One-Pan Dinner Guide: Quick, Healthy, and Kid-Friendly Recipes

Busy parents, we see you. You’re juggling all the things but still want to feed your family something healthy and delicious. 

Enter: one-pan dinners. Less mess, less stress, and packed with flavor—these meals will be your new go-to. 

Bonus: they’re kid-approved!

Pro Tips for One-Pan Dinners

• Pick the right pan: A large sheet pan or a deep skillet works best. You want enough space for everything to cook evenly.
• Use parchment paper or foil: Easy cleanup and no scrubbing… you’re welcome.
• Cut evenly: Slice veggies and proteins into similar sizes so they cook at the same rate.
• Season generously: Don’t skimp on the salt, pepper, or your favorite spice blends.
• Prep ahead: Chop veggies or marinate proteins the night before to save time.

Recipe #1: Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Edwards Family Farms chicken thighs (remove skin & debone)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup baby carrots
• 1 cup diced sweet potatoes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, honey, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken and veggies on the pan. Drizzle the sauce over everything and toss to coat.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.

Pro Tip: Double the sauce and save half to drizzle over rice or noodles when serving.

Recipe #2: Pork Sausage Skillet with Apples & Cabbage

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Edwards Family Farms pork sausage (links or ground)
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add pork sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
3. Toss in apples, cabbage, and carrots. Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies are softened.

Pro Tip: Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Recipe #3: Beef Taco Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Edwards Family Farms ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 Tbsp Taco’Bout Taco seasoning from Edwards Family Farms
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook ground beef until browned. Stir in taco seasoning.
3. In the baking dish, layer rice, black beans, tomatoes, and ground beef. Sprinkle cheese on top.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pro Tip: Let the kids customize their bowls with toppings like sour cream, guac, or salsa.

Recipe #4: Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange shrimp and veggies on the sheet pan. Drizzle the garlic butter over everything and toss to coat.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until shrimp are pink and cooked through, and veggies are tender.

Pro Tip: Serve over cooked quinoa or couscous for a complete meal.

Inspiration for More Sheet Pan Dinners

Looking for more one-pan ideas? Here are some combos to try:

• Chicken Fajitas: Sliced chicken breast, bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning. Serve with tortillas.
• Teriyaki Pork: Pork chops, snap peas, pineapple chunks, and teriyaki sauce. Pair with steamed rice.
• Steak & Potatoes: Thinly sliced steak, baby potatoes, and asparagus with garlic butter.
• Breakfast for Dinner: Sausage links, sweet potato hash, and scrambled egg cups baked right on the sheet.
• Mediterranean Veggie Bowl: Chicken thighs, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, olives, and feta cheese with a drizzle of olive oil and oregano.

With these recipes, you can have dinner on the table in no time, keep the kiddos happy, and feel good about what you’re serving. One-pan dinners for the win!

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