This time of year stretches all of us thin, and between end-of-year work projects, parties, and travel, it can be hard to find time to enjoy nourishing meals. Busy seasons call for unfussy meals that are quick to prep and offer enough variety to keep things interesting. These sheet-pan suppers solve that problem: easy meals balanced with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and whole grains.
Sheet pan meals are a practical solution. Take one pan, a few ingredients, and bake. They are the perfect kind of meal for weeknights in the busy winter months (especially near the holidays): minimal prep, hands-off time in the oven, and family-friendly.
Sheet Pan Spicy Tofu and Green Beans
Image Credit: Alexandra Caspero at Delish knowledge.
When it comes to protein sources, tofu is one of the most affordable options, with a pound averaging $1.99 per package. It’s also packed with protein; a ½ cup of tofu contains 20 grams of protein.
If you are new to cooking with tofu, there are a few secrets to making it taste delicious. The first is that you must press it. You can use a tofu press, or wrap your tofu in a few towels and place a heavy object on top. Imagine tofu like a sponge; you have to get the excess water out so the marinade can go in.
The other secret is to bake it; this dries out the tofu, creating a chewy texture that’s so good, you may forget you’re eating soybeans! The lack of flavor is actually tofu’s best quality; it’s the perfect canvas for slathering on delicious marinades and sauces. If your sauce is good, the tofu will be good. And yes, the spicy sauce in this recipe is so good.
Sheet Pan Spicy Tofu and Green Beans Recipe here
Cauliflower Shawarma
Image Credit: Alexandra Caspero at Delish Knowledge.
Proof that weeknight dinners can still be incredibly flavorful. Cut your cauliflower into small pieces (or use pre-cut cauliflower for ease), then mix with the homemade spice mixture and a little oil to combine.
Roast until tender and slightly caramelized, then pile onto pita bread with tzatziki sauce and tomato cucumber salad.
Cauliflower Shawarma Recipe Here
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Image Credit: Alexandra Caspero at Delish Knowledge.
Stuffed peppers that taste good and are good for you, with 27 grams of protein and 17 grams of fiber per serving.
Precooking the peppers first makes them more tender before they are stuffed with quinoa, corn, salsa, and black beans, then topped with cheese and baked until melted.
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers Recipe Here
Sheet Pan Cauliflower Fajitas
Image Credit: Alexandra Caspero at Delish Knowledge.
Grab your large sheet pan, then make these cauliflower fajitas. Chop a head of cauliflower, peppers, and onions, then roast until tender.
Enjoy either in tortillas with salsa and guacamole or in a fajita bowl with rice, beans, and your favorite toppings.
Sheet Pan Cauliflower Fajitas Recipe here
Spicy Chickpea, Broccoli, and Potato Sheet Pan Dinner
Image Credit: Alexandra Caspero at Delish Knowledge.
Sheet Pan dinners are my answer to easy, effortless cooking. Chop a few things, toss together with olive oil and seasonings, then cook!
This sheet pan dinner roasts canned chickpeas, broccoli, and potatoes, then tops the bowl with a quick homemade harissa sauce, and dinner is served. If you want an even easier meal, use your favorite jarred sauce on top.
Spicy Chickpea, Broccoli, and Potato Sheet Pan Recipe Here
Plant-Based Sheet Pan Ranch Bowls
Image Credit: Alexandra Caspero at Delish Knowledge.
As a chef and busy mom, I use pre-washed, small potatoes in this bowl because it’s one less thing to chop. Throw that on your sheet pan with cubed, seasoned tofu, then make a quick cucumber-and-tomato salad while it cooks.
Toss everything with ranch dressing (or your favorite dressing), and you’ve got a filling meal that’s perfect for the busy holiday season.
Ranch Sheet Pan Bowls Recipe Here
Sheet Pan Maple Balsamic Tempeh and Vegetables
Image Credit: Alexandra Caspero at Delish Knowledge.
If you haven’t tried tempeh before, here is a great place to start. You can find tempeh at most grocery stores and at Trader Joe’s/Whole Foods, but if you can’t find it, substitute another protein of your choice. Marinate it in the same way, then bake it along with the vegetables.
This meal is hearty enough to enjoy on its own or pair with your favorite grain or salad.
Sheet Pan Maple Balsamic Tempeh Recipe Here
Sheet Pan Vegetable Stir Fry
Image Credit: Alexandra Caspero at Delish Knowledge.
Stir-fry, without a wok! For this quick and easy dinner, dump everything onto a sheet pan, toss with homemade stir-fry sauce, and bake.
Sheet Pan Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe Here
Sheet Pan Breakfast Hash
Image Credit: Alexandra Caspero at Delish Knowledge.
Breakfast for dinner, sheet-pan style. This one layers homemade potato hash, made crispy on the sheet pan, with fried eggs cooked right onto the potato hash and finished in the oven.
It’s a light, healthy meal to help balance all the treats of this time of year with 250 calories and 10 g of protein.
Sheet Pan Breakfast Hash Recipe Here
