Sheet pan dinners are pretty much my favorite way to use a sheet pan (with the exception of a Texas sheet cake, recipe featured below). It’s truly a “one pan wonder” that makes prep and clean up so much easier on a busy night. You can plan your entire week with these ideas, or just incorporate a few in your own weekly meal plan.
Top Image: Mediterranean sheet pan dinner from Crowded Kitchen and Sheet pan quesadillas from Princess Pinky Girl
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First…the pan.
If you don’t have a good sheet pan, you really should grab a couple – trust me, you won’t regret that purchase. My favorite is the Nordic Ware Baker’s Half Sheet. It’s sturdy and made of pure aluminum so it conducts heat well and won’t warp.
If you already have a few work-horse sheet pans in your kitchen that just need a good cleaning, be sure to check out our easy homemade solution for cleaning burnt sheet pans, to get them looking GOR-geous.
Related: 7 more easy sheet pan dinners for quick weeknight meals
Caribbean-Style Island Bowls
Sylvia over at Feasting At Home may be credited for the reason I survive the coldest months of the year with her recipe for Caribbean-Style Island Bowls. As much as I would like to move somewhere warm and tropical for the entire month of February, that just isn’t feasible (yet). So until I can, a hearty bowl of Caribbean-marinated chicken or tofu, served alongside cabbage, sweet potatoes, and juicy mango will have to do. I especially love that this recipe works well if you have some people living with you who are vegetarian or vegan and others who prefer all of the meat. You can make everything all on one sheet pan for all of the people.
Related: How to go vegan with kids
Mediterranean Sheet Pan Dinner
This recipe for vegan Mediterranean sheet pan dinner from Crowded Kitchen is so full of color and texture – and it tastes amazing. I like to serve with rice and pita chips, but can stand on its own just fine. To save yourself some time, prep the veggies and marinade earlier in the day.
When you head to the store this week, consider checking out our Facebook Recipe Rescue group’s suggestions for the very best supermarket splurges that are worth the money. One of the top five products was premium olive oil, which is a base for most sheet pan meals and really does make a difference in the ultimate flavor and quality of the dish.
Sheet Pan Quesadillas
Sheet pan quesadillas are pure genius. This recipe I found from Princess Pinky Girl has become my family’s favorite twist on Taco Tuesday, and I love how I can sneak a variety of veggies in here and no one complains. I have subbed the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey, and it is still fantastic.
Of course, a hefty dollop of guacamole is a must on any quesadilla, and if you don’t have a perfectly ripe one on hand, check out this smartly packaged avocado hack. Yes, it works and it’s good!
Sheetpan Mini Meatloaf
Sheetpan Mini Meatloaf with Vegetables from The Real Food RDs is on heavy rotation in my kitchen. My entire family loves it. I often have to double the ground beef to make a few more mini meatloaves because my teens can put these away. They also make really great leftovers in the form of a meatloaf sandwich for lunch the next day.
Related: 5 easy sheet pan breakfast recipes to cook for a crowd
Sheet Pan Breakfast Bake
BFD (breakfast for dinner, ha) is always a crowd-pleaser. This Sheet Pan Breakfast Bake from SImply Lakita combines all of my family’s favorite things, all one glorious pan. Grab some juicy, fresh fruit to serve alongside.
Classic Texas Sheet Cake
As I mentioned above, my other most favorite thing to bake on a sheet pan is this Classic Texas Sheet Cake from Sugar Geek Show. It’s just plain delicious and if you skip all of the other recipes above and only make this for dinner I won’t judge.
Follow our Weekly Meal Plan Ideas for Families board on Pinterest @CoolMomEats for even more ideas!
I put these weekly meal plans together based on recipes I am actually cooking for my family, and with you in mind. If you have suggestions, tips, or recommendations for recipes or other food bloggers I should check out please comment here, or shoot me a message in our Recipe Rescue group on Facebook. – Lisa
