Quick Sheet Pan Ground Beef Salad

Sheet pan meals are all the rage for their simplicity and minimal cleanup, and this Quick Sheet Pan Ground Beef Salad takes that convenience to a whole new level. Imagine perfectly cooked, seasoned ground beef and tender-crisp vegetables roasting together on a single sheet pan, then tossed with your favorite salad fixings and dressing. This recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Ground Beef Salad

This recipe offers a multitude of benefits:

• Easy Cleanup: The single sheet pan reduces the amount of dishes you have to wash, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out the vegetables or seasonings to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Add a sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
• Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with protein and nutrients, this salad is a satisfying and guilt-free meal option. The roasted vegetables develop a delicious caramelized flavor that complements the savory ground beef perfectly.
• Quick and Convenient: From prep to table, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for those evenings when you don’t have much time to cook.
• Versatile: Serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even as a filling for lettuce wraps or tacos.

Assembling Your Sheet Pan Ground Beef Salad

This recipe utilizes simple ingredients that are easy to find and customize. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to minimize grease and keep the salad healthy. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute.
• Vegetables: A colorful mix of vegetables adds flavor, texture, and nutrients. Bell peppers, onions, broccoli florets, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are all excellent choices. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus.
• Seasonings: A blend of spices enhances the flavor of the ground beef and vegetables. Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are a great starting point. Adjust the amounts to your liking.
• Salad Base: Choose your favorite salad greens as a base for the salad. Romaine lettuce, spinach, mixed greens, or even shredded cabbage will work well.
• Dressing: The dressing ties all the flavors together and adds moisture. A simple vinaigrette, a creamy ranch dressing, or a tangy citrus dressing are all delicious options.
• Optional Toppings: Add extra flavor and texture with toppings like shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, avocado slices, croutons, or chopped nuts.

Ingredients and Equipment

Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 cups salad greens (romaine, spinach, mixed greens, etc.)
• Your favorite salad dressing
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, avocado slices, croutons, chopped nuts

Equipment:

• Large sheet pan
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Quick Sheet Pan Ground Beef Salad:

1. Preheat Oven and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly seasoned. Spread the seasoned ground beef in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan.

3. Add Vegetables: Toss the chopped onion, bell peppers, broccoli florets, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange the vegetables around the ground beef on the sheet pan.

4. Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the ground beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.

5. Assemble the Salad: While the beef and vegetables are roasting, prepare your salad base by arranging the salad greens in a large bowl or on individual plates.

6. Combine and Serve: Once the ground beef and vegetables are cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, spoon the mixture over the salad greens. Drizzle with your favorite salad dressing and add any desired toppings. Serve immediately.

Variations and Customization

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef for a spicy kick. You can also use a spicy salad dressing like a sriracha ranch or a jalapeno vinaigrette.
• Mediterranean: Use ground lamb instead of ground beef and add Mediterranean vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes. Season with oregano, thyme, and lemon zest. Serve with a creamy tzatziki dressing.
• Mexican: Add black beans, corn, and diced avocado to the salad. Season the ground beef with taco seasoning and top with salsa and sour cream. You can also add crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
• Asian: Use ground pork or chicken instead of ground beef and add Asian vegetables like bok choy, bean sprouts, and shredded carrots. Season with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Serve with a sesame ginger dressing.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Omit the cherry tomatoes or use them sparingly. Add more non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and cauliflower. Use a low-carb dressing and top with cheese and avocado.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant based meat alternatives, like for example, Beyond Meat.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Results

• Don’t overcrowd the sheet pan: Ensure the ground beef and vegetables are arranged in a single layer to promote even cooking and browning. If necessary, use two sheet pans.
• Cut vegetables to a similar size: This will ensure that they cook evenly.
• Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the ground beef is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (71°C).
• Let the meat rest: Allow the ground beef to rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful product.
• Store leftovers properly: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the dressing separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the ground beef and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. However, keep in mind that they may release more moisture during cooking, so you may need to roast them for a longer time.

What’s the best way to reheat the leftover ground beef and vegetables?

You can reheat the ground beef and vegetables in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.

Can I make this salad without a sheet pan?

Yes, you can cook the ground beef in a skillet and roast the vegetables in the oven on a baking sheet.

What kind of dressing goes well with this salad?

A variety of dressings work well with this salad, including vinaigrettes, ranch dressing, citrus dressings, and creamy dressings. Choose your favorite or experiment with different flavors to find your perfect match.

Is it okay to eat ground beef every day?

While including ground beef as part of a regular, balanced diet is acceptable for most, it’s important to prioritize variety. Daily consumption may not be ideal due to fat and cholesterol content, so balancing with other protein sources such as poultry, fish, legumes, and plant-based alternatives is recommended for maintaining overall health.