Pasta's Cousin

By now you all know what a pasta lover I am. How if I had to pick one food to eat for the rest of my life, it would definitely be in the running. But now, I've got another Italian classic that I am currently obsessed with and can not get enough recipes for...gnocchi!

These little potato dumplings are like soft little potato pillows that can take on whatever flavor you want and be a super star doing it. I've seen them featured in so many different ways I could do a different one each week and never repeat!

Plus, I've seen our local stores (even the discount ones like Aldi) carrying more and more varieties as well. Different flavors than just the standard potato gnocchi, so you can really switch it up!

This time around I wanted to pair them with a traditional meat sauce that normally I would serve with a short cut pasta. Seriously, this sauce is so good, and super easy, there is no reason to by the jarred stuff again! And after you boil them, the gnocchi can finish cooking right in the skillet you make the sauce in, so it is really close to being another "one pot wonder" meal your family will love!

If you still haven't tried them at home, the store bought gnocchi are really a steal at the store. They are inexpensive and very filling. Be sure to keep the sauce recipe handy too for so many other things!

Gnocchi with Homemade Meat Sauce

2 lbs. gnocchi

1 lb. ground beef

1 medium white onion, finely chopped

2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes, undrained

2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce

1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste

2 tsp. dried oregano

2 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. garlic powder

Salt and Pepper to taste

Shredded Parmesan cheese

In a large skillet brown beef with onion. Drain if necessary. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste and seasonings. Stir well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Boil gnocchi according to package directions and drain well. Add to sauce. Stir to combine. Keep on warm about 10 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Garnish with cheese.