This Baked Ground Beef Tray Dish is the perfect weeknight meal — hearty, flavorful, and wonderfully simple. Tender potatoes, sweet red peppers, and soft caramelized onions roast together with seasoned ground beef, garlic, and olive oil to create a comforting, rustic dish that tastes like home. Everything cooks in one tray, making cleanup effortless.
Serve it with rice, bread, or a crisp salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 tomato, sliced or cubed
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- 1–2 tbsp tomato paste mixed with ½ cup water for extra sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables
Slice the onions, potatoes, and red peppers into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Place all the vegetables on a large baking tray or casserole dish.
- Season the Vegetables
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the vegetables.
Sprinkle with half of the paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder.
Toss well with your hands until everything is evenly coated.
- Add the Ground Beef
Break the ground beef into small chunks and spread it evenly over the tray.
Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil on top.
- Add Garlic and More Seasoning
Sprinkle the minced garlic over the tray.
Season the beef with the remaining spices (paprika, pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, chili flakes if using).
- Optional Sauce Layer
If you like a saucier finish, mix tomato paste with warm water and pour lightly over the tray.
This creates extra moisture and adds flavor.
- Bake
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cover the tray tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes.
Remove the foil, stir the ingredients gently, and bake uncovered for an additional 20–25 minutes until the beef is browned and potatoes are fully tender.
- Finish & Serve
Once everything is roasted and slightly caramelized, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Tips, Variations & Storage
Tips
- Slice potatoes thin for faster, more even cooking.
- For a richer flavor, add a pat of butter on top before baking.
- Stir halfway through baking for the best caramelization.
Variations
- Add eggplant or zucchini for Mediterranean flavor.
- Add shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes for a melty top.
- Swap beef for turkey, lamb, or chicken for different flavor profiles.
- Spicy version: Add jalapeños or extra chili flakes.
Storage
- Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheats beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months (store in airtight container).
Pairings
- White rice or turmeric rice
- Warm crusty bread
- Green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted garlic yogurt or tahini sauce
- Pickles or olives on the side
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Home-style
- Calories: ~480 kcal per serving (estimate)
