There’s nothing quite like the aroma of tacos wafting through your kitchen, and with this Sheet Pan Tacos recipe, you can create a feast that’s not only delicious but also effortless. Imagine a vibrant platter filled with perfectly seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings, all nestled in a 66-inch tortilla that you can easily share. Whether it’s a family dinner, a weekend gathering, or a laid-back taco night, these Sheet Pan Tacos will quickly become your go-to recipe.
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This Sheet Pan Tacos recipe is designed for simplicity and flavor. The ground beef is seasoned to perfection, and the beauty of using a sheet pan means everything cooks evenly and comes together seamlessly. No fussing over individual tacos; just spread the beef mixture across large tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, and let the oven do the work. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze! With a balance of savory, cheesy goodness and the ability to customize with your favorite toppings, this recipe is perfect for everyone at the table.
Gather These Ingredients
To make your Sheet Pan Tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons taco seasoning, or more to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large 66-inch tortillas
Make sure to have everything on hand before you start cooking so that the process goes smoothly!
Hardware & Gadgets
To prepare your Sheet Pan Tacos, you’ll need the following tools:
- Large sheet pan – This will be the base for your tacos.
- Skillet – For cooking the ground beef and onions.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – To mix and break up the meat.
- Measuring spoons – For accurate seasoning.
- Oven mitts – Safety first when handling hot pans!
Having these tools ready will make your cooking experience more enjoyable and efficient.
Cook Sheet Pan Tacos Like This
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your tacos will bake evenly and the cheese will melt perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat, if necessary. Add taco seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine everything and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well mixed and fragrant.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
On a large sheet pan, lay out the 66-inch tortillas. Evenly distribute the beef mixture over the tortillas, spreading it out to cover as much surface area as possible.
Step 5: Add Salsa and Cheese
Spoon the salsa evenly over the beef mixture. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top, ensuring every inch is covered.
Step 6: Bake
Place the sheet pan in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice into portions and serve with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro.
Seasonal Spins
To keep things exciting, consider these seasonal variations for your Sheet Pan Tacos:
- Summer: Add fresh diced tomatoes and corn for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Fall: Incorporate roasted pumpkin or sweet potatoes for a seasonal twist.
- Winter: Top with sautéed kale or Swiss chard for added nutrition.
- Spring: Use fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley for a bright finish.
Feel free to get creative and mix and match based on what’s in season!
Watch Outs & How to Fix
While making Sheet Pan Tacos is relatively straightforward, here are a few potential pitfalls and how to fix them:
1. Overcooking the beef: If the beef becomes too dry, make sure to add a splash of water or broth while cooking to keep it moist.
2. Soggy tortillas: To avoid soggy tortillas, ensure they are not overloaded with beef and salsa. Balance the toppings to maintain a good tortilla texture.
3. Cheese not melting: If your cheese isn’t melting, you may need to bake it a little longer. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
4. Tacos falling apart: If your tacos are too heavy and falling apart, consider using a thicker tortilla or serving them as nachos instead!
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
Sheet Pan Tacos are great for meal prep! Here are some tips:
You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it when you’re ready to assemble your tacos.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results. You can also freeze the beef mixture for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and will work perfectly in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What toppings do you recommend for Sheet Pan Tacos?
Popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and sliced olives. Customize according to your taste!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils and add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian option.
How do I prevent the tortillas from burning?
To prevent burning, keep an eye on the tacos during the last few minutes of baking. You can also cover them with aluminum foil if you notice they are browning too quickly.
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The Takeaway
Sheet Pan Tacos are a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy taco night without the fuss of assembling individual tacos. With the combination of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings all on one pan, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Perfect for any occasion, these tacos are sure to become a household favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready for a taco feast that’s as simple as it is satisfying!
Sheet Pan Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons taco seasoning or more to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large 66-inch tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat. Add taco seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- On a large sheet pan, lay out the 66-inch tortillas and evenly distribute the beef mixture over them.
- Spoon the salsa evenly over the beef mixture, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.
- Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, slice into portions, and serve with your favorite toppings.
Equipment
- Large Sheet Pan
- Skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Oven mitts
Notes
- Make the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Freeze the beef mixture for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
