooks quickly and holds its texture well in the sauce. Frozen or fresh gnocchi cook faster and tend to be softer, and I haven’t tested the recipe with those. If you decide to use them, just reduce the cooking time and watch closely to avoid overcooking. You may also need to adjust the liquid slightly, as fresh gnocchi can release more moisture.
Can I Make Bacon Cheeseburger Gnocchi Ahead Of Time?
You can prepare the ground beef mixture and sauce up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. The bacon can also be cooked and stored in the refrigerator beforehand. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce, add the gnocchi, and cook just until tender. Then, top with cheese and bacon. This way, you save time without risking mushy gnocchi.
What To Serve With Bacon Cheeseburger Gnocchi
This dish is pretty rich and satisfying on its own, so pairing it with something fresh or light helps balance the meal. Here are some easy ideas I would recommend:
- Roasted Asparagus or Roasted Green Beans
- Cucumber Salad
- Wedge Salad
- Toasted Baguette (Crostini)
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Roasted Potato Wedges
How To Store Bacon Cheeseburger Gnocchi
Store leftover bacon cheeseburger gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened. I do not recommend freezing the gnocchi dish, as the cream sauce may separate.
Bacon Cheeseburger Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon hamburger seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- ½ cup (4 ounces / 120 g) beef broth
- ½ cup (119 g) heavy cream
- 1 package (18 ounces) store-bought gnocchi, shelf-stable (not frozen or refrigerated)
- 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1-2 large dill pickles, chopped, for garnish
- 1 medium Roma tomato, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- To the same skillet, add the ground beef, onion, hamburger seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook, breaking the meat apart as it browns, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened, about 6–7 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and gnocchi. Stir well to combine. Bring to a low simmer, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cook, covered, for 5 minutes, or until gnocchi is tender. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and bacon on top. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped pickles and Roma tomatoes before serving.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This is such a delicious way to enjoy a cheeseburger AND gnocchi, all in one! I loved it!
Elizabeth
This is so easy to make and SO good! I can't wait to try this at home.
Bella
I am a huge gnocchi fan (just ask anyone), and this is a great way to eat it, with all of my favorite cheeseburger fixings!
Stephanie
I love this! I left off the pickles, but that is easy to do. It is wonderful!
