Creamy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe

Irresistible Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe for Busy Nights

Who doesn’t love a comforting pasta dish that comes together effortlessly with this easy stovetop gnocchi lasagna recipe?

This one-pan wonder combines the soft, pillowy texture of gnocchi with rich, melted cheese and savory sauce.

Layers of Italian-inspired goodness bubble up quickly without the hassle of traditional baking.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this shortcut method that delivers maximum flavor in minimal time.

The stovetop technique ensures each bite is perfectly melted and gloriously cheesy.

Minimal ingredients, maximum satisfaction make this gnocchi lasagna a game-changing meal you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

Grab a fork and get ready to dive into a comforting, cheesy masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Instructions for Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna

Quick Instructions for Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna

Cozy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna

  • Beef Foundation

Grab a hefty pan and transform ground beef into a delicious golden landscape, letting any extra fat drip away.

  • Flavor Awakening

Drizzle olive oil and welcome chopped onions and garlic, dancing them together until they become soft and translucent.

  • Seasoning Symphony

Sprinkle a constellation of spices – onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper – creating a flavor harmony.

  • Sauce Magic

Pour marinara and chicken broth into the pan, stirring until everything cuddles together in delicious unity.

  • Slow Comfort

Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let everything simmer quietly, allowing flavors to whisper and meld for about 20 minutes.

  • Gnocchi Integration

Nestle potato gnocchi into the sauce, letting them become tender and absorb the rich surroundings for another 10 minutes.

  • Cheese Finale

Invite mozzarella to melt luxuriously into the sauce, then crown the dish with a shower of Parmigiano reggiano.

  • Serving Moment

Ladle this comforting creation onto plates, optional fresh basil adding a final flourish of green excitement.

Gnocchi Lasagna Variations & Flavor Boosts

  • Gnocchi Lasagna Cooking Secrets: Elevate Your Dish
  • Meat Selection Magic: Choose lean ground beef or swap with ground turkey for a lighter version. Ground Italian sausage adds an extra flavor punch that transforms the entire meal.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina, provolone, or ricotta to create a unique melting texture. Freshly grated cheese always melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
  • Quick Vegetarian Twist: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Herb Garden Boost: Fresh herbs make a world of difference. Chop fresh basil, oregano, or parsley right before serving to brighten the dish's overall flavor profile and add a vibrant touch.
  • Storage Superstar: This one-pan wonder stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet to maintain the gnocchi's tender texture and prevent drying out.

Serving Tips for Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Gather everyone around the table and enjoy this hearty one-pan meal that brings comfort and warmth to your evening.
  • Rustic Italian Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy gnocchi lasagna and add a fresh touch to your meal.
  • Meal Prep Magic: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day. Store in an airtight container and warm gently in the microwave or skillet for a quick, delicious meal.
  • Wine Companion: Complement the robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which will enhance the savory notes of the beef and cheese.

Keep Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Ready-to-Eat

  • Batch Cooking Brilliance: Whip up a double batch and freeze portions for busy weeknights, saving you time and energy when hunger strikes unexpectedly.
  • Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover gnocchi lasagna in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and texture when reheating gently in a skillet or microwave.
  • Freezer-Friendly Feast: Pack cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 3 months for a quick and delicious meal anytime you need a comforting dinner solution.
  • Reheating Rescue: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm slowly in a covered pan with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent the gnocchi from becoming tough or dry.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Breakdown for Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna

For Meat and Aromatics:
  • Ground Beef: Rich protein base that adds hearty flavor and creates a satisfying meaty texture for the lasagna.
  • Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation that enhances the overall depth of the dish.
  • Garlic Cloves: Delivers a pungent, robust flavor that elevates the entire recipe's taste profile.
For Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Concentrated flavor boosters that amplify the savory notes throughout the dish.
  • Dried Oregano, Dried Parsley: Classic Italian herbs that bring traditional Mediterranean warmth and complexity.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential minerals that balance and highlight all other ingredient flavors.
For Liquid and Cheese Components:
  • Marinara Sauce: Vibrant, tangy tomato base that creates a classic Italian sauce foundation.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and subtle richness to prevent dryness in the stovetop preparation.
  • Mozzarella: Creamy, melty cheese that provides a luxurious, stretchy texture.
  • Parmigiano Reggiano: Sharp, nutty cheese that introduces a sophisticated, authentic Italian taste.
  • Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that serve as the unique pasta replacement.
  • Fresh Basil: Optional bright, aromatic garnish that adds a fresh finishing touch.
  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a smooth, rich undertone to the cooking process.

Cookware Essentials for Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna

  • Large sauté pan: Essential for browning beef and building layers of flavor.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring spoons: Help accurately season the mixture with herbs and spices.
  • Cheese grater: Useful for grating fresh Parmigiano reggiano on top.
  • Sharp knife: Needed to chop onions and mince garlic quickly.
  • Colander or strainer: Helpful for draining excess beef grease.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
Print
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Creamy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe

Creamy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna


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4.5 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Delightful stovetop gnocchi lasagna delivers classic Italian comfort with minimal kitchen effort. Creamy layers of potato dumplings, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheeses create a quick one-pan meal guests will love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 oz (680 g) potato gnocchi
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
  • 28 oz (794 g) marinara sauce
  • 4 oz (113 g) mozzarella, shredded or sliced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup (25 g) fresh parmigiano reggiano, grated
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Optional: fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: In a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, thoroughly brown ground beef and drain excess fat, creating a rich, caramelized base for the dish.
  2. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until onions turn translucent, releasing their fragrant essence into the pan.
  3. Seasoning Fusion: Integrate a harmonious blend of onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to elevate the meat’s flavor profile.
  4. Liquid Infusion: Pour marinara sauce and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring meticulously to ensure complete ingredient integration and flavor distribution.
  5. Flavor Development: Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pan, and allow the mixture to develop its robust flavors for approximately 20 minutes, creating a deeply nuanced sauce.
  6. Gnocchi Incorporation: Fold soft potato gnocchi into the simmering sauce, ensuring each dumpling is completely enveloped in the rich mixture, and cook covered for an additional 10 minutes until perfectly tender.
  7. Cheese Transformation: Gradually melt mozzarella cheese into the sauce, creating a creamy, luxurious texture, then generously sprinkle Parmigiano reggiano across the top to add a sharp, nutty dimension.
  8. Presentation: Transfer the aromatic gnocchi lasagna to serving plates, optionally garnishing with fresh basil leaves to introduce a vibrant, herbaceous finish that complements the hearty dish.

Notes

  • Beef Browning Tip: Drain excess fat completely to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a clean, rich meat flavor.
  • Sautéing Technique: Cook onions and garlic slowly to develop a deep, sweet aromatic base that enhances overall taste.
  • Seasoning Strategy: Balance herbs and spices evenly, allowing each ingredient to contribute its unique flavor profile without overpowering others.
  • Cheese Melting Hack: Add cheese gradually and stir consistently to create a smooth, creamy sauce without clumping or separating.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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