Flavorful Taco Gnocchi Skillet Recipe: A Zesty Twist for Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand a burst of excitement, and this mouthwatering taco gnocchi skillet recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Soft, pillowy gnocchi meets zesty Mexican-inspired flavors in one incredible pan.

Tender potato dumplings soak up robust seasonings that dance across your taste buds.

Ground beef adds hearty protein while creating a rich, satisfying base for this unexpected dish.

Vibrant bell peppers and melted cheese create layers of texture and color that make every bite irresistible.

Pantry-friendly ingredients mean you can whip up this crowd-pleasing meal in under 30 minutes.

Dive into a skillet that promises comfort, excitement, and deliciousness in every single forkful.

Step-by-Step Taco Gnocchi Skillet Guide

• Gnocchi Prep

Boil gnocchi in a pot of water following package instructions. Once done, set aside.

• Beef Foundation

Brown ground beef in a large skillet with diced onions and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.

• Flavor Explosion

Pour in zesty Rotel tomatoes and taco seasoning. Add a splash of water. Simmer until sauce thickens and reduces.

• Corn and Gnocchi Fusion

Mix in sweet corn kernels and cooked gnocchi. Let everything meld together and absorb the spicy sauce.

• Cheesy Finale

Sprinkle a generous layer of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar on top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese create a gooey, melted blanket over the dish.

Tips & Garnish Suggestions for Taco Gnocchi Skillet

• Speedy Taco Gnocchi Tricks: Elevate Your Dish
• Meat Matters: Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more flavorful base for your skillet.
• Corn Crunch Boost: For extra texture, consider using fire-roasted corn or quickly charring fresh corn kernels in a separate pan before adding to enhance the smoky flavor profile.
• Cheese Melt Magic: Let the residual heat naturally melt the cheese instead of placing back on the stove, preventing potential overcooking and maintaining a perfect cheese pull.
• Spice Level Control: Swap regular Rotel for mild or hot versions depending on your heat preference, or mix in diced green chiles for a more nuanced southwestern kick.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the beef mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator, then quickly reheat and add gnocchi when ready to serve for an even faster weeknight meal.

Ways to Serve Taco Gnocchi Skillet

• Flavor Fiesta Finale: Top the skillet with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for a burst of color and tangy freshness.
• Spice Zone Topping: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or add sliced jalapeños for extra crunch and heat that will make taste buds dance.
• Zesty Side Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with avocado slices and a lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty skillet meal.
• Quick Garnish Boost: Add a quick drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle some queso fresco for an authentic Mexican-inspired finishing touch that elevates the entire dish.

Storage Prep for Taco Gnocchi Skillet Meals

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Whip up this taco gnocchi skillet in larger quantities for quick weeknight dinners. Families can enjoy multiple meals without daily cooking stress.
• Refrigerator Ready Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Cool the skillet completely before transferring to prevent moisture buildup and maintain texture.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Portion out servings in freezer-safe containers for convenient future meals. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring best flavor and quality when reheated.
• Reheating Pro Tips: Warm refrigerated or thawed skillet meals in microwave with a light sprinkle of water to restore moisture. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Taco Gnocchi Skillet

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that create a hearty foundation for this skillet meal, best when choosing fresh or vacuum-sealed packages for optimal texture.

• Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic: Robust ground beef delivers rich flavor while diced onions and minced garlic build a savory flavor base, selecting lean beef helps control dish's richness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Rotel, Taco Seasoning, Water: Zesty canned tomatoes with green chilies and pre-mixed taco seasoning inject vibrant southwestern flair, creating a dynamic sauce that coats every ingredient.
• Sweet Corn: Adds delightful sweetness and crisp texture, choose either fresh frozen or canned corn for convenient preparation.
• Monterey Jack Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Creamy Monterey Jack and tangy cheddar create a melty, decadent cheese blend that brings luxurious richness to the skillet, grate fresh for best melting quality.

Tools & Skillet Basics for Taco Gnocchi Skillet

• Stock Pot: Essential for perfectly boiling gnocchi with plenty of water.
• Large Frying Pan: Perfect for browning ground beef and creating the delicious taco-inspired mixture.
• Colander: Needed to drain gnocchi after cooking.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring beef and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of salt, pepper, and taco seasoning.
• Cheese Grater: Optional, if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Lid: Used to help melt cheese at the end of cooking.

Creamy Taco Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy Taco Gnocchi Skillet blends Italian pasta with Mexican-inspired flavors for a quick weeknight dinner. Spicy chorizo, tender gnocchi, and melted cheese create a comforting meal you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 package gnocchi
• 1 can Rotel
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup sweet corn, canned or frozen
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ cup water
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Bring a salted water pot to a vigorous boil. Submerge gnocchi and cook until they rise to the surface. Drain and set aside.
2. Meat Foundation: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté ground beef with onions and garlic, breaking meat into fine crumbles. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains.
3. Flavor Infusion: Eliminate excess fat from the skillet. Pour in Rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, and a modest water amount. Reduce heat and simmer, allowing the mixture to condense into a rich, aromatic sauce.
4. Harmonious Blend: Incorporate gnocchi and corn kernels into the seasoned beef mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution and continue cooking until liquid significantly reduces.
5. Cheese Finale: Remove skillet from heat. Generously sprinkle Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses over the surface. Cover with a lid, letting residual heat melt the cheese into a creamy, golden topping.

Notes

• Boil Water Wisely: Salt the water generously and wait for a rolling boil to ensure gnocchi cooks perfectly and doesn’t stick together.
• Brown Meat Perfectly: Use medium heat and break ground beef into small crumbles, ensuring no pink remains for maximum flavor and food safety.
• Drain Fat Carefully: Remove excess beef fat to prevent greasy texture and concentrate the dish’s robust taste profile.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let residual skillet heat melt cheese naturally, creating a creamy, golden blanket without additional cooking time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican-Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg