Quick Sheet Pan Ground Beef Pasta

Sheet pan dinners are all the rage for their convenience and minimal cleanup, and this Quick Sheet Pan Ground Beef Pasta recipe takes that concept to a whole new level. Imagine tender pasta, savory ground beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce all baked together on a single sheet pan. This is weeknight dinner perfection! This one-pan wonder is sure to become a family favorite, offering a balanced meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Pasta

This isn’t just another pasta recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy cooks. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:

• Easy Cleanup: The biggest perk – everything cooks on one sheet pan! Say goodbye to mountains of dishes.
• Minimal Prep: Toss the ingredients together, spread them out, and bake. It’s that simple.
• Customizable: Easily swap out vegetables, pasta shapes, or sauces to suit your family’s tastes.
• Flavorful: Roasting the ingredients brings out their natural sweetness and creates a deeply satisfying flavor.
• Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with even the pickiest eaters. Pasta and ground beef are always a winning combination!

Ingredients for the Perfect Sheet Pan Pasta

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (85/15) to minimize grease. You can also use ground turkey or chicken.
• Pasta: Choose a short pasta shape like penne, rotini, farfalle, or cavatappi. These shapes hold the sauce well and cook evenly on the sheet pan.
• Pasta Sauce: Your favorite jarred pasta sauce works perfectly. Look for a sauce with a rich tomato base and plenty of flavor. Marinara, tomato basil, or even a spicy arrabbiata would be delicious.
• Vegetables: A combination of bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms adds color, flavor, and nutrients. Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli florets, carrots, or spinach.
• Olive Oil: Essential for coating the pasta and vegetables, preventing them from sticking to the sheet pan and helping them to roast properly.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that complements the flavors of the pasta, ground beef, and vegetables.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
• Cheese (Optional): Shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, or a blend of Italian cheeses adds a melty, cheesy finish. Fresh basil leaves are a bright, flavorful garnish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sheet Pan Pasta Perfection

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying sheet pan pasta dinner:

1. Prepare the Oven and Sheet Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked pasta, chopped vegetables, minced garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well coated.

3. Spread on Sheet Pan: Spread the mixture evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Add Sauce: Pour the pasta sauce over the mixture, ensuring that the pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce. Gently stir to distribute the sauce evenly.

5. Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the ground beef is browned. Stir the pasta halfway through the cooking time to prevent sticking.

6. Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the pasta during the last 5 minutes of baking.

7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overcrowd the sheet pan. If necessary, use two sheet pans to ensure that the pasta cooks evenly.
• Check the pasta for doneness halfway through the cooking time. If the pasta is starting to dry out, add a little water or broth to the sheet pan.
• Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and sauces.
• For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pasta mixture.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Variations and Adaptations

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas for customizing your sheet pan pasta:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also add chickpeas or white beans for protein.
• Spicy Sheet Pan Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pasta mixture, or use a spicy arrabbiata sauce.
• Creamy Sheet Pan Pasta: Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or cream cheese before serving.
• Pesto Sheet Pan Pasta: Use pesto instead of tomato sauce for a fresh and flavorful twist.
• Sheet Pan Lasagna: Layer the ingredients on the sheet pan like a lasagna, using lasagna noodles instead of short pasta.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.
• Sausage: Use Italian sausage (sweet or hot) instead of ground beef. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it before adding it to the pasta mixture.
• Different Cheese: Try using different types of cheese, such as provolone, fontina, or Asiago.

Serving Suggestions and Meal Prep Tips

This Quick Sheet Pan Ground Beef Pasta is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that’s always a hit.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds freshness and balance.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious additions.

Meal Prep Tips:

• Prep Ahead: Chop the vegetables and brown the ground beef ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Assemble in Advance: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, spread the mixture on a sheet pan and bake as directed.
• Make Extra: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make a double batch and store leftovers in individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use frozen vegetables?

While fresh vegetables are preferred for best flavor and texture, you can use frozen vegetables in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess water before adding them to the pasta mixture.

• Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Yes, you can use whole wheat pasta. However, it may require a longer cooking time. Check the pasta for doneness after 30 minutes and add more water or broth to the sheet pan if needed.

• Can I add other types of meat?

Yes! Cooked chicken, sausage, or even diced ham would be great additions to this recipe.

• What if my pasta is sticking to the pan?

Be sure to use parchment paper to line the sheet pan. You can also spray the parchment paper with cooking spray. Stir the pasta halfway through the cooking time to prevent sticking. If the pasta is still sticking, add a little water or broth to the sheet pan.

• How long does this pasta last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Can I freeze this pasta?

Yes, you can freeze this pasta. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.