Decadent Gnocchi Alla Vodka with Savory Ground Beef

This exquisite gnocchi alla vodka dish is elevated with savory ground beef and a luscious cream sauce, perfect for indulging any night of the week.

Ingredients

1	package (16 ounce) gnocchi
2	teaspoons olive oil
1	medium shallot, minced
3	cloves garlic, minced
8	ounces ground sirloin
1/2	teaspoon teaspoon salt
1/4	teaspoon teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
2	ounces tomato paste
1/4	cup cup vodka
3/4	cup cup heavy whipping cream
1/2	cup cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2	tablespoons tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
	fresh basil leaves, chiffonade

Instructions

• 1. Prepare a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float, typically around 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the gnocchi, saving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
  2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add minced shallot and garlic, cooking gently until the shallot softens and the garlic becomes fragrant, usually 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Increase the heat to medium and incorporate the ground sirloin, salt, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir in the tomato paste and allow it to caramelize. Pour in the vodka to deglaze the pan, bringing the sauce to a boil while scraping the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  4. Pour the heavy whipping cream into the pan and stir until the tomato paste is fully incorporated. Let the sauce gently simmer until it starts to thicken, typically for 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts.
  5. Add the drained gnocchi to the pan along with the reserved 1/2 cup of water. Serve the dish topped with chiffonade basil leaves.

Aug 13, 2024