Spicy Taco Gnocchi Skillet

Try this Spicy Taco Gnocchi Skillet recipe, or contribute your own.

Spicy Taco Gnocchi Skillet
Spicy Taco Gnocchi Skillet

Step-by-step

  • In a small dish, stir together the chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano and red pepper flakes until well combined to form a taco seasoning. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
  • Add the gnocchi to the pan and stir to coat with the butter.
  • Spread the gnocchi into a single layer and cook for 2 minutes until the bottoms begin to turn golden.
  • Stir the gnocchi and cook on the other side for 2 more minutes.
  • Remove the gnocchi to a side plate and reserve for later use.
  • Reduce the burner heat to medium and place the ground beef in the hot skillet.
  • Cook the beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it starts to brown.
  • Add the onion, garlic and the taco seasoning from step 1.
  • Stir together until well combined and continue to cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.
  • Drain if necessary.
  • Add the salsa, beef broth, corn kernels and the reserved gnocchi to the beef mixture in the skillet.
  • Stir together and turn the heat up until the mixture comes to a boil.
  • Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low to simmer for 5-8 minutes until the gnocchi is softened and the liquid is somewhat reduced/absorbed.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream and about half of the shredded cheddar.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top and cover with the lid for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
  • Sprinkle with cilantro if desired and serve.
Spicy Taco Gnocchi Skillet: A Weeknight Winner

Spicy Taco Gnocchi Skillet: A Weeknight Winner

Life as a busy working mom is a whirlwind of deadlines, school runs, and the ever-present question: what's for dinner? I crave simple, satisfying meals that don't demand hours in the kitchen. This Spicy Taco Gnocchi Skillet is my absolute go-to. It's quick, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser – even with my picky eaters! The best part? It's incredibly adaptable. Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Forget elaborate prep work and complicated techniques. This one-pan wonder requires minimal cleanup, which is a huge plus after a long day. The gnocchi cooks beautifully in the skillet, soaking up all the delicious taco-seasoned beef and vibrant salsa. The creamy sour cream adds a touch of richness that perfectly balances the spice, while the melted cheddar cheese brings everything together with a satisfying cheesy finish. It's comfort food at its finest, without the guilt.

I often make a double batch on busy Sundays, then portion it out for quick lunches and dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day! This recipe has become a staple in our household, a reliable weeknight warrior that saves me time and keeps my family happy. The flexible nature of this dish means I can easily adjust it depending on what’s in the fridge or what my kids are craving. Sometimes I’ll add black beans for extra protein and fiber; other times, I’ll switch up the cheese, using pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!

Beyond its convenience and deliciousness, this recipe is also a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients. Have some ground beef in the fridge? A can of corn lingering in the pantry? Throw them into this skillet and you’ve got yourself a flavorful and satisfying meal. This is the ultimate "clean out the fridge" recipe, perfect for preventing food waste and embracing resourcefulness in the kitchen. It's become my secret weapon for transforming leftovers into something new and exciting.

So, the next time you're staring at the clock, feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of cooking dinner, remember this Spicy Taco Gnocchi Skillet. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights, a simple yet satisfying meal that will leave you and your family feeling nourished and content. Give it a try and let me know what you think!