Effortless Sheet Pan Ground Beef, Potato, and Carrot Dinner
Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight dinner? Look no further than this sheet pan ground beef, potato, and carrot recipe! It’s a complete meal cooked on one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and sweet carrots, all roasted to perfection, makes for a truly unforgettable dinner. Plus, it’s customizable to your preferences and dietary needs. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Dinner
- Easy Cleanup: One pan means minimal dishes! Who doesn’t love that?
- Quick & Simple: Minimal prep time and hands-off cooking make this perfect for busy evenings.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10). You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken.
- Potatoes: 2 pounds of Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Carrots: 1 pound of carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced.
- Olive Oil: 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme (optional). Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices!
- Optional Toppings: Fresh parsley, shredded cheese, sour cream, or your favorite sauce.
Equipment Needed
- Large Baking Sheet (12×17 inch is ideal)
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious sheet pan dinner:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and dry the potatoes and carrots thoroughly. Peel the carrots and onion. Cut the potatoes and carrots into approximately 1-inch cubes or pieces. Chop the onion into medium-sized pieces. Mince the garlic. Evenly sized pieces will ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Season the Ground Beef
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef. Break it up with your hands. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme (if using). Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the cubed potatoes, carrots, and chopped onion to the bowl with the seasoned ground beef. Drizzle with olive oil. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss everything together, ensuring the vegetables and meat are well coated with the oil and seasonings. This is crucial for optimal flavor and even cooking.
Step 4: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Spread the mixture evenly on a large baking sheet. Ensure that the ingredients are in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in less crispy potatoes and carrots. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the ground beef is cooked through. Halfway through cooking, flip the ingredients with a spatula to ensure even browning on all sides. The internal temperature of the ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the potatoes are tender and the ground beef is cooked through, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, shredded cheese, sour cream, or your favorite sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and easy sheet pan dinner!
Tips for the Best Sheet Pan Dinner
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: This is crucial for even cooking. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Use parchment paper or foil: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Cut vegetables evenly: This ensures that they cook at the same rate.
- Season generously: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ground beef is cooked through.
- Roast at a high temperature: 400°F (200°C) is ideal for achieving crispy potatoes and carrots.
Variations and Substitutions
- Ground Meat: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for the ground beef.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, or zucchini. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like Italian seasoning, chili powder, or smoked paprika.
- Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese over the top during the last few minutes of baking.
- Sweet Potatoes: Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
- Sausage: Use sliced sausage instead of ground beef. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a bright and flavorful twist.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with balsamic glaze after cooking for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
- Different Cooking Oils: While olive oil is the recommended oil, you can also use avocado oil or coconut oil.
Make Ahead Instructions
You can prep this sheet pan dinner ahead of time to save even more time on busy weeknights. Simply chop the vegetables, season the ground beef, and combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in an even more delicious dinner.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave the leftovers or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Reheating in the oven will help to maintain the crispiness of the potatoes and carrots. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of oil. Make sure to stir it occasionally.
Serving Suggestions
This sheet pan ground beef, potato, and carrot dinner is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or a simple vinaigrette. Here are a few other serving suggestions:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the sheet pan dinner.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices.
- Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add other roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for an even more nutritious meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or ranch dressing.
- Coleslaw: The coolness of coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the warm, savory flavors of the sheet pan dinner.
- Corn on the Cob: A classic summer side dish that pairs well with roasted meats and vegetables.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-30g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but they may release more water during cooking, which can result in less crispy potatoes and carrots. If using frozen vegetables, consider adding them during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, or zucchini. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I use a different type of potato?
A: Yes, you can use any type of potato you like. Yukon Gold and red potatoes are recommended because they hold their shape well during roasting, but Russet potatoes or sweet potatoes would also work.
Q: How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet?
A: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil will prevent the potatoes from sticking. You can also toss the potatoes with a little extra olive oil before spreading them on the baking sheet.
Q: Can I cook this on the grill?
A: Yes, you can cook this on the grill. Place the mixture in a cast iron skillet or on a grill-safe baking sheet and cook over medium heat, covered, until the potatoes are tender and the ground beef is cooked through.
Q: My potatoes are not getting crispy. What can I do?
A: Make sure you are not overcrowding the pan. Also, try increasing the oven temperature slightly during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. You can also broil the potatoes for a minute or two, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Conclusion
This sheet pan ground beef, potato, and carrot dinner is a winner! It’s easy, delicious, and customizable, making it the perfect weeknight meal for busy families. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, you’ll be making this recipe again and again. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a satisfying and healthy dinner that everyone will love!