Description
One Skillet Meatballs & Gnocchi is a comforting, family-friendly dinner made entirely in one pan. Juicy beef meatballs are browned until golden, then simmered with cauliflower gnocchi, spinach, and a rich marinara sauce. This recipe delivers bold Italian-inspired flavors with minimal cleanup and reliable results for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Rolled oats pulsed into fine crumbs
Red onion grated
Garlic cloves minced
Grassfed ground beef
Large egg
Coconut aminos or Crystal Worcestershire sauce
Dried basil
Dried oregano
Sea salt
Black pepper
Olive oil
Red onion diced
Garlic cloves minced
Frozen cauliflower gnocchi
Broth
Baby spinach
Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce or Cucina Antica Tomato Basil Sauce or Newman’s Own Marinara Sauce
Cabot Parmesan Cheese or Tillamook Grated Parmesan
Instructions
1. Combine the oats, grated onion, garlic, ground beef, egg, coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl and gently mix until just combined
2. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and set aside on a plate
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until hot
4. Add the meatballs to the skillet and brown on multiple sides until a golden crust forms, then transfer to a plate
5. Add diced onion and garlic to the same skillet and cook until fragrant and softened
6. Add the frozen gnocchi and toss with the onion and garlic until lightly golden and heated through
7. Pour in the broth to deglaze the skillet and scrape up the flavorful bits from the bottom
8. Add the spinach and stir until slightly wilted
9. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine all ingredients
10. Nestle the meatballs back into the skillet and cover with a lid
11. Simmer gently until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce thickens
12. Serve warm topped with grated Parmesan if desired
Notes
Grating the onion keeps the meatballs moist and tender
Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to maintain a soft texture
Keep the gnocchi frozen until cooking to help it brown properly
Use a large skillet to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking
Leftovers store well and develop deeper flavor after resting
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian Inspired