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

If you’re looking for a simple, wholesome, flavorful dish that comes together with minimal effort, this Sweet Potato & Green Bean Tray Bake is about to become your new favorite recipe. It’s the perfect combination of roasted sweetness, savory seasonings, and fresh citrus brightness, all topped with a light sprinkle of parmesan for irresistible flavor. This recipe celebrates everything we love about sheet-pan meals: easy prep, easy cleanup, healthy ingredients, and delicious roasted textures. The sweet potatoes become caramelized and tender, while the green beans stay crisp-tender with just the right amount of bite. Smoked paprika adds warmth and depth, garlic and onion powder boost the flavor, and a finishing squeeze of lemon brings the entire tray to life. Whether you're making a healthy side dish, a plant-based lunch, or a colorful recipe for Pinterest or Instagram, this tray bake is quick, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying. It works as a standalone meal, a side to chicken or salmon, or as part of meal prep. Let’s make a super easy, flavorful, and colorful tray bake that fits every occasion — fresh, roasted, vibrant, and absolutely delicious.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Your exact ingredients organized clearly.
Vegetables
  • 3 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1 lb green beans trimmed
Spices & Seasonings
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Oil
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Condiments
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Dairy
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • large sheet pan or baking tray
  • Parchment paper (optional but helpful)
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Oven

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
  1. Peel the sweet potatoes (optional) and cut them into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Place cubes into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the Green Beans
  1. Trim ends of green beans.
  2. Add them to the same bowl or keep separate if you want slightly firmer beans.
Step 3: Season Everything
  1. Add to the bowl:
  2. Olive oil
  3. Garlic powder
  4. Onion powder
  5. Smoked paprika
  6. Salt
  7. Pepper
  8. Toss until vegetables are fully coated.
Step 4: Arrange on a Sheet Pan
  1. Line a baking tray with parchment.
  2. Spread sweet potatoes and green beans into a single layer.
  3. Tip: Keep vegetables spaced apart for maximum crispiness.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes.
  2. Flip or toss halfway.
  3. Sweet potatoes should be caramelized on edges and fork-tender.
  4. Green beans should be crisp-tender with roasted spots.
Step 6: Add the Parmesan & Lemon
  1. Remove tray from oven.
  2. Sprinkle:
  3. Parmesan cheese
  4. Drizzle:
  5. Fresh lemon juice
  6. Return to oven 2–3 minutes to melt parmesan lightly.
Step 7: Serve
  1. Serve warm as:
  2. A healthy main dish
  3. A nutritious side
  4. A meal prep bowl component
  5. Pairs beautifully with:
  6. Baked chicken
  7. Salmon
  8. Steak
  9. Rice or quinoa

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Lasts 3–4 days in airtight container.
Reheating
Air fryer: 4 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
Oven: 8–10 minutes at 350°F (175°C)
Microwave: 60–90 seconds (softer texture)
Freezer
Not recommended — green beans soften too much.
🥄 Variations
1. Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
2. Herb Lovers’ Tray Bake
Add rosemary, thyme, or oregano before roasting.
3. Garlic Parmesan Upgrade
Add extra parmesan + 1 minced fresh garlic clove.
4. Maple Sweet Potato Tray Bake
Add 1 tbsp pure maple syrup to the sweet potatoes.
5. Lemon Pepper Version
Add extra lemon zest + extra black pepper.
6. Loaded Tray Bake
Add red onion wedges or bell peppers.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
No — peeling is optional.
2. Why are my sweet potatoes not crispy?
Overcrowding — spread them apart.
3. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes — thaw first and dry well.
4. Can I add protein to this tray bake?
Yes — add chicken tenders or sausage slices.
5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Skip the parmesan — everything else is vegan.
6. Can I make this ahead?
Yes — roast and store for meal prep.
7. Can I use other vegetables?
Yes — zucchini, carrots, broccoli, or brussels sprouts.
8. Why did my parmesan not melt?
Your oven cooled — reheat 2 minutes.
9. What’s the best oil?
Extra virgin olive oil for flavor.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use two trays for best browning.
🏁 Conclusion
This Sweet Potato & Green Bean Tray Bake is a delicious celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients and bold, vibrant flavors. Roasted sweet potatoes become sweet, caramelized, and tender, while the green beans stay crisp and lightly charred. The warm spices, smoky paprika, garlic and onion powder, fresh lemon juice, and parmesan cheese create a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, smoky, and bright flavors.
It’s effortless, colorful, healthy, and incredibly satisfying — the kind of recipe you can make on busy nights, meal-prep Sundays, or whenever you want a comforting veggie dish that tastes amazing. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with a protein, it’s always a winner.
Wholesome, vibrant, roasted, crisp, cheesy, and full of flavor — the perfect tray bake.