Sheet Pan Taco Bake
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Sheet Pan Taco Bake makes taco night even more fun! You'll love the puff pastry crust and variety of toppings. It's an easy sheet pan tacos recipe that will please your whole family or a large crowd at parties and events!
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Why You'll Love It
- quick and easy 30 minute meal made on a single sheet pan
- great way to feed a hungry family
- turns the traditional taco into a one pan taco bake
- appeals to picky eaters who can choose their favorite taco toppings
- perfect party food for Game Day, Taco Tuesday or Cinco de Mayo
Recipe Highlights
If you love traditional tacos...but like to mix things up a little...Sheet Pan Tacos are for you!
Few recipes could be easier and quicker than making a giant taco on a sheet pan. The puff pastry crust is absolutely delicious and a perfect base for lots of toppings. It's solid enough to hold in one hand like a pizza slice, which makes dinner tons of fun because clean up is a breeze!
This simple meal can also be served as an appetizer by cutting into 16 rectangles instead of 8. Sheet Pan Taco Bake goes great with Blueberry Sriracha Margaritas at your next gathering, or add a pitcher of Strawberry Orange Sangria to get the party started!
Ingredient Notes
The best part about one pan tacos is the whole meal is served on a single sheet pan! It's also a very versatile dish because almost every ingredient can be substituted if desired.
See recipe card for quantities.
- lean ground beef - can substitute chicken or turkey
- white or yellow onions - green onions work well too
- taco seasoning - use a packet or make homemade taco seasoning
- shredded cheddar cheese - add to the beef to make taco meat
- puff pastry sheet - use a roll of puff pastry for best results
- lettuce - shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce works best
- black olives - optional topping that can be substituted if desired
- diced tomatoes - adds color and flavor
- sharp cheddar cheese - the final topping
- sour cream or ranch dressing - everyone's favorite drizzle!
Equipment Needed
Sheet Pan - Pizza Cutter - Sharp Knife - Cutting Board - Skillet
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How to Make Sheet Pan Taco Bake
Prepare the Meat
1 - Start by preparing your protein, which can be ground turkey, ground beef, or ground chicken. Brown ground beef in a large skillet for 10 minutes over medium-high heat. Add a few white onions and stir until ground beef mixture is completely browned.
2 - Add a packet of taco seasoning and 1 cup of water, then stir until mixed completely.
3 - Simmer the meat mixture until the water cooks down, then add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until creamy. This method creates your base of taco meat.
Make the Crust
Roll out the puff pastry onto a half size sheet pan (18" x 13") lined with parchment paper. Pierce the crust with a fork in several places, then slightly roll the edges around the entire pastry to hold the protein.
Spoon the protein onto the puff pastry and spread it up to the rolled edges. Bake in a 425 degree oven for 20 minutes, then remove from oven to cool for 10 minutes before adding the toppings.
Add Toppings
Basic taco toppings work great in this recipe, but you can go all out and offer other options your family enjoys. You can even make a vegetarian version and skip the meat altogether.
These are tacos like you've never tasted before! The main ingredients you'll need are lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. Everything else is up to you.
Chop the toppings and place them in separate bowls so folks can choose what they like. Or, create a taco bar and put out the base ingredients, then encourage everyone to add the extras they like most.
Sheet Pan Taco Bake is an easy weeknight meal. It tastes a lot like a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza which is super popular with the kids!
Assemble
1 - Spread puff pastry with ground turkey or beef. Bake at 425 for 20 minutes.
2 - Add lettuce and black olives or jalapeños.
3 - Add sliced cocktail tomatoes.
4 - Add shredded cheddar cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Use a pizza cutter to cut into 8 rectangles, then add a drizzle of ranch dressing or sour cream to a few of the slices. Or, let your family and guests make their own.
Serve this one pan Taco Bake directly from a baking sheet and watch it disappear! It's so easy to throw together, it will be one of those favorite recipes you make at least once a week.
Recipe FAQS
Puff pastry is thicker and flakier than phyllo dough or crescent rolls. It puffs up to make a hearty slice. Purchase it in a roll instead of squares. I use Wewalka brand for best results.
You'll be happier with the outcome if you use a puff pastry roll instead of crescent rolls or phyllo dough. Crescent rolls and phyllo dough are not thick or sturdy enough to hold all of the toppings. Make sure you purchase an actual puff pastry roll or the recipe will not work as intended.
Yes, a baking sheet works fine as long as it is big enough to hold a roll of puff pastry. Most half sheet pans are 18 x 13 to help you plan accordingly.
Variations
Toppings: try jalapeños, green chilies, avocado, green onions, black beans, cojito cheese, corn kernels, fresh cilantro, mango salsa, pico de gallo, spicy ranch dressing, sour cream, or any other topping you can dream up.
Cheese: Use a different type of cheese like Mexican cheese blend, Monterey jack cheese, Colby Jack or spicy Pepper Jack.
Vegetarian: Chop plenty of fresh veggies and make a meatless taco bake! Use guacamole to spread on top of the puff pastry crust instead of ground meat. Top with veggies. Drizzle with lime juice and enjoy with pico de gallo and sour cream!
Top Tips
- Use a roll of puff pastry instead of squares. Look for it in the refrigerated section with the pie crusts.
- Prepare the toppings ahead of time and refrigerate until time to serve. It makes the prep go much faster when it's time for assembly.
- The best way to cut through the pastry is with a pizza cutter. You can also use a sharp knife, but be careful as it tends to tear.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. If lettuce is added to the top of the sheet pan taco, it will wilt in the refrigerator. It's best to store the toppings separately from the pastry and meat.
Reheat pastry and meat in a 350 degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Add toppings after pastry comes out of the oven. Freezing is not recommended.
What to Serve with Sheet Pan Tacos
This one pan taco bake is perfect for Taco Night, Taco Tuesday, the Super Bowl, birthdays, baby showers, or tailgate parties. It's easy, fast, and economical to make more than one if you're serving a big group.
Planning a party or Fiesta? Serve these Mexican-inspired recipes with sheet pan tacos and watch the smiles appear!
Party Tip: Make Ahead!
Prepare the puff pastry and meat ahead of time and assemble the toppings once when it's time for the party to begin. When serving a large group, cut the squares into 16 slices for dinner, or 32 slices for a bite size appetizer.
More Puff Pastry Recipes
Making a giant taco bake on a sheet pan couldn't be easier and more fun...no matter what the occasion! If you love cooking with puff pastry like I do, be sure to try these other delicious recipes.
Recipe Card
Sheet Pan Taco Bake
*See notes in blog post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Ingredients
BASE
- 1 lb. ground beef (can substitute chicken or ground turkey)
- ¼ cup onion (chopped)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
CRUST
- 1 refrigerated puff pastry sheet
TOPPINGS
- 1 ½ cups green lettuce (chopped)
- 1 cup black olives (sliced)
- 1 cup cocktail tomatoes (sliced)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
DRIZZLE
- ¼ cup ranch dressing or sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet. Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer until water has reduced.
- Add cheese to ground beef and stir well.
- Roll puff pastry out onto a half size sheet pan (18" x 13") (ad) that has been lined with parchment paper. Pierce pastry with a fork in several places.
- Roll edges slightly around entire pastry.
- Spoon beef mixture onto puff pastry and spread to rolled edges.
- Bake pastry at 425 degrees for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cool for 10 minutes.
- Arrange lettuce, olives, tomatoes, and cheese on top of pastry.
- Add additional toppings if you wish.
- Use a pizza cutter to cut into 8 slices. Drizzle sour cream or ranch dressing on top of each slice if desired.
Notes
- Be as creative as you like with the toppings! Try avocado, onions, salsa, cilantro, or anything else you can dream up.
- Be sure to use an actual puff pastry roll instead of phyllo dough or crescent rolls. Only a puff pastry roll will work with this recipe.
- View the Google Web Story for Sheet Pan Taco Bake!
Nutrition
Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
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Fixing to try this tonight! Just got back from the grocery store!
Thanks Jennifer! Let me know how it goes! 🙂
This reminds me of my old Pampered Chef recipe, although I like the pastry idea for this one. I plan to try it. I feel confident it will be amazing because I have yet to try one of yours I don't love.
Thanks so much Margaret! Are you talking about the crescent roll ring? Those things were delicious! 🙂
I am excited to try this. I saw in the refrigerated section at my store puff pastry in a roll. Will I be using the whole package on my cookie sheet? Not familar with using puff pastry. Thanks!
Hi Terri. The puff pastry I use is one sheet in a package. It comes in a roll and it's made by Wewalka. I'm not sure what your store carries, but you'll need as much as it takes to fill your sheet pan. If it comes in two sheets, you'll probably need both of those. Just press the seams together if that's the case. I hope you love this recipe as much as we do at our house! 🙂
I made this last night and it came out perfect!!! Thank you for being so creative!
Yay Anecia! I'm so glad! 🙂
My puff pastry was dry and it burned on the bottom. I thought 20 minutes at 425 was too long. My puff pastry came in a roll of 10 sheets and didn’t really understand the recipe calling for only one paper thin sheet. No mention of how to treat the pastry to keep it moist. The taco toppings were great but the pastry was a big failure.
Hi Pat. I'm sorry that happened to you! I've never found puff pastry in larger quantities. I've only purchased it in a single or double roll. Could you have purchased phyllo dough instead? It comes in sheets of 10, and would definitely burn if you used it instead of puff pastry. Would you mind checking again and letting me know which type of pastry you bought? That would help me understand what happened so I can help you further.
Love sheet pan recipes! Glad you can customize toppings; I love mine without the jalapeños. Sour cream, onions, avocado, tomatoes for me!
That sounds amazing!
I appreciate your suggestions Silvia. I always try to suggest variations and encourage others to make it their own. I actually listed several options for toppings in the recipe copy, so I'm always happy for readers to add their personal touch. 🙂
These are great ideas for serving, and it tastes delicious! Tasty, fun and sassy; thanks for this!
Thanks a bunch, Karry! I love it too. 🙂
Oh yum , I’m going to make this for sure , we love taco night ,👏👏👏😜🤪
Thank you Frenchiee! Taco Night rules! 🙂
Delicious! Spice level is perfect, and love the puff pastry!
Thanks, Carol! The puff pastry definitely gives it a nice touch. 🙂
This is a great fast and easy recipe for those crazy busy work nights! Can't wait to try it out!
Thanks, Sarah! Let me know how it turns out!
Delicious and easy! I'd love for you to share over on our Wednesday weekly Creative Linky Party.
Have a great weekend!
Creatively, Beth
Thanks Beth! I'll give it a look!
Yum! Can’t wait to try this one out.
Thanks Lorna! I think you'll love it! 🙂
What a clever idea!!!! Can’t wait to try this!!!!
Thanks, Anecia! I bet your daughter would love this!
Tried this last night and it was great! Really liked the puff pastry idea.
It was light and held together well as you said. Thanks Deb, this will be good for dinner or for a get together snack.
I'm so glad you liked it! 🙂