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Gnocchi Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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4 from 6 reviews

Gnocchi Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty twist on the classic shepherd's pie, substituting mashed potatoes with toasted potato gnocchi for a chewy and crispy texture. Ground beef is simmered with aromatic herbs, vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce, then combined with peas and gnocchi to create a satisfying one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

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

  1. Toast the gnocchi: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the potato gnocchi and toss to coat them evenly in the melted butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi turn golden brown and lightly crispy, about six to eight minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside in a bowl.
  2. Cook the beef, onions, and carrots: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until nearly no pink remains, about five to seven minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and carrot, and cook until the onions become translucent and the carrots begin to soften, approximately four to five minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking until the mixture becomes fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds.
  3. Build the sauce: Stir the all-purpose flour into the beef mixture and cook for one to two minutes until the flour is lightly browned. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, until a smooth sauce forms. Then stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, combining well to enhance the depth of flavor.
  4. Add peas and gnocchi: Fold in the frozen peas and the toasted gnocchi. Let the mixture simmer gently until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi are warmed through, about two to three minutes. For a thinner sauce, add additional beef broth in 1/4 cup increments until the desired consistency is reached. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh minced parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For a saucier texture, add more beef broth little by little while simmering.
  • If preferred, substitute ground beef with ground lamb for a traditional shepherd's pie flavor.
  • Fresh herbs can replace dried herbs; use three times the amount if using fresh.
  • This dish can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour alternative instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American