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If there’s one thing I love, it’s tacos. And pizza. And cake. Okay, so there are lots of goodies I love, but tacos definitely make my top 5 favorite foods. I was a bit skeptical of this taco bake since I consider myself a bit of connoisseur, but boy was I pleased with the results!
Not only is this recipe easy to throw together, it’s downright addicting. If you’re looking for a quick, simple meal to please a crowd (or your hungry family), then this is the dish for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sheet Pan Taco Bake brings together the irresistible flavors of tacos in a convenient and fun way. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual get-together with friends. The combination of crispy puff pastry, savory beef, and fresh toppings will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Sheet pan
- Skillet
- Mixing spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
Ingredients
- 1 refrigerated puff pastry sheet
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup water
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 1/2 cups green lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup cocktail tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or sour cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray, then set it aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat. Add the taco seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and water. Simmer on low heat until the water has reduced, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined and melty.
- Roll out the puff pastry onto the prepared sheet pan. Use a fork to pierce the pastry in several places and roll the edges slightly to create a crust.
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the puff pastry. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Top with chopped lettuce, sliced olives, cocktail tomatoes, and the remaining cheddar cheese. Drizzle with ranch dressing or sour cream before serving.
Tips for Success
- Make sure to fully cook the beef mixture before adding it to the pastry to ensure the flavors meld perfectly.
- For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the puff pastry for 5 minutes before adding the beef mixture.
Additional Tips and Variations
You can customize your taco bake with your favorite toppings like jalapeños, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of hot sauce for some heat. For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with black beans or a meat substitute.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This dish is rich in protein and calcium, thanks to the beef and cheese. Opt for low-fat cheese and sour cream to make it a bit lighter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and assemble the bake when you’re ready to cook.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
You can use crescent roll dough as an alternative, but it will alter the texture slightly.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Sheet Pan Taco Bake. It’s a delightful twist on traditional tacos that’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your variations and any tips you might have! Enjoy!
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