This Zesty Beef Gnocchi with Zucchini & Pecorino Cheese is a comforting yet light dish that combines tender beef, soft gnocchi, and fresh zucchini. With a touch of heat from sambal oelek and the creamy richness of mascarpone and pecorino cheese, it’s the perfect weeknight meal to satisfy your craving for a flavorful pasta dish. This recipe is easy to prepare, making it a great go-to dinner for busy days.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 10 oz ground beef

• ¾ lb gnocchi

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 tbsp mascarpone cheese

• ¼ cup grated pecorino cheese

• 1 tbsp sambal oelek (optional, for heat)

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Gnocchi:
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until they float. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Beef:
   In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up into smaller pieces, until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil. Add the zucchini and garlic, cooking until the zucchini is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.

4. Combine the Ingredients:
   Add the cooked beef back into the skillet with the zucchini mixture. Stir to combine, then add the cooked gnocchi, mascarpone, and sambal oelek. Toss everything together until the gnocchi is well coated with the sauce and the mascarpone is melted.

5. Finish and Serve:
   Remove from heat and stir in the grated pecorino cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 550 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 28g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

• Sodium: 750mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g

• Cholesterol: 75mg

The Comfort of Gnocchi

Gnocchi, often considered a form of Italian dumpling, brings a soft, pillowy texture that perfectly complements the savory and creamy elements of this dish. The pillowy texture of gnocchi when cooked correctly adds a lightness to the meal, making it a comforting base for the rich beef and creamy sauce. Gnocchi can often be made with a variety of ingredients, but in this recipe, the gnocchi serves as a wonderful vehicle for the flavorful beef and creamy mascarpone sauce.

Unlike pasta, which can sometimes be heavier in texture, gnocchi offers a more delicate bite, making it ideal for a dish that combines multiple flavors and textures. Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade gnocchi, this dish allows the gnocchi to absorb the savory richness of the beef and the creamy mascarpone, creating an indulgent yet light eating experience.

The Flavorful Beef

Ground beef is the heart of this dish, providing a rich and savory base that pairs well with the lightness of gnocchi and the creaminess of mascarpone. The beef is browned and broken up into smaller pieces, which creates a satisfying texture that contrasts nicely with the softness of the gnocchi. It also serves as the main protein source in the dish, offering a hearty, satisfying element that makes the meal feel more substantial.

Seasoned with salt, pepper, and the added depth of tomato paste, the beef is infused with rich flavors that create the perfect foundation for the other ingredients. The cooking process allows the beef to become tender and fully absorb the flavors of the pan, resulting in a savory mixture that is the star of the dish. Additionally, the beef can easily be swapped for other proteins, like turkey or chicken, depending on your preference or dietary needs.

Zucchini: Freshness and Balance

Zucchini is a key ingredient in this dish, offering both a burst of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the beef and the creaminess of the mascarpone. When sautéed, zucchini becomes tender and slightly caramelized, bringing out its natural sweetness and complementing the savory flavors of the beef. The zucchini also adds a refreshing element to the dish, preventing it from feeling too heavy or overly rich.

In addition to its flavor, zucchini offers a nutritional boost, providing important vitamins like vitamin A and C, as well as dietary fiber that helps support digestion. Its versatility makes it an excellent addition to this dish, and it can be easily replaced with other vegetables if desired, such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms, to suit personal tastes or dietary preferences.

Mascarpone and Pecorino: Creamy and Nutty Perfection

The addition of mascarpone cheese elevates the dish by contributing a smooth, creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. Unlike other cheeses that may have a more tangy or sharp flavor, mascarpone brings a soft, indulgent richness to the dish, making the sauce luscious and velvety. It’s this creaminess that binds the gnocchi, beef, and zucchini together, creating a satisfying, comforting sauce that coats every bite.

Pecorino cheese, on the other hand, adds sharpness and depth to the flavor profile. Made from sheep’s milk, Pecorino has a robust, salty flavor that contrasts with the smoothness of the mascarpone. As the pecorino is stirred into the dish at the end, it melts slightly, infusing the entire mixture with its nutty, tangy taste. The combination of mascarpone and pecorino creates a beautiful balance of flavors that make the dish both rich and lively.

Sambal Oelek: A Kick of Heat

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, sambal oelek provides the perfect amount of heat to give this dish an exciting kick. Sambal oelek is a chili paste made from ground fresh chili peppers, vinegar, and salt, offering a tangy heat that is both flavorful and not overpowering. The heat from the sambal oelek blends seamlessly with the savory beef and the creamy mascarpone sauce, adding depth to the dish without overwhelming the other flavors.

The inclusion of sambal oelek is optional, allowing you to adjust the level of spice to your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, you can skip the sambal oelek altogether or substitute it with a less spicy option like red pepper flakes. However, the sambal oelek adds an exciting, bold flavor that enhances the overall profile of the dish, making it more dynamic and satisfying.

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the best aspects of Zesty Beef Gnocchi with Zucchini & Pecorino Cheese is how easy it is to prepare. This dish can be made in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a hearty yet easy meal. The gnocchi cooks quickly in boiling water, while the beef and vegetables are sautéed in a skillet, allowing the flavors to come together in just a short time.

The simplicity of the recipe also makes it adaptable. While the key ingredients are the beef, gnocchi, zucchini, and cheese, you can easily adjust the dish by adding or substituting vegetables, proteins, or spices to suit your preferences. Whether you want to add more heat, add extra vegetables, or substitute the beef for a different protein, this dish is highly versatile and easy to customize.

Nutritional Benefits

Zesty Beef Gnocchi with Zucchini & Pecorino Cheese offers a balanced mix of macronutrients. The ground beef provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth, while the gnocchi serves as a source of carbohydrates, giving you energy. Zucchini adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to your daily nutritional needs and promoting digestion.

The inclusion of mascarpone and pecorino cheese adds richness and flavor, as well as healthy fats, which are essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting overall health. While this dish does contain cheese and oil, the amount used is balanced, ensuring that it remains satisfying without being overly heavy. For those looking to make the dish lighter, you can adjust the amount of cheese or opt for a leaner protein, such as ground turkey or chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Zesty Beef Gnocchi with Zucchini & Pecorino Cheese can be served as a standalone dish or paired with a variety of sides. For a well-rounded meal, consider serving it with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to add freshness and a contrast in texture. A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, would pair well with the rich, creamy flavors of the dish.

If you prefer a more substantial meal, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots would make an excellent addition, bringing sweetness and a crispy texture that complements the gnocchi. You can also add a side of crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce, making the meal even more satisfying.

Conclusion

Zesty Beef Gnocchi with Zucchini & Pecorino Cheese is a perfect balance of comfort and flavor, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. The combination of tender beef, soft gnocchi, sautéed zucchini, and creamy mascarpone and pecorino cheeses creates a rich, satisfying meal that is both comforting and light. The touch of heat from sambal oelek adds an exciting depth to the dish, while the quick preparation time ensures that it can be enjoyed even on busy weeknights.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Its simplicity and versatility allow you to make adjustments based on your preferences, while still delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal. Zesty Beef Gnocchi with Zucchini & Pecorino Cheese is a dish that combines comforting ingredients with bold flavors, creating a meal that is sure to impress every time.