Welcome to the effortless world of the Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner – a complete, satisfying meal featuring perfectly seasoned turkey tenderloins, a rich, velvety homemade gravy, delightful candied sweet potatoes, and savory cheesy garlic green beans! Experience all the comforting flavors of a traditional feast, simplified onto a single baking sheet.
Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner: An Effortless Feast on a Single Baking Sheet
Imagine savoring all your cherished Thanksgiving flavors without the usual kitchen chaos, endless dishes, and exhausting cleanup. This Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner is a game-changer, especially during the bustling fall season and for those who desire a taste of the holidays without the monumental effort. Whether you’re planning an intimate Thanksgiving for two, a cozy family dinner, or simply craving the heartwarming tastes of autumn, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
The beauty of a sheet pan meal lies in its incredible convenience. All components—the succulent turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and crisp green beans—cook simultaneously on one baking sheet. This eliminates the headache of coordinating oven timings for multiple dishes and drastically reduces post-meal cleanup, giving you more time to relax and enjoy the company of loved ones. In under an hour, you can have a wholesome, delicious, and impressive meal ready to grace your table, making it the perfect semi-quick dinner solution for any occasion.
Why You’ll Adore This Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner
- Unmatched Convenience: Forget juggling multiple pots and pans! This recipe streamlines your cooking process by utilizing just one sheet pan, making both cooking and cleanup incredibly simple.
- Thanksgiving Flavors, Anytime: Get all the beloved tastes of a holiday feast—tender turkey, sweet and savory sides—without dedicating an entire day to cooking. It’s perfect for satisfying those cravings year-round.
- Quick & Efficient: From prep to plate, this meal comes together in under an hour, ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a delicious meal in a flash.
- Wholesome & Balanced: With lean turkey, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, and fresh green beans, this dinner offers a balanced and nourishing option for the whole family.
- Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t like pecans? Leave them out! Prefer a different cheese? Go for it!
- Minimal Cleanup: The biggest perk! Using parchment paper on a single sheet pan ensures virtually no sticky messes, making your post-dinner routine a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Your Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner
Absolutely! While homemade gravy adds a special touch, feel free to use your favorite store-bought gravy, whether it’s jarred, from a packet, or a refrigerated option. Just factor in the preparation time for your chosen gravy when planning your meal. You can even warm it gently in a small saucepan while your turkey and vegetables are baking.
For optimal results, I recommend a standard 13×18-inch rimmed baking sheet (also known as a half-sheet pan). The rimmed edges are essential to prevent any delicious turkey juices or candied sweet potato sauce from overflowing into your oven, saving you from a sticky mess. If you don’t have a large sheet pan, you can easily divide the ingredients between two smaller 9×13-inch pans, using one for the turkey and one for the vegetables, and cook them simultaneously.
Yes, chicken breast can be a fantastic substitute for turkey tenderloins. The cooking principles are quite similar: both turkey and chicken breasts are considered fully cooked and safe to eat when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you opt for chicken, make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through. The cooking time should be comparable, but always prioritize food safety by checking the temperature.
A single casserole or baking dish typically won’t offer enough space to spread out all the ingredients for even cooking, which is key for a sheet pan meal. If you prefer to use baking dishes, you have a couple of options: you could either halve the entire recipe, or use two separate casserole dishes – one for the turkey and another for the vegetables. Arrange and cook as directed, monitoring for doneness.
I do not recommend using bone-in turkey breasts for this specific recipe. Bone-in cuts generally require a significantly longer cooking time compared to boneless tenderloins, which would throw off the timing for the other ingredients on the sheet pan. The whole concept of this sheet pan dinner is for all components to cook evenly and be ready at the same time. If you can only find bone-in, I suggest finding boneless turkey breasts instead. For the best and most consistent results with this recipe, sticking to boneless turkey tenderloins is highly advised.
I typically use turkey breast tenderloins, which are widely available in most grocery stores. A common brand you might find is Butterball, often sold in packages of two. Some specialty stores may offer larger single tenderloins, which you can easily cut in half if needed. You’ll want approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds of turkey tenderloins in total for this recipe.
To save on prep time, especially during busy periods, many grocery stores offer already diced sweet potatoes in their produce section. While this can be a more expensive option, it significantly cuts down on chopping time. Alternatively, you can prep the sweet potatoes and green beans a day ahead, storing them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Absolutely! Dried herbs are a convenient alternative if fresh herbs aren’t available. Remember that dried herbs are typically more potent than fresh ones, so you’ll need a smaller quantity. For 1 teaspoon of minced fresh rosemary, use about ¼ teaspoon of dried rosemary. For ½ teaspoon of minced fresh thyme, use approximately ⅛ teaspoon of dried thyme. Start with less and add more to taste if desired. However, I truly believe the fresh herbs bring an unparalleled vibrancy and aroma to this dish.
No parchment paper? No problem! You can achieve similar non-stick results by lightly spraying your sheet pan with cooking spray or greasing it with a thin layer of butter or olive oil. Both methods will help prevent your delicious meal from sticking to the pan, ensuring easy removal and cleanup.
Preparing this one-pan turkey dinner in advance and freezing it is a fantastic way to save time on the day you plan to serve it or to ensure you have delicious leftovers whenever a craving strikes. Simply follow all cooking instructions, then allow the entire meal to cool completely on the counter (no longer than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth). Once cooled, transfer your turkey dinner to freezer-safe plastic resealable bags or an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, cover the dish and warm it in the oven until heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
All leftovers from this Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner can be safely stored in the refrigerator. For best results, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap, place them in resealable bags, or transfer them to an airtight container. Stored properly, your leftovers will remain fresh and the turkey will retain its moisture for 3-4 days. If you wish to keep them longer, move them to the freezer after this period, following the guidelines above.
For individual servings, the microwave works wonderfully. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed. If you have a larger portion, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the leftovers on a sheet pan (you might want to cover them loosely with foil to prevent drying), and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
Essential Ingredients for Your Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner
This recipe calls for fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips for substitutions and considerations:
For the Candied Sweet Potatoes:
- Sweet Potatoes: You’ll need about 1 pound of fresh sweet potatoes, cubed. I highly recommend fresh over frozen for this recipe, as frozen sweet potatoes can release too much water and might not cook evenly alongside the other ingredients, impacting the final texture.
- Salted Butter: Melted, for a rich, buttery base. If you only have unsalted butter, simply add an extra pinch of salt to the mixture.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-rich sweetness that caramelizes beautifully. Light brown sugar can be used as a substitute, offering a slightly milder sweetness.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These classic spices infuse the sweet potatoes with warm, aromatic holiday flavors. As a convenient alternative, you can swap them for an equal amount of apple pie spice.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Mini Marshmallows: The crowning glory! They melt into a delightful, gooey topping. Marshmallow fluff can also be used for a smoother finish.
- Chopped Pecans: Add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, feel free to omit them entirely.
For the Cheesy Garlic Green Beans:
- Green Beans: Fresh green beans, with their ends trimmed, are key for a crisp-tender texture. This recipe was specifically developed with fresh vegetables to ensure consistent cooking times. I haven’t tested it with canned or frozen green beans, as their moisture content and cooking times differ significantly, which could affect the overall outcome of this synchronized sheet pan meal.
- Olive Oil: Helps coat the beans for even seasoning and roasting. Any neutral oil like avocado or vegetable oil would work well.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the green beans with a savory garlic aroma. You can also use fresh minced garlic; about 1-2 cloves, depending on your preferred garlic intensity.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the green beans.
- Shredded Colby Jack Cheese: An optional but highly recommended addition for a cheesy, savory topping. Feel free to swap this for your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a bit of a kick.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty crispness that complements the green beans perfectly. If you have store-bought real bacon pieces, those can also be used for convenience.
For the Seasoned Turkey Tenderloins:
- Turkey Tenderloins: You’ll need about 1.5-2 pounds in total. As mentioned in the FAQ, this recipe is specifically tested with boneless, skinless turkey tenderloins to ensure quick and even cooking alongside the vegetables. Using bone-in turkey would drastically alter cooking times and isn’t recommended for this one-pan approach. Boneless chicken breasts can be a suitable substitute if cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness before serving.
- Olive Oil: Used to coat the turkey, helping the seasonings adhere and promoting a golden-brown sear.
- Poultry Seasoning: A blend of savory herbs that gives the turkey its classic flavor profile. Italian seasoning can be a delicious alternative.
- Fresh Rosemary & Fresh Thyme: These fresh herbs provide an incredible aromatic depth. Refer to the FAQ section for guidance on substituting with dried herbs if fresh ones are unavailable.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the turkey.
For the Velvety Gravy:
- Salted Butter: Forms the roux base for the gravy.
- Poultry Seasoning, Onion Powder, & Minced Garlic: These aromatics build a rich, savory foundation for your gravy. Garlic powder can be used in place of minced garlic for the gravy as well, about ½ to 1 teaspoon depending on taste.
- Cornstarch: A crucial thickening agent for achieving that smooth, velvety gravy texture. All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute; you’ll need a similar amount, but cook it for a minute or two longer to remove the raw flour taste.
- Turkey Broth: The liquid base for the gravy. Chicken broth or even vegetable broth can be successfully swapped if turkey broth is not on hand.
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a bright pop of color and freshness, making your finished dish even more appealing.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare Your Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and visually appealing Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner that will impress without the stress!
- Preheat & Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures everything roasts beautifully and evenly. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet (13×18 inches) with parchment paper. This vital step prevents sticking and makes cleanup virtually nonexistent.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: In a medium-sized bowl, combine your cubed sweet potatoes with the melted salted butter, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Toss gently until the sweet potatoes are thoroughly coated in this luscious, sweet and spicy mixture. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
- Prepare the Green Beans: In a separate bowl, add the trimmed fresh green beans. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and garlic powder. Toss until the green beans are evenly coated. Setting them aside briefly allows the flavors to meld.
- Season the Turkey Tenderloins: In a small bowl, whisk together the poultry seasoning, salt, minced fresh thyme, minced fresh rosemary, and black pepper. Lightly rub all sides of the turkey tenderloins with olive oil, then generously apply the seasoning mix, ensuring the turkey is fully coated. Place the seasoned turkey tenderloins directly in the center of your prepared sheet pan.
- Arrange Ingredients on the Pan: Strategically arrange the sweet potato mixture around one side of the turkey tenderloins, spreading them out in a single layer for even cooking. On the opposite side, place the seasoned green bean mixture, also in a single layer. This arrangement allows all components to cook efficiently without overcrowding.
- First Bake & Toppings: Place the sheet pan into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes. After this initial baking period, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Evenly scatter the mini marshmallows and chopped pecans over the sweet potatoes. Then, sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese and crumbled cooked bacon over the green beans.
- Second Bake & Melted Goodness: Return the sheet pan to the oven and continue baking for another 6 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and perfectly gooey, and the cheese on the green beans is melted and bubbly.
- Check Internal Temperature: This is a critical step for food safety. Before removing the turkey from the oven, always verify that its internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) using a reliable meat thermometer. If the turkey isn’t quite there but the vegetables are perfectly cooked, carefully remove the sweet potatoes and green beans from the pan and continue baking the turkey alone until it reaches the safe temperature.
- Prepare the Homemade Gravy: While your turkey and vegetables are baking, you’ll make the flavorful gravy. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 3 tablespoons of salted butter. Add the poultry seasoning, onion powder, and minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and turkey broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the saucepan and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens to a rich, velvety consistency.
- Garnish & Serve: Once the turkey and vegetables are cooked to perfection, transfer them from the sheet pan to serving plates. Garnish the turkey with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley (if using) and generously pour the warm, homemade gravy over the turkey. Serve immediately and prepare to enjoy your impressive, yet incredibly easy, Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner!
Chef’s Tips for a Perfect Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is crucial for sheet pan cooking. If your pan is too crowded, ingredients will steam instead of roast, leading to soggy results. If necessary, use two sheet pans to ensure everything has enough space to crisp and caramelize.
- Chop Evenly: For consistent cooking, try to chop your sweet potatoes into roughly equal-sized cubes. This ensures they all become tender at the same rate.
- Meat Thermometer is Your Best Friend: Investing in a good quality meat thermometer (instant-read is ideal) will prevent overcooked or undercooked turkey. Always aim for 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the turkey.
- Parchment Paper is a Must: While you can grease the pan, parchment paper genuinely makes cleanup a dream. Don’t skip it if you can help it!
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried herbs work, fresh rosemary and thyme add a brighter, more aromatic depth to the turkey.
- Gravy Customization: Adjust the consistency of your gravy by adding more broth for a thinner gravy or a little more cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water) for a thicker one.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Suggestions
To further simplify your cooking experience, consider these meal prep strategies:
- Vegetable Prep: Wash and chop your sweet potatoes and trim your green beans a day or two in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Seasoning Mix: Combine all the dry seasonings for the turkey in a small airtight container. When it’s time to cook, simply rub the turkey with oil and then apply your pre-mixed seasonings.
- Homemade Gravy Base: If you’re making the gravy from scratch, you can prepare the broth mixture (broth and cornstarch) ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready, simply heat the butter and aromatics, then add your pre-mixed broth.
- Bacon: Cook and crumble the bacon a day or two before. Store it in an airtight container, ready to sprinkle on the green beans during the second bake.
Craving More Easy & Delicious Recipes?
If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner, explore more of our hassle-free and mouth-watering recipes:
- Crock Pot Turkey Breast
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- Crock Pot Mississippi Turkey Breast
- Ham Steak Sheet Pan Meal
- Kielbasa Sheet Pan Meal
- BBQ Chicken Sheet Pan Meal
- Sheet Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
- Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken For Two
- Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Meal
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Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner
An easy and flavorful dinner, all cooked on one pan, featuring tender turkey tenderloins, savory green beans, and a delightful candied sweet potato side dish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 31 minutes
Total Time: 46 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 1 pound sweet potatoes, cubed
- ¼ cup (½ stick) salted butter, melted
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar (or light brown)
- ½ Tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 2 Tablespoons chopped pecans
Green Beans:
- ½ pound green beans, ends trimmed
- ½ Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup shredded colby jack cheese (optional)
- 5 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
Turkey:
- 2 turkey tenderloins (about 1.5-2 pounds total)
- ½ Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
- ½ teaspoon minced fresh thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Gravy:
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup turkey broth (or chicken broth)
For Garnish (Optional):
- chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix the 1 pound cubed sweet potatoes, ¼ cup melted salted butter, ¼ cup dark brown sugar, ½ Tablespoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Set aside.
Sweet potato mixture ready for baking. - In another bowl, coat the ½ pound trimmed green beans with ½ Tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Set aside.
Seasoned green beans awaiting their turn. - In a small bowl, mix 1 Tablespoon poultry seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary, ½ teaspoon minced fresh thyme, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Rub all sides of the 2 turkey tenderloins with ½ Tablespoon olive oil, then season the turkey with the spice mix before placing it in the center of the sheet pan.
Turkey tenderloins generously seasoned. - Arrange the sweet potato mixture and green bean mixture around the turkey tenderloins on the sheet pan, ensuring they are spread in a single layer.
All components beautifully arranged on the sheet pan. - Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven. Top the sweet potatoes with 1 cup mini marshmallows and 2 Tablespoons chopped pecans. Sprinkle the green beans with ½ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese and 5 strips cooked and crumbled bacon. Bake again for 6 minutes, or until the cheese and marshmallows are melted and lightly golden.
- Check the temperature: Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before removing it from the oven. If it hasn’t reached the target temperature, carefully remove the green beans and sweet potatoes from the pan and continue baking the turkey until it’s done.
- Make the gravy: While the turkey and vegetables cook, heat 3 Tablespoons salted butter in a medium saucepan. Add 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. In a small bowl, mix 1 Tablespoon cornstarch and 1 cup turkey broth, then add this mixture to the pan. Whisk continuously until the gravy thickens (2-3 minutes).
The delicious homemade gravy, ready to be served. - When everything is ready, garnish the turkey with chopped parsley (optional) and serve with the warm gravy.
The vibrant and complete Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner.
Notes
- Please refer to the “Frequently Asked Questions” and detailed ingredient list above for substitution suggestions and answers to common queries.
- I sourced a two-pack of Turkey Tenderloins at Walmart for this recipe.
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 791kcal |
Carbohydrates: 59g |
Protein: 40g |
Fat: 45g |
Sodium: 3028mg |
Fiber: 6g |
Sugar: 29g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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