Quick Sheet Pan Ground Beef Casserole

Sheet pan dinners are all the rage, and for good reason. They’re quick, easy, and minimize cleanup. But what about a sheet pan casserole? This recipe for a Quick Sheet Pan Ground Beef Casserole takes the concept of one-pan cooking to a whole new level. It’s hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly, making it the perfect weeknight meal. Forget layering and baking in a deep dish – this recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing any of the delicious, comforting flavors you crave in a classic ground beef casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Casserole

This isn’t your grandma’s casserole (unless your grandma is incredibly innovative!). Here’s why this sheet pan version is a game-changer:

• Speedy Prep & Cook Time: Ditch the lengthy prep and baking. This casserole is ready in under an hour.
• Minimal Cleanup: One sheet pan means fewer dishes. Enough said.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs. Swap veggies, cheeses, or spices to create your perfect casserole.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Ground beef, cheese, and your favorite vegetables create a comforting and satisfying meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and pantry staples makes this a great option for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.

Crafting the Perfect Sheet Pan Ground Beef Casserole

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. However, a few key techniques will elevate your casserole from good to amazing.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The foundation of any good casserole is, of course, the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (85/15) to minimize grease. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Vegetables: The possibilities are endless! We recommend a combination of diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well), chopped onions, bell peppers (any color), and frozen corn or peas. Other great additions include broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or zucchini.
• Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes provide moisture and flavor. You can use plain diced tomatoes or opt for seasoned varieties for an extra kick.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend also work well. Shredded cheese is essential for even melting.
• Seasonings: A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper is all you need. Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices, such as Italian seasoning, chili powder, or dried oregano.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A dash adds a savory depth of flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for coating the sheet pan and sautéing the vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious sheet pan casserole:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large sheet pan with olive oil.

2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.

3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Add Tomatoes & Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the prepared sheet pan. Scatter the diced potatoes and frozen corn (or peas) over the beef mixture.

6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the casserole.

8. Melt Cheese: Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before cutting it into squares and serving.

Pro Tips for Casserole Perfection

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure to use a large enough sheet pan (at least 12×17 inches) so the vegetables can roast properly and not steam.
• Par-Boil Potatoes (Optional): For even faster cooking, par-boil the potatoes for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the sheet pan.
• Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different cheese blends to find your favorite flavor combination.
• Add a Topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the casserole before adding the cheese.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for a little heat.

Variations & Adaptations

One of the best things about this sheet pan casserole is how easily you can adapt it to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas:

Dietary Considerations

• Gluten-Free: Ensure all your ingredients are gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets or diced radishes.

Flavor Twists

• Mexican-Inspired: Use taco seasoning instead of the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add black beans, corn, and salsa to the ground beef mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.
• Italian-Inspired: Use Italian seasoning instead of the other spices. Add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Top with mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Shepherd’s Pie Inspired: Top the casserole with mashed cauliflower instead of cheese.

Veggie Swaps

• Broccoli: Substitute some of the potatoes with broccoli florets for added nutrients.
• Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the ground beef mixture in the last few minutes of cooking.
• Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and bell peppers for an earthy flavor.

Serving & Storing Your Sheet Pan Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions

• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a tangy coolness.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the casserole after baking. Let it cool completely, then cut it into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. There is no need to thaw frozen vegetables before adding them to the sheet pan. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• What if my potatoes aren’t cooked through? If the potatoes are not cooked through after the initial baking time, cover the sheet pan with aluminum foil and continue baking until they are tender.
• Can I use a different type of ground meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage would work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is cooked through.