Philly Cheesesteak Gnocchi

When it comes to famous sandwiches, the Philly cheesesteak has to be at the top of my list. With its filling of thinly sliced steak, onions, peppers and cheese, this classic sandwich has inspired numerous variations, including Philly cheesesteak soup, Philly cheesesteak dip and Philly cheesesteak casserole. However, one of my favorites reimagines the sandwich as a gnocchi recipe.

Our Philly cheesesteak gnocchi recipe combines pillowy potato gnocchi with a creamy sauce packed with with beef, peppers, onions and provolone. It tastes just like a Philly cheesesteak in a dish.

Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Gnocchi

• Ground beef: One pound of ground beef is used to recreate the meaty flavor of a Philly cheesesteak. Use 80% or 90% lean ground beef for this recipe.
• Veggies: Sliced green peppers and onions are common toppings on Philly cheesesteaks. Thinly sliced jalapeno pepper adds a little extra heat.
• White sauce: A white sauce (aka bechamel) is made by combining butter, flour and milk.
• Seasonings: A bit of salt and pepper are used to simply season the white sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce is a fermented condiment that’s added to the white sauce to deepen its flavor.
• Shredded provolone cheese: What’s a cheesesteak without the cheese? To mimic that classic cheesesteak flavor, plenty of shredded provolone cheese is melted into the white sauce.
• Potato gnocchi: You will need a 16-ounce package of potato gnocchi to make this dish.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the beef and veggies

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with the sliced green pepper, onion and jalapeno over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink, about five to seven minutes, crumbling the beef as it cooks. Drain the drippings and discard them.

Step 2: Make the white sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, pepper and salt until they’re smooth. Cook and stir until the mixture is lightly browned, two to three minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir it until it’s thickened, about five to seven minutes.

Stir in the shredded provolone cheese until it’s melted.

Stir the beef mixture into the sauce and heat it through.

Step 3: Cook the gnocchi

Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Drain the water; then add the pasta to sauce, stirring gently. Serve it immediately.

Philly Cheesesteak Gnocchi Variations

• Swap the beef: Use thinly sliced steak in place of the ground beef for an even more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
• Change up the cheese: Use shredded mozzarella in place of the provolone. Or, match the flavor of a cheesesteak topped with Cheese Whiz by using shredded cheddar cheese.

How to Store Philly Cheesesteak Gnocchi

Leftover Philly cheesesteak gnocchi should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How long does Philly cheesesteak gnocchi last?

Leftover gnocchi lasts three or four days when stored properly in the fridge.

How should you reheat Philly cheesesteak gnocchi?

While you can reheat individual portions in a covered dish in the microwave, reheat the gnocchi in a pan on the stovetop for the best texture. Add a little additional milk to thin out the white sauce, and reheat the dish over low heat until it’s warmed through.

Philly Cheesesteak Gnocchi Tips

Can you make Philly cheesesteak gnocchi with homemade gnocchi?

Absolutely! Making gnocchi from scratch is actually a fairly simple process, and the resulting fluffy texture just can’t be matched by the store-bought variety.

What can you serve with Philly cheesesteak gnocchi?

Serve hearty portions of Philly cheesesteak gnocchi alongside a fresh green salad and thick slices of hearty Italian bread to sop up any leftover sauce.