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Beef/ Cheese

Gnocchi Nachos (Gnocchos)

October 24, 2019 (Last Updated: March 17, 2021) by Chris Collins

Forget everything you thought you new about nachos and welcome these insanely delicious Gnocchi Nachos into your life – The crazy nachos recipe you never knew you needed!

overhead shot of gnocchi nachos in tray with guac, salsa ad sour cream

The Ultimate Nachos!

When I say these nachos are about to change your life, I truly mean it. I mean yeah, on paper gnocchi nachos might sound slightly, erm, bizarre? But it 100% works. Is there any need for gnocchi nachos? Absolutely not. Are we gonna stuff our faces with zero regrets anyway? Hell yes we are!

The reason these gnocchi nachos work so well is because the gnocchi is toasted. You get that nice crispy layer between the meaty cheesy goodness, with the added pillow texture of the gnocchi for extra measure. Sweet Jesus I’m drooling all over again.

Just like my Crispy Gnocchi and Sausage Meatballs, you’ll need to remove the starch from the outside of the gnocchi before you fry it. You can either do this by boiling for 1 minute, or pop in hot/warm water for 15mins. Both of these methods will also slightly cook the gnocchi, which is what we want. Just until al dente.

How to make Gnocchi Nachos (quick summary)

  1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add gnocchi.
  3. Continue to fry, tossing and stirring frequently until golden and crispy.
  4. Remove from pan.

How to Pan fry gnocchi for nachos - 4 step by step photos

5. Heat a drizzle of oil, then add beef and fry until browned.
6. Add spices, stir in tomato puree, then add a splash of water.
7. Layer up gnocchi, then beef, then cheese and repeat. Bake in the oven.
8. Serve with classic nacho toppings!

How to make gnocchi nachos - 4 step by step photos

What to serve with Gnocchi Nachos?

I top with finely diced red onion and jalapeno, alongside guac, salsa and sour cream. I also give the option of fresh limes if anybody wants them!

Can I use this recipe with Tortilla Chips?

You sure can! I mean, they won’t be as good as with golden crispy gnocchi, but each to their own 😉

Can I make these in advance?

One of the keys to these being so delicious is the golden crispy gnocchi. Unfortunately if you make it ahead they’ll go soft and chewy. This only takes just over 30mins to make, so I definitely recommend making fresh.

Can these be reheated?

Again, just like regular nachos, not a great idea. Hope you’re hungry 🙂

fork digging into 2 pieces of gnocchi

And there we have it! Crazy nachos are yours for the taking!

Hey, whilst you’re here why not check out my other recipes?

Easy Gnocchi Recipes

Easy Tex Mex Recipes

Alrighty, let’s tuck into these Gnoccos shall we?!

fork pulling gnocchi out of nachos tray with cheese pulling away

How to make Gnocchi Nachos (Full Recipe & Video)

overhead shot of gnocchi nachos in tray with guac, salsa ad sour cream

Gnocchi Nachos (Gnocchos)

Forget everything you thought you new about nachos and welcome these insanely delicious Gnocchi Nachos into your life - The crazy nachos recipe you never knew you needed in your life!!
5 from 8 votes
Print Pin Rate
Servings (click & slide): 6
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian / Tex Mex
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per serving: 656kcal
Cost per serving: £3 / $4

Equipment:

  • 7" x 11" Deep Baking Tray (or similar size)
  • 12" Skillet & Wooden Spoon
  • Sharp Knife & Chopping Board

Ingredients (check list):

  • 2lb / 1kg Gnocchi
  • 1lb / 500g Ground Beef
  • 3 cups / 300g Cheese (of choice)
  • 1/2 cup / 125ml Water or Beef Stock (see notes)
  • 3 tbsp Salted Butter
  • 3 tbsp Taco Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Puree (Tomato Paste in US)
  • Olive Oil, as needed

To Serve

  • 2 heaped tbsp Guac
  • 2 heaped tbsp Salsa
  • 2 heaped tbsp Sour Cream
  • 2 tbsp Jalapeno, finely diced (or to preference)
  • 1/2 small Red Onion, finely diced

Instructions:

  • Soak 2lb/1kg gnocchi in hot (not boiling) water for 15mins, swishing around with your hand every now and then OR boil in water for 1 min. This is just to remove the starch and cook the gnocchi a tiny bit. Drain when ready.
  • Melt 3 tbsp butter in a pan over medium-high heat then add your gnocchi. Toss frequently and continue frying until golden and crispy all over. This could take up to 15mins. Work in two batches if your pan is not big enough.
  • Remove from pan, reduce to medium heat then drizzle a splash of oil. Add 1lb/500g beef and break up with your wooden spoon. Fry until brown, then add in 3 tbsp taco seasoning. Stir in 1 tbsp tomato puree, then pour in a few splashes of water/beef stock. This is just to make the beef juicy (not saucy or dry). If you go overboard with the liquid just continue frying to reduce.
  • Add half your gnocchi to a baking tray, top with half your beef, then half your cheese. Repeat, then bake at 200c/390f for 10mins or until the cheese is melted, golden and gooey.
  • Serve with all your toppings, grab a fork and dig in!

Quick 1 min demo!

Notes:

a) Cooking Gnocchi - Ensure you don't boil it through so it's soft, you want it still al dente before frying. If it's overcooked it'll be too soft to fry and won't go crispy.
b) Water/Beef Stock - If you use the full half cup consider adding 1/2 tsp cornstarch/cornflour to thicken. Also if you're using beef stock try and use low-sodium beef stock.
c) Beef Fat - I usually use beef at around 10-12% for this recipe. A bit of fat adds flavour, but too much and you might need to drain some away before adding the spices.
d) Cheese - Cheddar works great with a bit of mozzarella mixed in for some cheese pull. But use any sort of melting cheese!
e) Very Filling! - These are deceivingly filling so beware! 4 VERY hungry people might manage this, 8 people with modest portions could work too.
f) Calories - based on using all cheddar cheese, 1 tbsp olive oil, 10% beef fat, water (not beef stock) and no toppings. Between 6 people.

Your Private Notes:

Nutrition:

Nutrition Facts
Gnocchi Nachos (Gnocchos)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 656 Calories from Fat 387
% Daily Value*
Fat 43.03g66%
Saturated Fat 22.802g114%
Trans Fat 0.949g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.948g
Monounsaturated Fat 13.448g
Cholesterol 156mg52%
Sodium 1033mg43%
Potassium 510mg15%
Carbohydrates 28.02g9%
Fiber 1.8g7%
Sugar 1.97g2%
Protein 37.65g75%
Vitamin A 1128IU23%
Vitamin C 3.1mg4%
Calcium 427mg43%
Iron 3.62mg20%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition is based on the absence of salt unless stated as a measurement in the ingredients. Cost is worked out based on ingredients bought from UK supermarkets, then divided by the number of servings. In both instances these values are just for guidance. Please check out my FAQ Page for more info.
Tried this recipe?Show me how you got on by tagging @dontgobaconmyheart_ on IG and #dontgobaconmyheart
Looking for more?You'll find plenty more delicious comfort food like this in my Debut Cookbook 'Comfy'

If you loved this Gnocchi Nachos recipe be sure to pin it for later! Already made it or got a burning question? Give me a shout in the comments and pick up your free ecookbook along the way!

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Recipe Rating




14 Comments

  • Reply
    Matt Freund
    May 6, 2021 at 6:35 pm

    5 stars
    These are so good. I make them all the time.

  • Reply
    Matt Freund
    January 7, 2021 at 9:54 pm

    5 stars
    This looks good. Thanks for the recipes

  • Reply
    Matt Freund
    December 17, 2020 at 5:18 pm

    5 stars
    These are really good. I make them all the time.

  • Reply
    Matt Freund
    December 8, 2020 at 4:37 pm

    This looks great I am going to try it.

  • Reply
    Sally @ Savory With Soul
    October 24, 2019 at 9:59 pm

    5 stars
    This is so good! I never would have thought to use gnocchi in a nacho dish, but this was a winner. Having the crispy pasta in there made it a great casserole instead of a dipping sauce. Thanks for the great recipe!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      October 25, 2019 at 11:17 am

      Glad it was enjoyed!

  • Reply
    Anjali @ The Picky Eater
    October 24, 2019 at 9:42 pm

    5 stars
    Omg this recipe is such a cool twist on regular nachos!! I love gnocchi, and the starchy flavor is a perfect base for all of the toppings!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      October 25, 2019 at 11:17 am

      It totally works! 🙂

  • Reply
    Andrea Metlika
    October 24, 2019 at 9:28 pm

    5 stars
    It sounds a little odd but they look amazingly delicious. I cannot wait to try this.

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      October 25, 2019 at 11:17 am

      Enjoy!

  • Reply
    Matt Freund
    October 24, 2019 at 9:12 pm

    5 stars
    These look absolutely great. Love your blog name too. Keep up the good work.

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      October 25, 2019 at 11:16 am

      Thanks, Matt! 🙂

  • Reply
    Tisha
    October 24, 2019 at 9:06 pm

    5 stars
    This version of nachos sounds AMAZING, can’t wait to try it!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      October 25, 2019 at 11:16 am

      Enjoy! 🙂

    5 KNOCKOUT

    DINNERS

    YOU'LL NEVER STOP MAKING!

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