Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp salt
- pepper to taste
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 28 oz marinara sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
Dairy
- 4 oz mozzarella, shredded or sliced
- ¼ cup fresh Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
Main Carbohydrate
- 24 oz potato gnocchi
Optional Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily.
- Sauté Aromatics and Spices: Return the pan to medium heat, add olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Sauce and Broth: Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly in the pan. This forms the flavorful base of your gnocchi lasagna.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let the sauce simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and deepen in richness.
- Incorporate Gnocchi: Uncover the pan and stir in the potato gnocchi. Cover again and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the gnocchi are soft and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese: Lower the heat to the lowest setting. Stir in the shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese until melted and evenly distributed within the sauce and gnocchi.
- Top with Parmigiano Reggiano: Sprinkle the grated Parmigiano Reggiano over the top of the dish. Cover briefly to allow the cheese to warm and slightly melt.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and serve hot. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, for a burst of freshness and aroma.
Notes
- Drain excess grease after browning the beef to reduce fat content and ensure a cleaner flavor.
- Use fresh Parmigiano Reggiano for authentic, nutty taste and better melting qualities.
- Potato gnocchi can be homemade or store-bought; just ensure they are fully cooked during the simmering phase.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms.
- Adding fresh basil at the end adds a fresh aromatic note but is optional.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian