One Skillet Baked Gnocchi with American Lamb & Feta

This Baked Gnocchi with Lamb & Feta Cheese comes together easily and cooks in just one-skillet! It’s creamy, delicious and packed with SO much flavor. 

Craving more gnocchi recipes? Be sure to try my Blue Cheese Gnocchi with Frizzled Prosciutto, Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Browned Butter and Tuscan Creamy Gnocchi too.

I teamed up with the American Lamb board to bring you this post. As always, all opinions are my own.

Why you’ll love it

Tender baked gnocchi. Flavorful ground American lamb. And tangy feta cheese. All mingling together in one skillet. 

I also added in a little bit of harissa to amp up the flavors even more. Harissa is traditionally a blend of hot chili peppers (which are often smoked), garlic, olive oil, and middle eastern spices such as cumin, coriander, mint and caraway.

It’s definitely got a heat level to it, and it’s a bit pungent. The flavors are a bit reminiscent of sriracha, but the texture is totally different. Harissa is more like a thick paste, almost similar to a rich chutney and it’s amazing in this gnocchi bake. 

Talk about a flavor bomb.

While you could make this recipe with ground beef, I chose American lamb for its amazing flavor and to add a bit more excitement to this dish.

Are you intimidated to cook with lamb?

Don’t be! Ground lamb in particular is a great way to branch out and try something new! Try swapping ground lamb into all your favorite recipes… In particular, you’ve got to try these Red Wine Lamb Burgers and Lemon Orzo Bowls with Lamb & Tzatziki!

I’ve mentioned before how I prefer cooking with American Lamb, but just to recap, here’s why I choose it over imported lamb:

• By choosing American Lamb, you’re supporting local farmers and ranchers throughout the US.
• Raising lamb in the US is a family affair with more than 80,000 family owned operations.
• Sheep improve pasture quality by recycling vital nutrients back into the soil, minimizing erosion and encouraging plant growth.
• The majority of sheep in the states graze pastures for most of their lives.

Follow @fanoflamb on Instagram to find everything from recipes and contests to nutritional info.

Ingredients needed 

• Potato Gnocchi – This pillowy potato pasta is so soft and absorbs the creamy gnocchi sauce while maintaining its shape. You can use fresh or frozen potato gnocchi for this recipe or, if you’re up for it, make the gnocchi from scratch! 
• Ground American Lamb 
• Canned Tomato Sauce & Canned Tomatoes
• Harissa Paste – Harissa is typically sold in the form of a thick paste or a jarred sauce. It is commonly found in grocery stores, specialty food stores, or international markets that carry North African or Middle Eastern ingredients. I find it at World Market.
• Olive Oil 
• Onion & Garlic
• Seasonings – Italian Seasoning, Salt & Pepper
• Feta Cheese 
• Fresh Parsley 

How to make it    

• Saute Onions & Garlic: Heat oil in a large, oven safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt and cook until softened, 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. 
• Brown Lamb: Add lamb, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often to break up lamb, until browned and crumbly. Tip: For safety, the USDA recommends cooking ground lamb to a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees F as measured by a food thermometer.
• Assemble: Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, harissa and gnocchi to the skillet and stir to combine. Top with feta cheese. 
• Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and cheese has melted. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
• Enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy!  

Variations

Make this easy gnocchi recipe your own with these creative twists:

• Mix-in ideas – Add a pop of color and flavor to the dish by stirring in sautéed cherry tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms.
• Tasty toppings – Take the presentation up a notch by sprinkling toasted pine nuts, crispy breadcrumbs, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the baked gnocchi.

What to serve with it

Wine pairings for ground lamb gnocchi

• Pinot Noir. Its bright acidity and earthy notes pair well with the richness of the lamb.
• Merlot would also be a great match for this delicious dish.
• Sauvignon Blanc is a great white wine pairing option.
• MORE —-> my 8 favorite lamb wine pairings.

More recipes with feta cheese

Did you try this lamb gnocchi?

If you loved this ground lamb baked gnocchi recipe I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.