When I tried this Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe for the first time, I was amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients could create such a comforting and delicious dish. The soft, pillowy gnocchi absorbs all the rich flavors from the marinara sauce, ground beef, and gooey cheese, creating layers of lasagna-style goodness without all the hard work.
What I love most about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze, too! It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when time is tight but you still want a hearty, homemade meal on the table.
You don’t need fancy ingredients or cooking skills – it’s approachable even for beginners. Honestly, my family couldn’t stop asking for seconds. Once you try this stovetop lasagna, I’m sure it’ll find a place in your weekly dinner rotation as well!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There’s so much to enjoy about this recipe. From convenience to flavor, it’s bound to become one of your staples.
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
This dish comes together in one pan. From browning the beef to melting the cheese, everything cooks right on the stovetop. Busy week? No problem! Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, making it a hassle-free dinner option.
Creamy, Cheesy Comfort
With marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan, it’s cozy and satisfying. The gnocchi soaks up all those delicious flavors, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The combination of creamy cheese and hearty sauce makes every bite irresistibly rich.
Quick and Family-Friendly
This is a meal the whole family will love. It only takes 40 minutes to make, so whether it’s a school night or game night, this recipe fits right in. Plus, it’s easy to serve straight from the skillet for a warm, comforting meal.
Customizable to Taste
Want to add extra veggies or swap out protein? Go ahead! You can make this dish vegetarian, lighten it up, or load it with extra spices to suit your taste. Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra depth.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long you need for this easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for your stovetop gnocchi lasagna.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Variations
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to explore these tweaks and tips.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils for a hearty, meatless version.
- Flavor Boosts: Dash in some red chili flakes for spice or mix in a handful of spinach or kale for added greens.
- Lighter Choice: Use ground turkey instead of beef, and reduce the cheese if you’re keeping it light.
Equipment You’ll Need
Make cooking and cleanup a breeze with these essential tools.
- Large Skillet: To cook everything in one pan.
- Wooden Spoon: Ideal for breaking up meat and stirring.
- Cheese Grater: For shredding mozzarella and Parmesan.
How to Make Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna?
This no-fuss recipe is perfect for a delicious weeknight meal. Follow these simple steps!
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. This step builds the base of your recipe. Once done, drain any excess grease and set aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Drizzle olive oil into the same pan and toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook them for 3-5 minutes until they turn soft and fragrant. For added flavor, sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Your kitchen will smell incredible! 🧄
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Stir the marinara sauce and chicken broth into the skillet, combining everything well. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pan with a lid. Cook it for about 20 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and for all the flavors to meld together. 🍲
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi
Next, stir in the potato gnocchi and cover the pan again. Simmer for another 10 minutes. The gnocchi will magically puff up as they soak in all that saucy, cheesy goodness. 😍
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Now it’s time for the final touch! Stir the shredded mozzarella into the dish, letting it melt into the sauce. Sprinkle Parmigiano Reggiano on top for an extra cheesy, irresistible finish. Garnish with chopped basil if desired, then serve hot. 🌿✨
Tips for Making the Recipe
Make every bite perfect with these helpful tricks.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: Shred mozzarella from a block for best results. Pre-grated cheese might not melt as smoothly due to added coatings. Freshly shredded cheese creates a gooier, stretchier texture that enhances every bite. Plus, it blends seamlessly into the sauce for a richer finish.
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Simmer just enough for the gnocchi to cook through. Overcooking may make them lose their fluffy texture. They should be tender yet slightly firm to the bite, ensuring they hold up well in the sauce. Cooking them in the sauce for the last minute helps absorb more flavor.
- Season to Taste: Remember to adjust salt or pepper in the marinara sauce, as brands vary in flavor intensity. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick, while a touch of sugar balances acidity if needed.
How to Serve Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna?
Serve this dish straight from the skillet for a casual family dinner or transfer it to a large dish for a more formal presentation. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan for flair. Pair it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s what one hearty serving of this dish provides.
- Calories: 461
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fat: 18g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is easy to make ahead and store for later, so you can always keep comfort food within reach.
Make Ahead
You can prepare the marinara sauce with meat a day before and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop and add the gnocchi and cheese.
Storage
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the gnocchi may change when thawed.
This Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe combines effortless cooking with incredible flavors. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or craving a quick, cheesy pasta fix, this dish has you covered. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a simple, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite! 🥰
Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- 1 16-ounce package potato gnocchi
- Fresh basil chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. This step builds the base of your recipe. Once done, drain any excess grease and set aside for later.
- Drizzle olive oil into the same pan and toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook them for 3-5 minutes until they turn soft and fragrant. For added flavor, sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Your kitchen will smell incredible! 🧄
- Stir the marinara sauce and chicken broth into the skillet, combining everything well. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pan with a lid. Cook it for about 20 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and for all the flavors to meld together. 🍲
- Next, stir in the potato gnocchi and cover the pan again. Simmer for another 10 minutes. The gnocchi will magically puff up as they soak in all that saucy, cheesy goodness. 😍
- Now it’s time for the final touch! Stir the shredded mozzarella into the dish, letting it melt into the sauce. Sprinkle Parmigiano Reggiano on top for an extra cheesy, irresistible finish. Garnish with chopped basil if desired, then serve hot. 🌿✨
Notes
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: Shred mozzarella from a block for best results. Pre-grated cheese might not melt as smoothly due to added coatings. Freshly shredded cheese creates a gooier, stretchier texture that enhances every bite. Plus, it blends seamlessly into the sauce for a richer finish.
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Simmer just enough for the gnocchi to cook through. Overcooking may make them lose their fluffy texture. They should be tender yet slightly firm to the bite, ensuring they hold up well in the sauce. Cooking them in the sauce for the last minute helps absorb more flavor.
- Season to Taste: Remember to adjust salt or pepper in the marinara sauce, as brands vary in flavor intensity. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick, while a touch of sugar balances acidity if needed.
