Name: Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried parsley; 1/2 tsp salt; Pepper, to taste; 28 oz marinara sauce; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 4 oz mozzarella, shredded or sliced; 1/4 cup fresh Parmigiano Reggiano, grated; 24 oz potato gnocchi; Optional: fresh basil, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for cozy comfort food without the fuss of oven baking, you’re in for a treat with this Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna. Imagine plush potato gnocchi soaked in rich marinara, mingling with savory ground beef and bubbling cheese — all finished right on your stovetop! This dish is a wonderful mash-up of Italian favorites, easy enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for sharing. And best of all: every bite delivers layers of flavor and warmth straight from one pan.

Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna, every ingredient serves a purpose and brings its own delicious touch — from creating that luxurious sauce to delivering the signature cheesy topping. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each is worth its place in the pan.

Ground Beef: Adds hearty, rich flavor and satisfying texture that makes this lasagna wonderfully comforting.
Olive Oil: A bit of olive oil helps sauté and develop the base flavors, lending a subtle depth to the overall dish.
Onion: Chopped onion offers sweetness and a classic aromatic base that balances the savory notes.
Garlic: Minced garlic delivers that irresistible Italian aroma and a pop of punchy flavor.
Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: These spices intensify and round out the flavor profile that starts fresh with the real thing.
Dried Oregano & Parsley: Traditional Italian herbs that bring earthiness and a pop of green flecks in every forkful.
Salt & Pepper: A must for seasoning every component to perfection (adjust to taste).
Marinara Sauce: The saucy heart of the Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna, providing brightness and classic tomato richness.
Chicken Broth: Adds a bit of savory liquid, ensuring the sauce is luscious and not too thick for the gnocchi to cook perfectly.
Mozzarella: For gooey, melty cheese pulls that make lasagna irresistible — use slices or shreds for ultimate coverage.
Parmigiano Reggiano: This freshly grated cheese adds a final burst of nutty, salty flavor right before serving.
Potato Gnocchi: The game-changer! These pillowy dumplings soak up all the flavors, making this lasagna quick and extra comforting.
Fresh Basil (optional): For a fragrant hit of freshness and a pretty finish, just before serving.

How to Make Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating your large, deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon as it browns. Cook until it’s no longer pink, then drain off any excess grease. This step creates a rich, meaty base that will flavor the entire lasagna.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Return the pan to the stovetop and drizzle in the olive oil. Add your chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3 to 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, salt, and a good amount of black pepper, stirring everything together. This is where the classic Italian aromas start to bring the dish to life!

Step 3: Make It Saucy

Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. The chicken broth ensures your sauce won’t get too thick during simmering and helps cook the gnocchi evenly later. Letting these ingredients mingle will spark those familiar, comforting lasagna flavors.

Step 4: Simmer to Develop Depth

Turn the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 20 minutes. This time allows all those spices, herbs, beef, and tomato to meld together, making your Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna taste like it’s been cooking all afternoon.

Step 5: Add the Gnocchi

Uncover the pan and stir in the potato gnocchi. Make sure the gnocchi are well covered by the sauce, then replace the lid and let everything simmer for another 10 minutes. The gnocchi will become pillowy-soft, absorbing the flavors as they finish cooking right in the sauce!

Step 6: Get Cheesy

Once the gnocchi are tender, stir in the mozzarella cheese, letting it melt through the sauce. You’re just steps away from cheesy, melty perfection — stir until everything is creamy and unified.

Step 7: Finish with Parmigiano Reggiano

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano all over the top. The heat from the pan will melt it, giving you that irresistible salty, nutty kick right before serving.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle your Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna right onto plates while it’s hot and melty. If you like, shower it with fresh basil. Dinner’s ready!

How to Serve Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna

Garnishes

For an extra pop of flavor and color, try scattering fresh basil leaves or a pinch of red pepper flakes right before serving your Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna. A drizzle of good olive oil or extra Parmigiano Reggiano never hurts either. Each garnish brings a little more pizzazz and personality to your dish.

Side Dishes

This hearty gnocchi lasagna loves the company of simple sides. Think a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, garlic bread for dunking, or even a big platter of roasted vegetables. These sides lighten the meal and mop up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting friends? Spoon your Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna into mini ovenproof dishes for personalized servings, or serve family-style straight from the pan for that homestyle, “gather around the table” feel. For a playful twist, you can also bake individual portions in ramekins under the broiler with an extra cheese topping until golden and bubbly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let the dish cool to room temperature before packing it up. The flavors deepen overnight, so leftover Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna tastes just as dreamy the next day!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions for later, transfer cooled leftovers to freezer-safe containers. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating — this helps the gnocchi keep their soft yet satisfying texture.

Reheating

To bring your Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna back to life, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a covered dish, checking and stirring every 1–2 minutes until piping hot and cheesy as ever.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi performs wonderfully in this Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna. Just check the package for pre-cooked or shelf-stable instructions, and know that the final result will still be deliciously soft and pillowy.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can easily swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option. Each brings its own character, so feel free to experiment based on what’s in your fridge.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini all tuck beautifully into the sauce. Just cook your veggies along with the onion and garlic so they blend seamlessly into your Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna.

Is it necessary to use both mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano?

Using both gives you a gooey, stretchy topping and that classic lasagna flavor, but if you only have one on hand, don’t sweat it. Use what you have — the lasagna will still be fantastic and cheesy.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just use a large Dutch oven or stockpot so everything fits comfortably, and be sure to stir occasionally as it simmers to ensure even cooking. This Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna is perfect for feeding a hungry group.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a dish that brings comfort, speed, and bold Italian flavor together in one pan. This Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna is proof that you don’t need fancy steps to end up with a meal that’s both memorable and heartwarming. Give it a try — you’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes a favorite at your table!

Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 12 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna is a delicious and comforting one-pan meal that comes together quickly. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large saute pan, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.
Prepare the Beef Mixture: Add olive oil, onion, garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
Add Sauce and Broth: Stir in the marinara sauce and chicken broth.
Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add Gnocchi: Stir in the potato gnocchi, cover, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Finish with Cheese: Stir in mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle Parmigiano Reggiano on top.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
Feel free to use your preferred type of cheese for a personal touch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian