Description
This Gnocchi Shepherd’s Pie reimagines the classic comfort dish by swapping traditional mashed potatoes for golden, toasted potato gnocchi. Ground beef is cooked with aromatic herbs, savory vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce, then combined with tender peas and gnocchi to create a hearty, satisfying meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/3 pounds ground beef
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped carrot
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- Toast the gnocchi: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the potato gnocchi to the pan. Toss to coat them in the melted butter, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is golden and lightly crispy, about six to eight minutes. Once toasted, transfer the gnocchi to a bowl and set aside.
- Cook the beef, onions, and carrots: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until almost no pink remains, about five to seven minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Add the chopped onion and carrot, cooking until the onions are translucent and the carrots begin to soften, about four to five minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook until fragrant, approximately 30 to 60 seconds.
- Build the sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef mixture and cook until lightly browned, about one to two minutes. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, mixing well to combine all flavors.
- Add peas and gnocchi: Stir in the frozen peas and the toasted gnocchi into the sauce. Simmer the mixture for two to three minutes until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi are warmed through. Adjust the consistency by adding additional beef broth, 1/4 cup at a time, if a saucier dish is desired.
- Finish with parsley and serve: Stir in the minced fresh parsley just before serving to add brightness and fresh flavor to the dish.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can stir in a splash of cream or a handful of shredded cheese at the end of cooking.
- Ensure toasting gnocchi carefully to prevent burning; golden and crispy is ideal.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried; use three times the amount if using fresh.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
