Amazing Potato Gnocchi Beef Stew: 650 Calorie Ultimate Comfort

Name: Amazing Potato Gnocchi Beef Stew: 650 Calorie Ultimate Comfort
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup butter; 3 pound beef roast (such as chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes); 1/2 cup diced onion; 2-3 cloves garlic (minced); Pinch of red pepper flakes; 1/2 cup flour; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 cup warm water; 4 cups beef broth; 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 bay leaves; Pinch of cloves; Salt and pepper (to taste); 2-3 cups baby carrots; 1 pound potato gnocchi; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

by Jannet Lisa

12 de July de 2025

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Potato Gnocchi Beef Stew has become my ultimate comfort food, especially as the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp. I remember the first time I tried combining the rich flavors of a classic beef stew with the pillowy softness of potato gnocchi; it was an accidental stroke of genius born from a nearly empty pantry and a desire for something truly hearty. The aroma of simmering beef and savory herbs filled my kitchen, promising a deeply satisfying meal. This easy ground beef stew with gnocchi recipe transforms a traditional dish into an extraordinary experience, adding a delightful chewiness that you won’t get from mere potatoes. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Potato Gnocchi Beef Stew

I promise you, this stew is about to become a new favorite in your home. Here’s why I adore this potato gnocchi beef stew and why I think you will too:

It’s incredibly flavorful, with tender beef and a rich, savory broth that truly warms you from the inside out.
The gnocchi adds a unique, pillowy texture that makes this a truly hearty gnocchi beef stew, far more exciting than traditional potatoes.
Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
It’s a budget-friendly meal that stretches a few ingredients into a satisfying dish for the whole family.
This hearty gnocchi beef stew is packed with vegetables, offering a good source of vitamins and fiber.
It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something deeply satisfying.

Ingredients for Potato Gnocchi Beef Stew

Here are the essential gnocchi beef stew ingredients you’ll need to create this comforting masterpiece. I always make sure I have these on hand for a quick and easy weeknight meal:

2 tablespoons olive oil – for browning the beef and building flavor.
1/4 cup butter – adds richness to the base of the stew.
3 pound beef roast (such as chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes) – chuck roast is my go-to for its tenderness after slow simmering.
1/2 cup diced onion – provides a sweet aromatic foundation.
2-3 cloves garlic (minced) – for that essential savory depth.
Pinch of red pepper flakes – just a touch to awaken the flavors without making it spicy.
1/2 cup flour – to thicken the stew to a perfect consistency.
2 teaspoons paprika – for warmth and a beautiful color.
1 cup warm water – helps deglaze the pan and incorporate the flour smoothly.
4 cups beef broth – the liquid base for our rich stew.
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce – adds a tangy depth that complements the beef beautifully.
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme – a classic herb for beef stew that I absolutely love.
2 bay leaves – for an earthy, aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor.
Pinch of cloves – a secret ingredient that adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
Salt and pepper (to taste) – essential for seasoning every layer of the stew.
2-3 cups baby carrots – these cook up perfectly tender right in the stew.
1 pound potato gnocchi – the star of the show, adding that delightful pillowy texture.
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar – stirred in at the end, it brightens all the flavors.
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley – for a burst of freshness and color when serving.

How to Make Potato Gnocchi Beef Stew

Making this hearty potato gnocchi beef stew is a straightforward process, but each step builds incredible flavor. I love how the kitchen fills with the savory aroma as it simmers.

Step 1: Heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. This initial high heat is crucial for browning. Season your 3 pound beef roast cubes generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches, brown the beef on all sides in the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this prevents proper browning. Once beautifully browned, remove the beef to a plate and keep it warm. This step is key for a rich, deep flavor base.
Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the 1/4 cup butter to the pot, letting it melt. Then, add the 1/2 cup diced onion, 2-3 cloves minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. The smell at this stage is absolutely divine! Stir in the 1/2 cup flour and 2 teaspoons paprika, cooking for another minute to create a roux.
Step 3: Whisk in the 1 cup warm water, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s pure flavor! Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, and you’ll notice it start to thicken. Next, stir in the 4 cups beef broth, 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, and a pinch of cloves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This combination creates the rich, savory liquid base for our beef stew.
Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot, nestling it into the liquid. Cover the Dutch oven and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer gently for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer is essential for tenderizing the beef and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. After 2 hours, add the 2-3 cups baby carrots to the beef stew and continue to simmer for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. This ensures the carrots are perfectly cooked, not mushy.
Step 5: Just 5-10 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the 1 pound potato gnocchi. The gnocchi cooks quickly in the hot stew, absorbing those delicious flavors and becoming wonderfully tender and pillowy.
Step 6: Finally, before serving, stir in the 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley to your finished potato gnocchi beef stew. The balsamic vinegar brightens the flavors, and the fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. This is how to make potato gnocchi beef stew that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen!

Potato Gnocchi Beef Stew - detail 2

Pro Tips for the Best Potato Gnocchi Beef Stew

I’ve made this stew countless times, and these are my absolute favorite tricks to elevate your potato gnocchi beef stew from great to extraordinary. Trust me, these small adjustments make a huge difference in flavor and texture, ensuring you get the most out of every spoonful.

Always brown your beef thoroughly in batches; this creates a deep, rich flavor foundation for your stew.
Don’t skip the red pepper flakes and cloves; they add subtle warmth and complexity without being overpowering.
Allow the stew to simmer for the full recommended time; low and slow cooking is key for tender beef.
Add the gnocchi only in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
A splash of balsamic vinegar at the end brightens all the flavors, making the stew sing.

What’s the secret to perfect potato gnocchi beef stew?

The real secret lies in building layers of flavor, starting with a good sear on the beef and deglazing the pan. Also, using a combination of beef broth and tomato sauce, along with a pinch of cloves, creates a deep, balanced taste. This approach ensures you get the best potato gnocchi beef stew every single time, truly a chef-level technique.

Can I make potato gnocchi beef stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare the entire stew (minus the gnocchi) ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the stew gently on the stovetop and then add the gnocchi for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with potato gnocchi beef stew?

One common mistake is overcrowding the pan when browning the beef, which leads to steaming instead of searing. Another is overcooking the gnocchi; they only need a few minutes to become tender. Lastly, always taste and adjust your seasonings before serving, ensuring your potato gnocchi beef stew is perfectly balanced.

Best Ways to Serve Potato Gnocchi Beef Stew

Once your incredible potato gnocchi beef stew is ready, the serving possibilities are endless! I love how versatile this dish is, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or even a casual gathering with friends. The rich, savory broth and tender beef, combined with those delightful gnocchi dumplings, make it a complete meal on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate the experience even further.

My favorite way to serve this hearty stew is simply in a large bowl, garnished with extra fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. The beef stew with gnocchi dumplings is so satisfying, it truly doesn’t need much else.
For a lighter contrast, I often pair it with a crisp green salad tossed with a vinaigrette. The bright acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the stew beautifully, creating a balanced meal.
You could also offer some crusty bread or warm dinner rolls on the side, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious, savory broth. It’s truly comfort in a bowl!

Nutrition Facts for Potato Gnocchi Beef Stew

I know many of you are curious about the nutritional breakdown of this delicious potato gnocchi beef stew. Here’s an estimate per serving, based on my recipe, which yields 6 servings:

Calories: 650
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 40g
Sodium: 850mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. This hearty potato gnocchi beef stew provides a good balance of macronutrients to keep you feeling satisfied.

How to Store and Reheat Potato Gnocchi Beef Stew

One of the best things about this potato gnocchi beef stew is how well it stores, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy days. I always make a big batch so I have delicious leftovers ready to go. Proper storage also helps maintain its amazing flavor and texture.

Once your stew has cooled completely, transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, this easy potato gnocchi beef stew freezes wonderfully. Simply transfer the cooled stew to freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally, until hot. The gnocchi holds up surprisingly well, remaining tender and delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions About Potato Gnocchi Beef Stew

What is potato gnocchi beef stew?

Potato gnocchi beef stew is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender, slow-cooked beef and vegetables in a rich, savory broth, with the delightful addition of soft, pillowy potato gnocchi. Unlike traditional beef stews that use diced potatoes, this version incorporates gnocchi, which are small Italian dumplings made from potato and flour, offering a unique texture and absorbing the stew’s flavors beautifully. It’s truly a satisfying one-pot meal.

Can I use frozen gnocchi in this beef stew?

Absolutely! I almost always use store-bought frozen potato gnocchi for convenience in this potato gnocchi beef stew. They cook up perfectly tender directly in the hot stew during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand, which makes this recipe even easier to prepare for a quick and hearty dinner.

What kind of beef is best for potato gnocchi beef stew?

For the most tender and flavorful potato gnocchi beef stew, I highly recommend using a cut of beef that benefits from slow cooking. Chuck roast is my top choice because it has a good amount of marbling, which breaks down during the long simmer, resulting in incredibly tender, fall-apart beef. Other good options include beef short ribs or even beef for stew labeled as “stew meat,” though chuck is usually superior.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this potato gnocchi beef stew recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot! For a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the aromatics on the stovetop first, then combine everything (except gnocchi and parsley) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the gnocchi during the last 30 minutes. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown and sauté, then pressure cook for about 45-50 minutes, adding the gnocchi after pressure release and simmering for 5-10 minutes until tender.

Variations of Potato Gnocchi Beef Stew You Can Try

I love how adaptable this potato gnocchi beef stew recipe is! Once you’ve mastered the classic version, there are so many ways to customize it to your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas I’ve enjoyed exploring, adding new dimensions to this comforting dish.

Slow Cooker Version: For ultimate convenience, transform this into a slow cooker potato gnocchi beef stew. Brown your beef and sauté the aromatics as directed, then combine everything (except the gnocchi and fresh parsley) in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding the gnocchi during the last 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy days when you want dinner waiting for you.
Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, try adding a few extra pinches of red pepper flakes or even a diced jalapeño along with the onions and garlic. You could also stir in a tablespoon of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers at the end for a smoky, spicy depth to your potato gnocchi beef stew.
Vegetable Boost: While this stew is already packed with carrots, feel free to add other hearty vegetables like diced celery, mushrooms, or even chopped bell peppers. Just add them during the last hour of simmering to ensure they cook through without becoming mushy.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs! Instead of just thyme, try a mix of rosemary and bay leaves for a more robust, earthy flavor. A sprinkle of fresh oregano at the end can also add a delightful aromatic touch to your gnocchi beef stew.