Hearty Gnocchi Chili with Cheese and Sour Cream is a bold twist on traditional chili. It swaps out the usual beans or rice for soft, pillowy gnocchi, creating a rich, filling dish packed with seasoned ground meat, tomatoes, and spices. Topped with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A creative take on classic chili
- Gnocchi adds unique texture and heartiness
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings
- One-pot meal, great for busy weeknights
- Crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Ground beef or ground turkey
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Bell pepper, chopped
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth or water
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Optional: green onions, cilantro, jalapeños, or hot sauce for garnish
directions
- Brown the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté veggies: Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer and add gnocchi: Let chili simmer for 10–15 minutes. Add gnocchi and cook for another 5–7 minutes, or until gnocchi is tender and cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and desired garnishes.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace meat with black beans, kidney beans, or plant-based ground.
- Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo.
- Creamy chili: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream for richness.
- Extra veg: Add corn, zucchini, or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Cheese lovers: Stir cheese into the chili instead of just topping it.
storage/reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if too thick.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months, though gnocchi texture may soften slightly upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, add it directly to the simmering chili—no need to thaw.
Will the gnocchi become mushy?
If not overcooked, gnocchi should remain tender. Avoid simmering too long after adding it.
What type of ground meat is best?
Ground beef offers traditional flavor, but turkey or chicken are great leaner options.
Can I add beans?
Yes, feel free to include black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s mild by default. Adjust heat level with more chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook meat and aromatics first, then transfer to the slow cooker. Add gnocchi in the last 30 minutes.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, skip the cheese and sour cream or use dairy-free alternatives.
What kind of gnocchi should I use?
Potato gnocchi is classic, but cauliflower or whole wheat versions also work.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a larger pot and adjust seasonings accordingly.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild flavors and soft texture of gnocchi make it appealing to children.
Conclusion
Hearty Gnocchi Chili with Cheese and Sour Cream is a cozy, filling dish that takes traditional chili to a new level. The tender gnocchi adds a delightful texture, while classic spices and toppings deliver all the comfort and flavor you crave. It’s a satisfying one-pot meal perfect for any night of the week.
PrintHearty Gnocchi Chili with Cheese and Sour Cream
A hearty and satisfying twist on classic chili, this dish features tender gnocchi simmered in a rich, meaty chili base, topped with melted cheese and a dollop of sour cream for extra comfort.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream, for topping
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and ground meat. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking up the meat with a spoon.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beans, and broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add gnocchi directly into the pot and cook for another 5–7 minutes, or until gnocchi are tender and floating.
- Stir in half the shredded cheese and let melt into the chili.
- Ladle into bowls and top with remaining cheese, sour cream, and optional cilantro or green onions.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit meat and use additional beans or plant-based crumbles.
- Spice level can be adjusted with more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne.
- Leftovers thicken—add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months in airtight containers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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