Skillet Cheesy Taco Cauliflower Gnocchi
If you’re looking for an easy recipe for dinner tonight, you’ve got to try this skillet cheesy taco cauliflower gnocchi! Seriously, it’s so good. Think of a deliciously cheesy taco with all of your favorite toppings layered on top of pillowy dumplings of gnocchi– what could be better?
I think it’s safe to say that tacos are a favorite food for most people. The best part of a taco is how customizable they are and that goes for this recipe as well. I’ve created a delicious base with this cheesy taco skillet and the rest is totally up to you! This recipe would be great to whip up and serve with a taco bar to make a weeknight dinner fun. In our house, we love to experiment with different hot sauces and toppings on taco night. So, have fun with this one and put out all the fixin’s!
Let’s Make Cheesy Taco Cauliflower Gnocchi!
Gnocchi: For this recipe I used frozen cauliflower gnocchi (I get mine at Trader Joe’s). This is a really versatile ingredient that I always have on hand for quick dinners. You could of course make your own cauliflower gnocchi if you have the time or even use classic potato gnocchi.
Ground Meat: I used ground chicken for this recipe because it’s what I prefer if I’m using ground meat but whichever meat you love in your tacos will work fine. I do recommend using a low-fat percentage if you’re using beef; so the dish doesn’t get greasy. If you prefer to keep it vegetarian, there are great ground meat substitutes out there that will work perfectly in this recipe.
Canned Tomatoes: Any time I make a taco or chili dish; I like to use fire roasted tomatoes. They really do have a much better flavor than plain ole canned tomatoes because they have been roasted before they were canned. These definitely provide this dish with a slightly smokey flavor that a taco skillet deserves!
Onion: For tacos, I like to use a red or green onions. I went with green for this recipe but use what you have on hand.
Chipotles: This is optional, but I highly suggest adding some chipotles in adobo sauce into your meat mixture if you want it extra spicy and smokey. SO good!
Cheese: This time I used shredded sharp cheddar but feel free to experiment. There are a lot of great melty cheeses out there. Monterey jack cheese works great for tacos and will have a milder flavor than cheddar.
Spices: We will be using classic taco seasonings in this recipe: smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic, cumin and of course salt and pepper.
Toppings: This is the fun part! Add anything that you like on your cheesy taco skillet. Sour cream, avocado, cilantro, jalapenos and lots of hot sauce are our favorites.
Steps to making this cheesy taco gnocchi skillet
Step 1: Brown your meat. Throw your meat in an oven safe skillet and cook on top of the stove until browned. I love using my 12″ cast iron skillet for this recipe because it can go from stove top, straight to the oven.
Step 2: Season the taco meat. Once your meat is browning, add in the smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic, cumin and stir. Then stir in the chopped chipotles, diced onion and can of tomatoes. Once all of this is completely cooked and mixed together, taste for salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the gnocchi. While the meat is simmering, cook your gnocchi according to package instructions and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the taco skillet. Mix the cooked gnocchi to the skillet of taco meat and stir together. Top the skillet mixture with shredded cheese and bake in the oven until bubbly.
Step 5: Serve, top, and enjoy!
Looking for more?
Crispy Sweet Potato Pancakes with Jalapeno Ranch
Before you go, if you try this cheesy taco cauliflower gnocchi, comment and/or rate the recipe down below. I’d love to hear what you think!
Skillet Cheesy Taco Cauliflower Gnocchi
Equipment
- 12 inch oven safe skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken, turkey, lean beef or meat substitute
- 1 package cauliflower or potato gnocchi cooked according to package
- 14.5 ounce can of fire roasted tomatoes drained
- 2-3 green onions chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp chipotle with adobo sauce chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
- olive oil for sautéing meat
For topping
- cilantro
- jalapenos
- avocado diced
- sour cream
- hot sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Step 2: Cook gnocchi according to the package instructions and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in an oven safe skillet on medium and add the ground meat. Once the meat starts to brown, break it up with a spoon and add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and chopped chipotles, if using. When the meat is fully cooked, check for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 4: Add the can of drained tomatoes to the ground meat mixture and remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the cooked gnocchi and chopped green onion.
- Step 5: Top the skillet with grated cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes until the skillet is bubbly around the edges.
- Let the skillet set up for about 10 minutes before serving and top with all your favorite taco toppings!
