Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bacon Cheeseburger Gnocchi Skillet is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, combining the familiar flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger with soft, pillowy gnocchi in one satisfying pan. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, flavorful, and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. Everything cooks together in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner.
What makes this dish especially appealing is how well the flavors come together. The savory beef, smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and tender gnocchi create a rich, balanced meal that feels indulgent but approachable. When I tested this recipe, I was surprised by how quickly it came together and how well the gnocchi absorbed the cheeseburger-style sauce. It is a family-friendly dish that feels familiar yet creative, making it a great option for both casual dinners and comfort-food cravings.
Bacon Cheeseburger Gnocchi Skillet – A One-Pan Comfort Food Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty one-pan bacon cheeseburger gnocchi skillet made with crispy bacon, seasoned beef, tender gnocchi, and a creamy cheesy sauce inspired by classic cheeseburgers.
Ingredients
- 500 g potato gnocchi
- 400 g ground beef
- 150 g bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp chopped pickles (optional)
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving some fat in the pan.
- Add ground beef and diced onion to the skillet and cook until beef is browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add gnocchi, cover, and cook for 3–4 minutes until gnocchi is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, ketchup, and mustard until sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked bacon and pickles if using, and stir to combine.
- Simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Garnish with green onions or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for best cheeseburger flavor.
- Turkey bacon and ground turkey can be substituted for a lighter version.
- Serve with a simple salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Gnocchi serves as the base of the dish, offering a soft, hearty texture that replaces traditional burger buns or pasta.
Ground beef provides the classic cheeseburger flavor and forms the savory backbone of the skillet.
Bacon adds smokiness and crisp texture, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
Onion brings mild sweetness and depth, balancing the saltiness of the bacon and beef.
Garlic enhances the savory flavor and adds aromatic warmth.
Cheddar cheese delivers the signature cheeseburger taste and melts into a creamy sauce.
Milk or cream helps create a smooth, cohesive sauce that coats the gnocchi evenly.
Ketchup adds subtle sweetness and that unmistakable cheeseburger note.
Mustard provides gentle tang and depth, rounding out the sauce.
Salt and black pepper season the dish and bring all the flavors together.
Green onions are optional but add freshness and color just before serving.
Directions
Begin by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set it aside on paper towels, leaving a small amount of bacon fat in the pan.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Stir in the uncooked gnocchi, followed by the milk or cream, ketchup, and mustard. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce thickens.
Once the gnocchi are cooked through, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Crumble the cooked bacon and fold it into the skillet, reserving a small amount for topping if desired.
Remove from heat and garnish with green onions. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 20 minutes, making the total time roughly 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Leftover bacon cheeseburger gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Variations and Customizations
This skillet recipe is easy to adapt based on preference. You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a lighter option while keeping the cheeseburger flavor intact. Adding diced pickles or relish brings an authentic burger-style tang to the dish.
For extra richness, a small amount of cream cheese can be stirred into the sauce along with the cheddar. If you prefer heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
When I tested a version with smoked cheddar, the flavor became deeper and more pronounced, pairing beautifully with the bacon. These variations allow you to customize the dish while maintaining its comforting appeal.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Bacon Cheeseburger Gnocchi Skillet is a hearty, filling meal that provides protein from beef and bacon, carbohydrates from gnocchi, and fats from cheese and dairy. Portion control and ingredient swaps can help tailor it to different dietary needs.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Crisp Bacon First
Cooking bacon first builds flavor for the entire dish.
Do Not Overcook Gnocchi
Simmer just until tender to avoid a mushy texture.
Shred Cheese Fresh
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly into the sauce.
Adjust Sauce Thickness
Add milk gradually to control creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use shelf-stable gnocchi?
Yes, shelf-stable gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best served fresh but can be reheated gently.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are familiar and mild.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers or mushrooms work well.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but blends also work.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add hot sauce or chili flakes.
Can I use plant-based meat?
Yes, substitute with a plant-based ground alternative.
Does this freeze well?
Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce.
Can I use heavy cream?
Yes, for a richer sauce.
What can I serve with this?
A simple salad or steamed vegetables pair well.
Conclusion
Bacon Cheeseburger Gnocchi Skillet is a comforting, one-pan meal that combines bold cheeseburger flavors with tender gnocchi in a creamy sauce. Quick to prepare, easy to customize, and incredibly satisfying, this recipe is ideal for busy nights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
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