Sheet Pan Taco Bake: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
Satisfy your taco cravings with a twist! This Sheet Pan Taco Bake takes all the delicious flavors of traditional tacos and transforms them into a convenient and mouthwatering meal baked on a sheet pan. With layers of seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, crisp lettuce, and zesty toppings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite taco ingredients. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this Sheet Pan Taco Bake from scratch!
Ingredients:
- 1 refrigerated puff pastry sheet
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup water
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 1/2 cups green lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup cocktail tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or sour cream
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to prick holes all over the pastry to prevent it from puffing up too much while baking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Season Beef: Add the taco seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and water to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir well to combine and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the puff pastry sheet. Top with the seasoned ground beef mixture, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
- Bake: Transfer the sheet pan to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pastry is golden brown.
- Add Toppings: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and sprinkle the chopped lettuce, sliced black olives, and sliced cocktail tomatoes over the melted cheese.
- Drizzle Dressing: Drizzle ranch dressing or sour cream over the toppings, if desired.
- Serve: Slice the Sheet Pan Taco Bake into squares and serve immediately, garnished with additional toppings if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Taco Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences. Other delicious options include diced avocado, jalapeños, salsa, cilantro, or diced red onions.
- Protein Options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian crumbles for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Mexican blend cheese, for added flavor.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Substitute the puff pastry with a keto-friendly alternative made from almond flour or coconut flour to reduce the carb content of the dish.
- Use full-fat cheese and sour cream or keto-friendly ranch dressing to keep the fat content high and the carbs low.
Low-Carb Version:
- Omit the puff pastry altogether and serve the seasoned ground beef mixture on a bed of lettuce for a low-carb taco salad.
- Use a low-carb tortilla or wrap as a base instead of puff pastry, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I make this Sheet Pan Taco Bake ahead of time? While this dish is best served fresh from the oven, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before baking. Keep the cooked ground beef mixture and shredded cheese refrigerated until ready to use.
2. How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover Sheet Pan Taco Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
3. Can I freeze this dish? While you can freeze the cooked ground beef mixture and shredded cheese separately, it’s best not to freeze the assembled Sheet Pan Taco Bake as the puff pastry may become soggy upon thawing.
4. Can I use store-bought taco seasoning instead of a packet? Yes, you can use store-bought taco seasoning instead of a packet. Adjust the amount to taste and add water as needed to create a saucy consistency.
Sheet Pan Taco Bake is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy all the flavors of your favorite tacos in one easy-to-make dish. With its golden puff pastry base, savory seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crisp toppings, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can tailor it to suit your taste preferences. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal with Sheet Pan Taco Bake!
