Chunky Beef and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

This Modified Chunky Beef and Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and pillowy gnocchi in a rich broth.

Using a crockpot for this recipe simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort. With a delightful blend of smoked paprika, red cooking wine, and garlic powder, this soup offers a satisfying depth of flavor.

Ideal for busy days or chilly evenings, this dish is sure to warm you up and provide a taste of home-cooked goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Hearty and Satisfying: This soup is packed with tender chunks of beef and soft, pillowy gnocchi, making it a filling and satisfying meal. The combination of ingredients provides a wholesome experience that is perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner.

Rich, Complex Flavors: The use of smoked paprika, red cooking wine, and garlic powder creates a depth of flavor that is both rich and aromatic. These elements blend beautifully with the beef broth to produce a savory and flavorful base that complements the other ingredients.

Convenient and Easy: By utilizing a crockpot, this recipe simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal with minimal hands-on time. This convenience makes it an excellent choice for busy individuals or families looking for a home-cooked meal without the hassle.

Versatile Ingredients: The inclusion of frozen mixed peas and carrots adds both color and nutrition to the dish, while the spices and seasonings can be adjusted to suit individual tastes. The recipe’s flexibility allows for customization, making it easy to tailor to personal preferences.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re seeking warmth on a cold day or a satisfying meal to share with family and friends, this soup fits the bill. Its hearty nature and comforting flavors make it a versatile option for any occasion, from casual dinners to family gatherings.

Key Ingredients:

Chuck Roast: Provides the soup with tender, flavorful beef chunks that transform the dish into a hearty and satisfying meal. The fat left on the roast adds richness to the broth as it cooks.

Potato Gnocchi: Adds a unique texture and heartiness to the soup. The gnocchi absorbs the flavors of the broth, complementing the beef and vegetables.

Frozen Mixed Peas and Carrots: These vegetables contribute color, sweetness, and additional nutrition, enhancing the overall balance of flavors and textures in the soup.

Smoked Paprika: Infuses the soup with a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that deepens the taste profile and adds a warm, aromatic quality.

Red Cooking Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the broth, complementing the beef and vegetables with a subtle acidity that enhances the overall savoriness of the dish.

Chunky Beef and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

2-1/2 lbs. chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces (fat left on)

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. ground black pepper

2 small yellow onions, chopped

1 bag frozen mixed peas and carrots

1 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. smoked paprika

2 T. tomato paste

1/2 cup red cooking wine

4 cups beef broth

1 tsp. soy sauce

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1 T. cornstarch

1 cup water

1 lb. potato gnocchi

4 T. dried parsley

Instructions:

Prepare the Crockpot:

Add all ingredients, except for the cornstarch, water, gnocchi, and parsley, to your crockpot. This includes the chuck roast, salt, black pepper, onions, frozen mixed peas and carrots, garlic powder, smoked paprika, tomato paste, red cooking wine, beef broth, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Cook the Soup:

Cover and cook on high for 3-1/2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.

Thicken the Soup:

In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot.

Add the Gnocchi and Parsley:

Add the potato gnocchi and dried parsley to the crockpot.
Continue cooking on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi is fully cooked.

Serve:

Once done, serve the soup hot, enjoying the rich and hearty flavors.

Notes:

Crockpot Cooking Time:

The recipe calls for cooking on high for 3-1/2 hours, but if you prefer a longer cooking time, you can set it on low for 6-8 hours. This allows the beef to become even more tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Layer Salad

Steamed Manila Clams

Banana Pudding Cake Recipe

Adjusting Seasonings:

Feel free to adjust the seasonings to taste. You can add more smoked paprika or garlic powder for additional depth, or increase the crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier soup.

Gnocchi Tips:

Add the gnocchi during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they don’t become too soft. They should be tender but still maintain their shape.

Using Fresh Herbs:

While dried parsley is convenient, using fresh parsley as a garnish can enhance the flavor and appearance of the soup. Add it just before serving for a burst of freshness.

Thickening the Soup:

The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the soup slightly. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can increase the amount of cornstarch, or alternatively let the soup simmer uncovered for a few minutes after adding the slurry.

Storage and Reheating:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain the texture of the ingredients.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat instead of chuck roast?

Yes, you can substitute chuck roast with other cuts of beef, such as beef stew meat or even short ribs, which also become tender with slow cooking.

Just ensure the meat is cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

If you prefer a leaner option, consider using beef sirloin.

Is it possible to make this soup without a crockpot?

Absolutely. You can prepare this soup on the stovetop using a large pot or Dutch oven.

Begin by browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients (except gnocchi and parsley).

Simmer on low heat for about 2-3 hours, adding the gnocchi and parsley in the last 30 minutes.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make the soup gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure all other ingredients, such as beef broth and soy sauce, are labeled gluten-free.

Many brands offer gluten-free versions of these products.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.

Just add them alongside the existing vegetables to ensure even cooking.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, use a stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

If the soup is too thick after refrigeration, add a bit of water or broth to reach the desired consistency.

Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the crockpot?

In this modified recipe, browning the beef is not necessary, especially since it simplifies the process.

However, browning the beef on the stovetop before adding it to the crockpot can enhance the flavor by creating a richer, more complex broth through the Maillard reaction.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas and carrots?

Yes, fresh vegetables can be used as a substitute for frozen ones.

Simply chop fresh carrots and add them along with fresh or frozen peas.

Make sure they are cut to a similar size for even cooking.

How can I prevent the gnocchi from becoming too soft?

To ensure the gnocchi maintains its texture, add it to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

This prevents it from overcooking and becoming mushy.

What should I do if the soup is too thick after adding the cornstarch slurry?

If the soup becomes thicker than desired, you can thin it out by adding additional beef broth or water, a little at a time, until you reach your preferred consistency.

Stir well after each addition to incorporate fully.

Can I prepare this soup in advance and reheat it?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time.

Store it in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a bit of broth or water to adjust the consistency during reheating.