Y’all, have I got a recipe for you today! Picture this: tender, pillowy gnocchi, savory Grass-Fed Ground Beef from our farm, crispy bacon, and a creamy, cheesy sauce—all coming together in one trusty cast-iron skillet. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, perfect for a cozy family dinner or even a special treat for guests.
Now, you know me. I love a one-pan wonder, especially when it involves bacon and beef! And when the beef is Grass-Fed and raised right here on our farm, it just tastes better. It’s healthier, too, with all those good-for-you nutrients like omega-3s and iron. Add a little southern charm, a lot of flavor, and this dish will have everyone at the table hollering for more!
Ingredients:
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 lb Permaculture Pastures Grass-Fed Ground Beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (16 oz) package gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In the same skillet, add the Grass-Fed Ground Beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once browned, remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set it aside with the bacon.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook in the leftover drippings until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Cook the Gnocchi:
Add the gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat it in the drippings and onion mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the gnocchi get a little golden and crispy on the outside.
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
6. Combine It All:
Add the cooked bacon, ground beef, and chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and everything is coated in that luscious sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and serve the skillet straight to the table. No need for fancy dishes—just grab a fork and dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
1. One-Pan Magic: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy with your family.
2. Grass-Fed Goodness: Our Permaculture Pastures Ground Beef is the star of the show—rich, flavorful, and oh-so-nourishing.
3. Comfort Food Deluxe: It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bacon. Enough said!
4. Quick and Easy: On the table in under 30 minutes, this is perfect for busy weeknights.
A Little Southern Tip:
This dish is amazing on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd, serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that dreamy sauce. And don’t forget to make enough for seconds—trust me, folks will be going back for more!
So whether you’re cooking for your family in Decatur, Trophy Club, or Flower Mound, you’ll want this skillet recipe in your back pocket. It’s southern comfort with a touch of Italian flair, and it’s just one more reason to fall in love with our farm-fresh, Grass-Fed Ground Beef.
Happy cooking, y’all!
Addison Smith
Permaculture Pastures