Sheet Pan Ground Beef, Potato, and Carrot Dinner Recipe

Name: Sheet Pan Ground Beef, Potato, and Carrot Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 5 potatoes, peeled and cut into steak fries; 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced lengthwise; 1 onion, peeled and sliced into rings; salt to taste; ground black pepper to taste; garlic salt to taste

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
5 potatoes, peeled and cut into steak fries
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced lengthwise
1 onion, peeled and sliced into rings
Salt to taste
Ground black pepper to taste
Garlic salt to taste

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400F (200C) and line a sheet pan with aluminum foil.

Step 2: Shape the ground beef into patties and place them on the prepared sheet pan.

Step 3: Layer the vegetables over the beef patties, starting with the potatoes, followed by the carrots, and finishing with the onion rings.

Step 4: Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and garlic salt to taste.

Step 5: Cover the entire pan with aluminum foil and seal the edges to ensure everything stays covered while baking.

Step 6: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	451	-
Total Fat	14g	18%
Saturated Fat	6g	28%
Cholesterol	71mg	24%
Sodium	132mg	6%
Total Carbohydrate	56g	20%
Dietary Fiber	8g	30%
Total Sugars	7g	-
Protein	26g	51%
Vitamin C	59mg	65%
Calcium	71mg	5%
Iron	4mg	24%
Potassium	1622mg	35%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

This hearty and simple dish combines ground beef patties with hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions. It's baked together on a sheet pan, creating a flavorful and fuss-free meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. But like many recipes, it has a history and a few regional quirks that make it even more interesting.

History of the Dish

Although the concept of roasting meat and vegetables on a single sheet pan is relatively modern, the idea of combining meat and root vegetables has roots going back centuries. The practice of cooking everything in one pan or packet is reminiscent of traditional "hobo dinners"a style of cooking that originated in the early 20th century among American travelers. Hobo dinners typically involved wrapping a mixture of meat and vegetables in foil and cooking it over an open fire. This method became a popular camping and outdoor cooking tradition. Today, the sheet pan version has gained popularity in home kitchens due to its convenience and ease of cleanup.

Regional Variations

While this particular recipe is typical of American home cooking, variations exist across different regions. For instance, in the Midwest, it is common to add seasoning such as onion soup mix or even Worcestershire sauce to the beef patties. On the West Coast, people may incorporate additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. The dish is very adaptable and can be personalized to suit regional tastes, making it a versatile option for families across the U.S. Some even grill the ingredients in foil packets during the summer, lending the dish a smoky flavor.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

This recipe stands out from other ground beef and vegetable meals because of its simplicity and the use of a sheet pan. Unlike casseroles or stews that require multiple steps or pots, the sheet pan method allows everything to cook at once, resulting in less mess and more flavor. The key difference between this and similar dishes like shepherd's pie or meatloaf is that the meat is cooked in patty form on top of the vegetables, not mixed into a filling or loaf. This ensures a crispy, caramelized exterior on the meat while keeping the vegetables tender.

Where It Is Usually Served

Sheet Pan Ground Beef, Potato, and Carrot Dinner is often served as a family dinner in casual home settings. It's a popular choice for weeknight meals due to its simplicity and the minimal cleanup required. Its also commonly prepared during camping trips or outdoor cookouts, especially when using foil packets on the grill. In restaurants, it may be offered as a comfort food dish or a quick and easy lunch option. The versatility of this recipe makes it a perfect candidate for meal prep as well, ensuring it can be enjoyed on a busy day.

Interesting Facts

The "hobo dinner" style has been a beloved tradition for over a century. Originally, it was made by traveling workers or "hobos" who had limited resources and needed a simple, portable way to cook their food.
The sheet pan dinner craze gained momentum in the 2010s as people sought quick, healthy, and easy dinner options. It's particularly popular in meal prep circles due to its minimal cleanup and balanced ingredients.
The combination of potatoes and beef has been a staple of many traditional meals. In fact, it's often referred to as "comfort food" because its filling and offers a good balance of protein and carbs.
This dish can easily be customized with different types of meat, such as turkey or chicken, and various vegetables. You can also add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to adjust the flavor profile to your liking.

Conclusion

The Sheet Pan Ground Beef, Potato, and Carrot Dinner is a testament to the power of simple, hearty ingredients. Whether you're preparing it as a family meal or packing it for a camping trip, this dish offers a comforting, flavorful experience that can be easily tailored to suit any palate. With its roots in hobo cooking and its modern-day popularity in home kitchens, it is a great example of how food can evolve while remaining true to its simple, satisfying origins.

FAQ about Sheet Pan Ground Beef, Potato, and Carrot Dinner Recipe

Leftovers from this recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked beef patties and vegetables for up to 3 months. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with other ground meats such as turkey, chicken, or pork. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat you use, so make sure the meat is fully cooked before serving.

Yes, you can prepare the patties and vegetables in advance. Assemble the meal, cover it with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This can save time if you're preparing dinner the next day.

You can experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. You can also add mushrooms or sweet potatoes for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure to cut the vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.

Yes, you can divide the recipe into individual foil packets for each person. Simply place the beef patty and vegetables in separate sheets of aluminum foil, seal them tightly, and bake as directed. This is also a great option for grilling.

Yes, you can cook this recipe without aluminum foil by using a covered baking dish. Make sure to cover the dish tightly with a lid or another layer of foil to keep the moisture in and prevent the meal from drying out during cooking.

To reheat leftovers, you can use an oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. In the microwave, cover the food with a microwave-safe lid and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Yes, adding cheese is a great way to enhance the flavor. You can sprinkle shredded cheese, such as cheddar or colby-jack, on top of the patties in the last few minutes of baking. Allow the cheese to melt before serving.

If the vegetables aren't tender after the suggested cooking time, you can return them to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You can also check the vegetables halfway through the cooking process and stir them to ensure even cooking.

Yes, grilling is a great option, especially for individual foil packets. Preheat the grill to medium heat and cook the packets for about 30-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

Comments

Lisa Garcia

02/24/2024 02:06:21 PM

My entire family absolutely enjoyed this dish! It was a breeze to clean up as well. The only adjustment I made was based on a reviewer's suggestion to incorporate beefy onion soup mix into the ground beef before forming the patties. We will certainly be making this dish again!

Brenda Wilson

06/20/2024 06:05:45 AM

I was delighted to discover that others have been preparing this dish. I have been making it for years, but in individual portions. I like to season the ground beef with garlic powder, chives, and finely diced green peppers. I also incorporate worcestershire sauce and hamburger seasoning into the patties. I thinly slice potatoes, carrots, and onions and place the patty on top. I have cooked them both in the oven and on the grill. After cooking, I sprinkle some shredded colby-jack cheese on top of the patties and let it melt for a few extra minutes. Cleanup is a breeze, and the family's positive feedback indicates that dinner was a complete success!

Samuel Moore

10/22/2023 10:33:10 AM

This recipe was a huge success! I sprinkled lean ground beef into each foil packet, drizzled some extra virgin olive oil, used a banana pepper fresh from the garden, and added 2 tablespoons of Campbell's Fiesta Nacho cheese to each packet. Seasoned them well, then grilled them on high heat for 30 minutes.

Edward Miller

03/17/2023 03:09:54 PM

I absolutely love this recipe! My twist on it involves seasoning the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme leaves, and onion powder. I also use baby carrots and small red potatoes, cut in half, along with sliced onions and whole garlic cloves that turn into a deliciously soft texture when cooked. Coating the vegetables in olive oil gives them a nice crunch, and I sprinkle salt, pepper, and thyme to enhance the flavors. The result is simply delightful and incredibly tasty!

Debra White

07/12/2024 10:30:59 PM

My family has been creating this dish for 30 years, incorporating a crucial ingredient that truly elevates the flavors. The final touch involves adding a can of diced tomatoes, pouring the tomato juice on top, and seasoning with salt and pepper. A tradition within our family is that my mom customizes individual pouches for each family member, filled with our preferred vegetables. My pouch always includes potatoes, onions, mushrooms, green beans, and sometimes a hint of cabbage. Accompanied by fresh rolls, this meal is a complete delight. Feel free to experiment and tailor it to your taste, but remember that the key to success lies in using tomatoes and drizzling a bit of juice on each serving. Hopefully, this tip will help those who found the dish to be too dry.

Samantha Hernandez

05/31/2024 07:41:00 AM

I have made this recipe countless times - I had a similar one before stumbling upon this gem - and I adore it! It's a wonderfully straightforward recipe that can be customized to suit anyone's preferences. I switch up the seasoning every time I make it. Typically, we prepare individual foil packets for each family member or friend dining with us, ensuring that each meal is tailored to their liking. We also include fresh or canned mushrooms for those who enjoy them. Our go-to time to whip up these Hobo Dinners is in the summer when we can grill them for around 45 minutes. Absolutely fantastic!

Janet Wright

05/20/2024 04:15:59 PM

This dish turned out surprisingly well considering how simple it was to prepare. Instead of using foil, I opted to place everything in a covered casserole dish, and it turned out perfectly. I added a sprinkle of onion powder and a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce on top, which added a nice touch. Next time, I plan to season the meat before shaping it into patties for even more flavor. I thoroughly enjoy preparing hassle-free one-pot meals during the week, and this dish paired wonderfully with some homemade bread and butter. I will definitely be making this again.

Timothy Young

12/10/2024 11:02:57 PM

Review rewritten: "For a meal for two people, I used a 9x9 pan to layer carrots at the bottom, mixed in Lipton onion soup mix with hamburger, and pressed it as a layer on top. I added some potatoes and onions over the top before sealing it in foil, baking for one hour and ten minutes at 450°F. This dish provided a generous portion of food!"

Mark Wright

04/30/2023 09:03:56 AM

I have tried these before, so the recipe is familiar to me. The main change I make is wrapping each serving in heavy-duty aluminum foil, adding a touch of butter, sealing them tightly, and grilling them. This method allows everyone to customize the recipe according to their preferences (adjusting spice levels, adding different vegetables, etc.). It's simple to assemble and cleanup is a breeze.

Cynthia Adams

05/22/2024 06:12:10 AM

I enhanced the flavor by incorporating Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, butter, and mushrooms into the dish. I made sure to season both sides of the patties and added the seasoning to the vegetables as well. The result was delicious, and my husband thoroughly enjoyed it.

Patrick Miller

06/20/2024 11:26:36 PM

We will definitely be incorporating this into our regular meal rotation at home. I included extra vegetables and spices which elevated the dish into a fantastic, easy, and balanced meal!

Barbara Miller

12/05/2022 09:59:58 PM

Straightforward recipe. All ingredients cooked simultaneously, making clean up a breeze. A dash of seasoning added to the ground beef would elevate the dish to perfection.

Kelly Green

03/30/2023 02:24:40 PM

It brings to mind the flavors of pot roast, but is much quicker to prepare. Both my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Jack Carter

12/08/2022 12:47:06 PM

You can't go wrong with a dish that combines beef and potatoes - it's always delicious!

Christopher Moore

02/19/2024 07:29:55 PM

Delicious beyond words.

Kelly Allen

05/03/2025 08:09:29 AM

Extremely fast and simple to prepare

Alexander Lewis

02/01/2023 05:00:07 PM

For those who find it lacking in flavor, try adding some Moore's or Dale's steak sauce to the meat! It enhances the taste significantly.

Ronald Brown

03/10/2024 08:45:57 AM

Garlic and tarragon infused the patties with a delightful burst of flavor. Incorporating an egg helped hold the patties together seamlessly. A touch of beef broth and Worcestershire sauce elevated the dish with a homemade, uncomplicated gravy.

Jacob Johnson

10/07/2022 02:48:31 PM

I enhanced the flavor of the dish by incorporating Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, butter, and mushrooms. I made sure to season both sides of the patties and sprinkle the seasoning over the vegetables. The result was delicious, and my husband absolutely enjoyed it.

audio version

Cook Time: 180 minutes