Getting your daily dose of veggies can be tricky, especially if you rely on the same dull sides to make it happen. That’s where vegetarian sheet pan meals come in handy: They pack produce into your main course—meaning there’s no need to steam broccoli or carrots separately—so you can take in all those nutrients in a tasty and convenient way.
Eating enough vegetables helps you meet your recommended intake for loads of vital vitamins and minerals. Green ones, like kale and spinach, are rich in vitamin K, and orange veggies, like squash and sweet potatoes, contain a lot of vitamin C. These micronutrients provide your body with a bunch of wellness perks, from maintaining strong vision to boosting immunity, Sammi Brondo, MS, RD, CDN, a New York–based registered dietitian, tells SELF. What’s more, she says, veggies “add volume and fiber to meals, which can help with [achieving] fullness.”
Fiber brings loads of health benefits, too, like keeping your poop regular and even lowering cholesterol, Brondo says—and chances are you’re not eating enough of it. “Most Americans get below 15 grams a day, whereas you need at least 25 to 35,” Susan Greeley, MS, RDN, chef-instructor and registered dietitian at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, tells SELF.
The good news is, getting more of it doesn’t need to be complicated—especially if you use sheet pans to add more produce into your diet, Greeley says. This shortcut saves time for a few reasons: That one tray is often the only equipment you need, which makes cleanup way more manageable, and you don’t have to worry about cooking a side dish separately to get your veggies in either.
So bust out your sheet pan and get ready to try some new recipes that’ll make dinner more exciting, nourishing, and seamless. From comforting tacos to flavorful shawarma, there are plenty of tasty, veggie-forward ideas that can make even your busiest days more enjoyable.