Sweet Potato & Green Bean Tray Bake: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Sweet Potato & Green Bean Tray Bake is the ultimate simple, vibrant, and healthy side dish or light meal. It relies on the magic of oven roasting, which brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes and caramelizes the green beans to perfection. Requiring just 10 minutes of prep time, this tray bake minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor.

The savory seasoning blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder contrasts beautifully with the sweet potatoes. A final squeeze of lemon juice adds a crucial bright finish, making this dish feel fresh and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for meal prepping or as an easy addition to any dinner table.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients for Sweet Potato & Green Bean Tray Bake
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Chef’s Notes & Tips
• Perfect Pairings for Tray Bake
• Storage & Meal Prep
• FAQs

Ingredients for Sweet Potato & Green Bean Tray Bake

Ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated with oil and spread in a single layer is key to achieving maximum crispness. This recipe serves 4 people:

• 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb green beans, ends trimmed
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

The tray bake method simplifies cooking by using just one pan for everything.

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2: Season Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes and trimmed green beans. Pour the olive oil over the vegetables. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Mix and Transfer

Mix thoroughly until all the vegetables are well coated with the seasoning. Transfer the mixture onto a large baking sheet, ensuring the vegetables are spread out in an even, single layer.

Step 4: Roast

Place the tray in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are soft and golden, stirring the vegetables halfway through to ensure even roasting.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once done, take the tray out of the oven and drizzle with the fresh lemon juice. If desired, finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.

Chef’s Notes & Tips

• Protein Boost: For a heartier meal, consider adding 1 cup of cooked chickpeas or shredded rotisserie chicken to the tray before roasting.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to substitute the spices. Try adding Italian herbs (like oregano, basil, and thyme) or curry powder for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable Swaps: If you don’t like green beans, you can easily substitute them with asparagus or broccoli.
• Frozen Vegetables: You can use frozen vegetables, but they may require an extra 5-10 minutes of cooking time.

Perfect Pairings for Tray Bake

This versatile dish complements almost any protein.

• Grilled Salmon or Chicken: The healthy, smoky vegetables pair perfectly with lean protein.
• Black Bean Burgers: Makes an excellent, flavorful side to a veggie burger.
• Pork Tenderloin: The sweetness of the potatoes is a classic counterpoint to pork.

Storage & Meal Prep

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Meal Prep: This dish is excellent for meal prep as a side for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• Reheating: Reheat in a toaster oven or standard oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to help restore some crispness, or microwave briefly.

FAQs

Why do I need to stir the vegetables halfway through?

Stirring ensures that all sides of the vegetables have a chance to touch the hot pan surface, leading to more even browning and caramelization.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, but regular potatoes (like russet or Yukon gold) will require a slightly longer roasting time, usually 30-40 minutes total.

Should I use fresh or frozen green beans?

Fresh green beans are highly recommended as they achieve a better, crisper texture when roasted. Frozen green beans tend to release more moisture.

Davis Janet

Sweet Potato & Green Bean Tray Bake

Sweet Potato & Green Bean Tray Bake is a vibrant, healthy, and effortless side dish that utilizes the magic of oven roasting. Diced sweet potatoes and green beans are tossed in a savory smoked paprika and garlic blend, then roasted on a single sheet pan until tender and caramelized.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb green beans, ends trimmed
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Equipment

• Large baking sheet
• large mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to $425^{circ}text{F}$ ($220^{circ}text{C}$).
2. In a large bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes and trimmed green beans. Pour the olive oil over the vegetables. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix thoroughly until all the vegetables are well coated with the seasoning. Transfer the mixture onto a large baking sheet, ensuring the vegetables are spread out in an even, single layer.
4. Place the tray in the oven and roast for about 25–30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are soft and golden, stirring the vegetables halfway through to ensure even roasting.
5. Once done, take the tray out of the oven and drizzle with the fresh lemon juice. If desired, finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Ensure vegetables are spread in an even, single layer for maximum crispness. Stirring halfway through is key for even browning. Fresh green beans are recommended over frozen. For a heartier meal, add 1 cup of cooked chickpeas or shredded rotisserie chicken before roasting.

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato & Green Bean Tray Bake is the ideal recipe for busy nights when you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Simple to prepare and delicious to eat, it’s a wonderfully balanced addition to your weekly menu.