Description
This Taco Gnocchi Skillet is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal combining tender gnocchi with seasoned ground meat, vibrant vegetables, and melty cheese. Inspired by classic taco flavors, this dish brings a comforting spin to weeknight dinners, perfect for a quick and satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey
- 1 cup Oaxaca or Monterey jack cheese, shredded
Vegetables & Canned Goods
- 1 medium white or yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 10 ounce can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
- 1 15.5 ounce can sweet corn, drained
Carbohydrates
- 1 pound pre-made gnocchi
Pantry & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil (if using a lean protein)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 4 tablespoons chipotle en adobo pepper sauce (optional, adds heat and smokiness)
- Crushed tortilla chips or tortilla strips for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the pan and protein: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive or canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat if using a lean protein. Add the ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey to the pan. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add aromatics and vegetables: Stir in the finely diced onion and green bell pepper into the skillet cooking alongside the meat until softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Incorporate seasonings and tomatoes: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked meat and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Pour in the 10 ounce can of Rotel, mixing it into the skillet to blend flavors.
- Add corn and chipotle sauce: Stir in the drained sweet corn and optionally add 4 tablespoons of chipotle en adobo pepper sauce if you prefer a smoky and spicy flavor profile. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the pre-made gnocchi to the skillet, stirring to evenly combine with the meat and vegetable mixture. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi are tender and heated through.
- Add cheese and finish: Sprinkle the shredded Oaxaca or Monterey jack cheese evenly on top of the skillet mixture. Cover the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with crushed tortilla chips or tortilla strips for added crunch. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful taco-inspired gnocchi skillet.
Notes
- You can use any ground meat of your choice: beef, pork, chicken, or turkey.
- Using a bit of oil is recommended if using lean meat to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Chipotle en adobo pepper sauce is optional but adds smoky heat if desired.
- Pre-made gnocchi significantly reduces cooking time compared to making gnocchi from scratch.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with plant-based protein or beans and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Keywords: Taco Gnocchi, Skillet Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meal, Mexican Flavors, Ground Meat, Gnocchi Recipe