Sheet Pan Tacos

Sheet Pan Tacos are a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy taco night without the hassle of assembling individual tacos. This one-pan recipe allows you to cook all the taco filling and toppings on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. You can use your favorite protein, like seasoned ground beef, chicken, or a vegetarian alternative, and pile it on a sheet pan with tortillas, cheese, and all the taco fixings. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, taco parties, or casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sheet Pan Tacos offer the classic taco experience with less effort and less mess. The versatility of this dish lets you customize it to your taste, whether you prefer beef, chicken, or even a meatless option. By baking everything on one sheet pan, the tortillas get crispy, the filling gets perfectly cooked, and the cheese melts to perfection. It’s a fun, hands-off way to serve tacos that will please everyone at the table. Plus, cleanup is minimal, making it ideal for busy nights!

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef, chicken, or plant-based protein (such as crumbled tofu or beans)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup chopped onions
• ½ cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving
• Salsa or guacamole for serving
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the Protein: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and cook the ground beef (or other protein) until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water (about ¼ cup). Let it simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Sheet Pan: While the protein is cooking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Arrange the tortillas in a single layer on the sheet pan, overlapping slightly if needed.
4. Assemble the Tacos: Evenly distribute the cooked taco filling over the tortillas. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
5. Bake the Tacos: Bake the sheet pan in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas are slightly crispy.
6. Top the Tacos: Remove the tacos from the oven. Top with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños (if using). Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Different Proteins: Use ground turkey, chicken, or beef, or even go for a meatless option like black beans, lentils, or tofu for a plant-based version.
• Crunchy Tacos: If you prefer a crunchier taco, use hard taco shells instead of soft tortillas. Arrange them on the sheet pan and fill them as you normally would.
• Extra Toppings: Add extra toppings like shredded cheese, sliced avocado, or a drizzle of hot sauce to customize your tacos.
• Sheet Pan Nachos: Use the same taco filling and cheese on tortilla chips for a fun sheet pan nacho variation.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep the taco filling separate from the tortillas and toppings for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the taco filling for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the tacos on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the tacos for about 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make Sheet Pan Tacos with hard taco shells?

Yes, you can use hard taco shells instead of soft tortillas. Just be sure to arrange them on the sheet pan so they don’t tip over. Bake them until the cheese is melted and the shells are slightly crispy.

2. Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like beans, tofu, or plant-based crumbles to suit your dietary preferences.

3. How do I make the tortillas crispy?

By baking the tortillas with the taco filling, the edges get nice and crispy, while the inside remains soft and chewy. For extra crispiness, you can bake the tortillas for a few extra minutes before adding the filling.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the taco filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days. When ready to serve, just assemble the tacos and bake as directed.

5. What toppings can I add to Sheet Pan Tacos?

You can add a variety of toppings, such as fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Get creative with your favorite taco toppings!

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas. Be sure to check the taco seasoning to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.

7. Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?

Yes, store-bought taco seasoning works great for this recipe. If you prefer, you can also make your own taco seasoning with a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.

8. How can I make these tacos spicier?

To make your tacos spicier, you can add sliced jalapeños to the taco filling or sprinkle chili flakes over the top. You can also drizzle hot sauce or use a spicy salsa.

9. Can I use these tacos for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the taco filling in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. When ready to eat, just assemble and bake the tacos.

10. Can I add cheese to the taco filling?

Yes, you can mix shredded cheese into the taco filling if you prefer. Just be sure to leave some cheese for topping the tacos before baking.

Conclusion

Sheet Pan Tacos are an easy, fun, and customizable way to enjoy taco night with minimal effort. With just one sheet pan, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for dinner on a busy weeknight or for a casual get-together, these tacos are sure to be a hit. With endless variations and toppings, you can make these tacos exactly to your taste. Plus, the simple cleanup makes them even more enjoyable! Try Sheet Pan Tacos for your next taco night and simplify your meal prep without sacrificing flavor.

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