Comfort Food Sheet Pan Ground Beef Casserole

Sheet pan dinners are the unsung heroes of weeknight cooking. They’re quick, easy, and minimize cleanup. Combine that convenience with the comforting flavors of a classic ground beef casserole, and you have a winning recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. This Comfort Food Sheet Pan Ground Beef Casserole brings together seasoned ground beef, hearty vegetables, and a cheesy topping, all cooked on a single sheet pan for a satisfying and streamlined meal.

Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Casserole

This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights for several reasons:

• Easy Cleanup: Using a single sheet pan significantly reduces the amount of dishes you need to wash. This is a huge win for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.
• Quick Cooking: The sheet pan method allows for even and relatively fast cooking, getting dinner on the table in under an hour.
• Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings to suit your preferences.
• Comforting Flavors: The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and melted cheese creates a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable protein, and many of the other ingredients are pantry staples, making this a budget-friendly meal option.

Key Ingredients and Preparation

The success of this Comfort Food Sheet Pan Ground Beef Casserole lies in the quality of the ingredients and the preparation techniques. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

Ground Beef Base

The foundation of this casserole is a flavorful ground beef mixture.

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) to minimize grease. Brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the sheet pan. This step helps to develop a richer flavor and render out excess fat. Drain off any excess grease after browning.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth of flavor to the beef mixture. Sauté them in the skillet with the ground beef until softened and fragrant.
• Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce provides a savory base for the casserole. You can also use tomato puree or crushed tomatoes for a slightly different texture.
• Seasonings: A blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper enhances the flavor of the ground beef. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat. Worcestershire sauce can add a tangy depth.

Vegetables

Choose a variety of vegetables that complement the ground beef and add nutritional value to the casserole.

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes are excellent choices. Cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly on the sheet pan.
• Carrots: Carrots add sweetness and color to the casserole. Slice them thinly or dice them into small pieces.
• Peppers: Bell peppers (any color) provide a slightly sweet and crisp element.
• Corn: Frozen corn or canned corn (drained) adds sweetness and texture.
• Other options: Broccoli florets, green beans, zucchini, or mushrooms can also be added.

Cheesy Topping

The cheesy topping is the crowning glory of this casserole.

• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or a combination of both works well. Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can inhibit melting.
• Optional Toppings: Breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or fried onion strings can be sprinkled over the cheese for added texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these instructions for perfectly cooked Comfort Food Sheet Pan Ground Beef Casserole.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened. Drain off any excess grease.

3. Season Beef Mixture: Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Prepare Vegetables: Wash and chop the potatoes, carrots, and peppers into bite-sized pieces.

5. Assemble Casserole: Spread the vegetables evenly on a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper or foil. Pour the ground beef mixture over the vegetables.

6. Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the ground beef is cooked through.

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

8. Broil (Optional): Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

9. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you make this recipe your own:

• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled plant-based ground.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute any of your favorite vegetables. Mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach are all great additions.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for a spicier casserole.
• Creamy Casserole: Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup to the ground beef mixture for a creamier casserole.
• Meal Prep: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese just before baking.
• Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Serving Suggestions

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

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element.
• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a classic pairing for casseroles.
• Dessert: Follow up with a comforting dessert like apple crisp or chocolate chip cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. However, you may need to increase the baking time slightly. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the sheet pan to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

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

• How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

• Can I freeze this casserole? While you can freeze the casserole, the texture of the vegetables may change slightly. If freezing, assemble the casserole without the cheese. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Add the cheese just before baking.

• What if my vegetables are not tender enough after baking? If your vegetables are not tender enough after the initial baking time, cover the sheet pan with foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

• Can I add a layer of mashed potatoes on top? Yes, you can add a layer of mashed potatoes on top before adding the cheese for an even more comforting casserole.