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Most home cooks enjoy making a complex meal every once in a while, but the reality is that most of us don’t have the time or energy to do this every night of the week. I love the idea of sheet pan meals, they’re like the 21st century version of our parent’s casseroles (except they’re way better and most times, gets you the gourmet flavor that home cooks crave).
Although I do recommend having a few sheet pans in your kitchen there are two sizes that I believe every home cook should own.
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I recommend having at least two half sheet pans and two eighth sheet pans. A half sheet pan is 13″x18″ and is pretty standard. You can use a half sheets for cookies, sheet pan recipes, roasting, and even making cakes. A second size I recommend is an eighth sheet pan. An eighth sheet pan is perfect for making a single serving or warming up leftovers.
Half Sheet Pan
Eighth Sheet Pan
This Week’s Menu
This week’s menu is all about the sheet pan. Sheet pan meals are typically quick, easy to make, and have even easier cleanup! I’ve provided you with 6 menu ideas and links to the recipes. All you need to do is write down the ingredients and do the grocery shopping.
Each day includes additional notes, tips, and recommendations to help you prep the meals. Unless noted, all meals are 4 servings.
Sunday
It’s Valentine’s day! Support a small business and order your favorite meal from a local restaurant. If you’re local to metro Atlanta, check out a few of my favorites.
Monday
Total Time from Start to Finish: 40 minutes
This recipe is for ONE serving. Adjust your recipe measurements based on how many servings you need.
Notes and Recommendations: If you adjust the recipe measurements make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan. Use two sheet pans if needed to avoid your ingredients steaming.
Meal Prep Tips: All the veggie prep can be done ahead of time and refrigerated.
Tuesday
Total Time from Start to Finish: 30 minutes
Notes and Recommendations: Some grocery stores sell italian sausage without the casings. If you want to save time, buy that instead of removing the casings from italian sausage links.
Wednesday
Total Time from Start to Finish: Less than 45 minutes
Notes and Recommendations: You don’t want your meat and veggies to steam. If your sheet pan seems overcrouded, split the ingredients between two sheet pans. Turn on your broiler for a few minutes if you want a little extra char (but make sure you keep your eye on the food because things burn quickly under the broiler).
Thursday
Total Time from Start to Finish: Approximately 45 minutes.
Notes and Recommendations: Don’t substitute the chicken. You WANT to use bone in and skin on!
Friday
Total Time from Start to Finish: 15 minutes
The recipe is for a single serving. Adjust ingredient potions accordingly.
Notes and Recommendations: Customize the pizzas by using toppings of your choice.
Saturday [Splurge]
Saturday Splurge is a recipe that uses ingredients that you might not typically keep in your pantry or is more hands on that something you cook during the week. If you don’t want to cook on Saturday, then don’t. Go grab some takeout and support a local small business!
Oven Pork Spare Ribs with Stovetop Mac and Cheese and your Veggie of Choice
Total Time from Start to Finish: Prep time in 10 minutes. Cook time is 2.5 hours.
Mac and Cheese takes about 20 minutes on the stove.
Notes and Recommendations: Get the pork ribs in the oven first. Once there’s about 30 minutes left of cooking time with the ribs, get started on the mac and cheese.