- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to prick holes all over the pastry to prevent it from puffing up too much while baking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Season Beef: Add the taco seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and water to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir well to combine and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the puff pastry sheet. Top with the seasoned ground beef mixture, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
- Bake: Transfer the sheet pan to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pastry is golden brown.
- Add Toppings: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and sprinkle the chopped lettuce, sliced black olives, and sliced cocktail tomatoes over the melted cheese.
- Drizzle Dressing: Drizzle ranch dressing or sour cream over the toppings, if desired.
- Serve: Slice the Sheet Pan Taco Bake into squares and serve immediately, garnished with additional toppings if desired.
