Cheesy Sheet Pan Ground Beef Casserole

Sheet pan dinners are all the rage, and for good reason. They’re quick, easy to clean up, and perfect for busy weeknights. This Cheesy Sheet Pan Ground Beef Casserole takes the concept to a whole new level. Combining the comforting flavors of a classic casserole with the convenience of a sheet pan, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Casserole

This isn’t just another ground beef recipe; it’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Here’s what makes it so special:

• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is a major win. Everything cooks on a single sheet pan.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for those hectic evenings.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
• Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, beefy goodness is universally appealing to picky eaters.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an economical protein, making this a wallet-friendly meal.

Crafting the Perfect Cheesy Sheet Pan Ground Beef Casserole

The key to a truly delicious sheet pan casserole lies in the details. From choosing the right ingredients to mastering the cooking process, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Selecting Your Ingredients

• 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: A mix of onions, bell peppers, and corn forms the base. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or peas.
• Potatoes: Diced potatoes provide the starchy foundation. Yukon gold or red potatoes work best.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses will also work wonderfully.
• Sauce: A combination of tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup (or your preferred cream soup), and beef broth creates a rich and flavorful sauce.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper enhance the overall taste. Consider adding a dash of chili powder for a subtle kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

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

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

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

4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the browned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, diced potatoes, corn, tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and seasonings. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

5. Spread on Sheet Pan: Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared sheet pan.

6. Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbly.

7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the casserole and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

8. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips for a Perfect Sheet Pan Casserole

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure the ingredients are spread in a single layer on the sheet pan. Overcrowding will cause the vegetables to steam instead of roast. Use two sheet pans if necessary.
• Dice Vegetables Uniformly: Cutting the vegetables into similar sizes ensures they cook evenly.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your oven. Check the potatoes for doneness using a fork.
• Add Extra Flavor: Experiment with different seasonings and spices. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning or a dash of hot sauce can add a unique twist.
• Make it Ahead: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add the cheese just before baking.

Variations and Adaptations

One of the best things about this Cheesy Sheet Pan Ground Beef Casserole is its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own cream sauce with gluten-free flour.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own dairy-free cream sauce with plant-based milk.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or broccoli. Omit the corn or use it sparingly.

Flavor Variations

• Taco Casserole: Add taco seasoning to the ground beef and top with salsa, sour cream, and avocado after baking.
• Italian Casserole: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef and add Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
• Mexican Casserole: Add black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

Adding Extra Ingredients

• Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions and bell peppers.
• Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
• Bacon: Add cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Jalapeños: Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This Cheesy Sheet Pan Ground Beef Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Serving Ideas

• Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad or a simple Caesar salad.
• Bread: Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Side Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make a healthy side dish.
• Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and chopped green onions.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Thaw them slightly before adding them to the casserole. This will help prevent excess moisture.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cheese just before baking.

• What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup? You can substitute cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or make your own cream sauce with milk and flour.

• Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, you can use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.

• How do I prevent the potatoes from being undercooked? Make sure to dice the potatoes into small, uniform pieces. You can also parboil them for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.

• Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as zucchini, mushrooms, peas, or carrots.