13 Sheet Pan Dinners That Make Cleanup Easier
If you’re tired of the usual dinner routine and want something easier, sheet pan dinners are the way to go. You can prepare a full meal with minimal cleanup, making dinner both delicious and convenient. The best part? You can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste while keeping everything on one pan. These simple meals will save you time and effort in the kitchen.
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Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Roasting chicken and vegetables on a single sheet pan is a great way to minimize cleanup. The chicken becomes juicy and tender while the vegetables crisp up, making for a balanced and flavorful meal. With the chicken and veggies all cooked on one pan, there’s no need for multiple pots or pans. Cleanup is as easy as wiping down the sheet pan, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal. This dish is perfect for a quick, healthy dinner that requires minimal effort.
For this dish, you’ll need 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 2 cups of chopped carrots, 1 cup of diced potatoes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and vegetables, then sprinkle with the seasonings. Arrange everything on the sheet pan and roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus
This simple sheet pan dinner combines the freshness of lemon with the rich flavors of salmon and asparagus. The bright citrus flavor pairs beautifully with the flaky salmon, while the asparagus adds a nice crunch. The best part? Everything cooks together on one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This dinner is healthy, quick to prepare, and requires just a few basic ingredients. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious meal without the hassle of multiple dishes.
You’ll need 4 salmon fillets, 1 bunch of asparagus, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the salmon fillets and asparagus on the sheet pan. Drizzle olive oil over the fish and vegetables, then sprinkle with lemon zest, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
Beef Fajitas
Beef fajitas on a sheet pan are a great way to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. By cooking all the ingredients on one pan, you can enjoy sizzling beef, bell peppers, and onions without having to wash a bunch of dishes. This dish is easy to make and full of flavor, with the beef soaking up the seasonings as it roasts. You can top it with your favorite salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a fun, customizable meal.
For the ingredients, you’ll need 1 pound of flank steak, 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 onion, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Toss the beef and vegetables with olive oil and spices, then spread them out on the sheet pan. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Shrimp and Broccoli
Shrimp and broccoli make a quick, light meal that’s perfect for a busy night. The shrimp cooks quickly while the broccoli crisps up, making for a healthy and satisfying dinner. Everything comes together on one sheet pan, so you won’t have to deal with extra pots or pans. This dish is flavorful, full of protein, and packed with nutrients from the broccoli. It’s a great option for a low-maintenance meal with minimal cleanup.
For the ingredients, you’ll need 1 pound of shrimp, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, one-half teaspoon of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Toss the shrimp and broccoli in olive oil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, then arrange them on the sheet pan. Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the broccoli is tender.
Sausage and Potato Bake
Sausage and potato bake is an easy sheet pan dinner that’s full of comforting flavors. The sausage crisps up while the potatoes become tender, making it a filling and delicious meal. By cooking everything on one pan, you avoid the hassle of washing multiple dishes. This dish is perfect for cold nights when you want something hearty but simple. It’s easy to make and cleanup is quick and effortless.
You’ll need 4 sausages, 4 medium potatoes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Toss the potatoes in olive oil and seasonings, then place them on the sheet pan with the sausages. Roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through and the potatoes are golden brown and tender.
Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
Chicken and Brussels sprouts come together perfectly on a sheet pan for an easy, healthy dinner. The chicken becomes tender and juicy, while the Brussels sprouts crisp up around the edges. This meal requires minimal preparation and just a few ingredients, making it a simple yet satisfying dinner option. Plus, it’s quick to clean up afterward with everything cooking on one pan.
For this dish, you’ll need 4 bone-in chicken breasts, 2 cups of Brussels sprouts, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Drizzle the chicken and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) and the Brussels sprouts are crispy.
Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Sweet Potatoes
This sheet pan dinner combines the savory flavors of pork tenderloin with the sweetness of apples and sweet potatoes. The pork is tender and juicy, while the apples and sweet potatoes roast to perfection. The combination of flavors is delicious, and the cleanup is simple with everything roasting on one pan. This dish is a great way to enjoy a comforting, hearty meal with minimal effort.
For the ingredients, you’ll need 1 pork tenderloin, 2 medium sweet potatoes, 2 apples, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of honey, salt, and pepper to taste. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Rub the pork tenderloin with olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Arrange the sweet potatoes and apples around the pork on the sheet pan and drizzle with honey. Roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).
Salmon with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
Salmon with sweet potatoes and green beans is a delicious, well-rounded meal that’s easy to make and easy to clean up. The sweet potatoes roast to a soft texture, while the salmon stays tender and flaky. The green beans add a nice crunch and balance out the meal. With everything cooked on one sheet pan, cleanup is a breeze, leaving you more time to relax after dinner.
For the ingredients, you’ll need 4 salmon fillets, 2 medium sweet potatoes, 2 cups of green beans, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Drizzle the salmon, sweet potatoes, and green beans with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
Roasted Veggie and Quinoa Bowl
Roasted vegetable and quinoa bowls are a great way to enjoy a healthy, plant-based meal with minimal cleanup. The quinoa cooks on the sheet pan with the veggies, making for an easy-to-prepare and flavorful dinner. This dish is packed with nutrients and is a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to eat lighter. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite vegetables and toppings.
For the ingredients, you’ll need 1 cup of quinoa, 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Toss the vegetables with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on the sheet pan. Add the quinoa and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Baked Falafel with Tzatziki
Baked falafel with tzatziki sauce is a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired sheet pan dinner that’s easy to make. The falafel patties bake in the oven and become crispy on the outside while staying soft on the inside. This dish is perfect for a light dinner or even as a tasty snack. The sheet pan method makes it easy to prepare and clean up afterward.
For the ingredients, you’ll need 1 can of chickpeas, one-fourth cup of breadcrumbs, one-fourth cup of fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a food processor, blend the chickpeas, breadcrumbs, parsley, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Form the mixture into small patties and place them on the sheet pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
BBQ Chicken and Sweet Potato Fries
BBQ chicken and sweet potato fries are a satisfying and easy sheet pan dinner that combines smoky chicken with crispy fries. The BBQ sauce adds a rich flavor to the chicken, while the sweet potatoes become crispy in the oven. This meal is great for family dinners and requires very little cleanup. Everything is cooked on one pan, so there’s no need for multiple dishes.
For the ingredients, you’ll need 4 chicken thighs, 2 large sweet potatoes, one-fourth cup of BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Toss the sweet potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange them on the sheet pan. Brush the chicken with BBQ sauce and add it to the pan with the sweet potatoes. Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meatballs
Spaghetti squash with turkey meatballs is a healthy twist on a classic Italian dish. The squash acts as a low-carb replacement for pasta, while the turkey meatballs are light but satisfying. Everything cooks on one sheet pan, which means there’s no need for extra pots or pans. It’s a simple and flavorful meal that makes cleanup easier than ever.
For this dish, you’ll need 1 medium spaghetti squash, 1 pound of ground turkey, one-fourth cup of breadcrumbs, one-fourth cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Slice the spaghetti squash in half and remove the seeds. Season the turkey with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then form into meatballs. Arrange the meatballs and squash on the sheet pan and roast for 25-30 minutes.
Veggie-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Veggie-stuffed bell peppers are a colorful and healthy sheet pan dinner that’s both satisfying and simple to make. The peppers are stuffed with a mixture of rice, beans, and vegetables, then baked to perfection. This meal is vegetarian, easy to customize, and perfect for those looking to eat lighter after the holidays. Plus, cleanup is quick with everything baked on one sheet pan.
For the ingredients, you’ll need 4 bell peppers, 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 can of black beans, one-half cup of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Mix the rice, beans, tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Stuff the bell peppers with the mixture and place them on the sheet pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.