Beginner-Friendly Recipe
Crispy Gnocchi Taco Skillet
Crispy Gnocchi Taco Skillet is a beginner-friendly shortcut recipe with cozy flavor, flexible swaps, and simple leftovers.
Crispy Gnocchi Taco Skillet combines golden pan-fried gnocchi, seasoned hamburger, salsa, melted cheese, and classic taco toppings in one easy dinner.
The gnocchi replaces tortillas or rice. It becomes crispy on the outside while staying soft and chewy inside.
This one-pan meal is a fun way to use familiar taco ingredients. It is ready in about 30 minutes and works well for busy weeknights.
Mistakenly Smart Note: Do not boil the gnocchi before adding it to the skillet. Cooking it directly in oil creates a crispy golden outside. Boiled gnocchi will be softer and may become mushy after the salsa is added.
Quick Answer
Crispy Gnocchi Taco Skillet is made by pan-frying uncooked potato gnocchi until golden. Hamburger and onion are cooked in the same skillet with taco seasoning. Add salsa, return the gnocchi to the pan, sprinkle with cheese, and cover until melted.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It uses simple grocery-store ingredients.
- Everything cooks in one large skillet.
- The gnocchi becomes crispy and chewy.
- You can customize the taco toppings.
- Dinner can be ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound hamburger
- 1 package potato gnocchi, about 16 ounces
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt, as needed
- Black pepper, as needed
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Chopped tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeƱos
- Chopped green onions
- Avocado
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Shredded lettuce
- Hot sauce
Easy Recipe Variations
Add Black Beans
Drain and rinse one can of black beans. Stir the beans into the skillet when you add the salsa.
Add Corn
Add one cup of frozen or drained canned corn before sprinkling the cheese over the skillet.
Make It Spicier
Use hot salsa, pepper jack cheese, sliced jalapeƱos, or your favorite hot sauce.
Use Chicken
Replace the hamburger with ground chicken, ground turkey, or chopped cooked chicken.
Make It Extra Cheesy
Use a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack cheese.
Add a Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the finished skillet immediately before serving.
What to Serve With Taco Gnocchi
- A simple green salad
- Mexican-style corn
- Refried beans
- Black beans
- Chips and salsa
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh fruit
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the skillet to cool before placing leftovers in an airtight container.
Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
The gnocchi will soften while sitting in the sauce. Reheat it in a lightly oiled skillet to restore some of the crispy texture.
You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, although the gnocchi will remain softer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?
No. Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the skillet with cooking oil. Pan-frying creates the crispy texture used in this recipe.
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes. Frozen gnocchi may require a few additional minutes of cooking. Follow the package directions if thawing is recommended.
Can I use refrigerated gnocchi?
Yes. Refrigerated and shelf-stable gnocchi both work well. Cooking time may vary slightly.
What kind of salsa works best?
Use your favorite mild, medium, or hot salsa. A thicker salsa works best because thin salsa may make the gnocchi soggy.
Can I make taco seasoning at home?
Yes. Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the hamburger mixture ahead of time. For the crispiest texture, cook the gnocchi and assemble the skillet shortly before serving.
A Different Kind of Taco Night
Crispy Gnocchi Taco Skillet turns simple taco ingredients into a fun one-pan dinner.
The golden gnocchi provides a crispy and chewy base. Seasoned hamburger, salsa, and melted cheese add familiar taco flavor.
Finish the skillet with your favorite toppings and serve it directly from the pan for an easy family meal.
Crispy Gnocchi Taco Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the skillet.
- Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy.
- Transfer the gnocchi to a plate.
- Add the hamburger and chopped onion to the same skillet.
- Cook until the hamburger is browned and the onion is soft.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the taco seasoning and water.
- Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Return the crispy gnocchi to the skillet.
- Add the salsa and gently stir.
- Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the skillet.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add your favorite taco toppings and serve warm.
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition Information Disclaimer
Nutrition information is provided as an estimate only and may vary based on the ingredients, brands, portion sizes, substitutions, and preparation methods used. Optional toppings and serving suggestions may not be included in the calculation. For the most accurate information, calculate nutrition using the specific ingredients and amounts you use.
Allergy notice: Always check ingredient labels and avoid substitutions that may introduce allergens. This recipe has not been verified as allergen-free.
Easy Recipe Variations
Add Black Beans
Drain and rinse one can of black beans. Stir the beans into the skillet when you add the salsa.
Add Corn
Add one cup of frozen or drained canned corn before sprinkling the cheese over the skillet.
Make It Spicier
Use hot salsa, pepper jack cheese, sliced jalapeƱos, or your favorite hot sauce.
Use Chicken
Replace the hamburger with ground chicken, ground turkey, or chopped cooked chicken.
Make It Extra Cheesy
Use a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack cheese.
Add a Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the finished skillet immediately before serving.
What to Serve With Taco Gnocchi
- A simple green salad
- Mexican-style corn
- Refried beans
- Black beans
- Chips and salsa
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh fruit
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the skillet to cool before placing leftovers in an airtight container.
Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
The gnocchi will soften while sitting in the sauce. Reheat it in a lightly oiled skillet to restore some of the crispy texture.
You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, although the gnocchi will remain softer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?
No. Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the skillet with cooking oil. Pan-frying creates the crispy texture used in this recipe.
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes. Frozen gnocchi may require a few additional minutes of cooking. Follow the package directions if thawing is recommended.
Can I use refrigerated gnocchi?
Yes. Refrigerated and shelf-stable gnocchi both work well. Cooking time may vary slightly.
What kind of salsa works best?
Use your favorite mild, medium, or hot salsa. A thicker salsa works best because thin salsa may make the gnocchi soggy.
Can I make taco seasoning at home?
Yes. Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the hamburger mixture ahead of time. For the crispiest texture, cook the gnocchi and assemble the skillet shortly before serving.
A Different Kind of Taco Night
Crispy Gnocchi Taco Skillet turns simple taco ingredients into a fun one-pan dinner.
The golden gnocchi provides a crispy and chewy base. Seasoned hamburger, salsa, and melted cheese add familiar taco flavor.
Finish the skillet with your favorite toppings and serve it directly from the pan for an easy family meal.
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