Creamy Gnocchi Bake with Ground Beef

1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (1 pound) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3Add the diced bell pepper (1) and grated carrot (1) to the skillet with the beef. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

4In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the top, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

5In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked gnocchi, beef and vegetable mixture, and Alfredo sauce (1 cup). Stir until everything is well coated.

6In a separate bowl, beat the egg (1) and then mix it into the gnocchi mixture to help bind it together.

7Transfer the gnocchi mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with shredded cheese (1 cup).

8Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

9While the bake is cooking, prepare the cucumber (1) and avocado (1). Slice the cucumber (1) and avocado (1) just before serving to keep them fresh.

10Once the bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with fresh cucumber (1) and avocado (1) slices on the side.