Sunday, January 11, 2026

Sheet Pan Steak, Green Beans & Golden Potatoes (Easy One-Pan Dinner for Two)


Sheet pan steak, green beans, and golden potatoes come together in this easy one-pan dinner for two. A simple, flavorful weeknight meal with minimal prep and cleanup.




Sheet Pan Steak, Green Beans & Golden Potatoes (Easy One-Pan Dinner for Two)


Sheet pan meals are one of my favorite ways to get dinner on the table, especially on busy weeknights. This sheet pan steak, green beans, and golden potatoes dinner is an easy one-pan meal for two that delivers big flavor with minimal prep and cleanup — exactly what I want at the end of a long day.

Tender sirloin steaks roast alongside creamy baby gold potatoes and crisp-tender green beans, all seasoned simply and thoughtfully. A touch of smoked paprika adds warmth to the potatoes, while a squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brightens both the steak and vegetables. It’s cozy, unfussy food that feels just special enough for a quiet date night at home.

If you love simple one-pan dinners like this, be sure to check out my other sheet pan meals, including Sheet Pan Beef Fajitas and Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites with Asparagus, which are both on regular rotation in my kitchen.

Enjoy!











Ingredients

This sheet pan dinner uses simple, familiar ingredients that come together beautifully in the oven. Exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

  • Sirloin steaks
  • Baby gold potatoes
  • Haricot verts (French green beans)
  • Olive oil
  • Montreal steak seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt & black pepper
  • Fresh lemon juice




How to Make This Dinner

This dinner comes together easily on one pan with just a bit of timing.

  • Start with the potatoes. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then roast until they’re just beginning to soften.
  • Season the steak. Rub with olive oil and Montreal steak seasoning while the potatoes roast.
  • Add the steak and green beans. Toss the green beans lightly with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then add everything to the pan.
  • Roast until done. Flip the steak once so it cooks evenly and the green beans blister slightly.
  • Finish with lemon. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens both the steak and vegetables right before serving.




Substitutions & Variations

This recipe is easy to adapt depending on what you have on hand.

  • Different steak cuts: Ribeye or strip steak both work well here.
  • Vegetable swaps: Broccoli florets or asparagus can replace the green beans.
  • Seasoning options: Swap Montreal seasoning for a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  • Add heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes on the potatoes adds subtle warmth.




Kitchen Tips & Notes

  • Roast potatoes whole only if they are very small. Larger baby potatoes should be halved.
  • Let the steak rest for a few minutes after roasting so the juices redistribute.
  • Lemon matters. Even a small squeeze adds balance and keeps the dish from feeling heavy.
  • Best pan choice: A large rimmed sheet pan gives everything room to roast instead of steam.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.



Set the Mood

Want to create a cozy atmosphere when serving this dinner for two?  Follow my tips below.





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Before You Start

A little prep goes a long way with sheet pan meals. Here are a few helpful notes to make sure everything cooks evenly and finishes at the same time.

  • Use very small baby potatoes and keep them whole. This helps them stay creamy inside without drying out.
  • Pat the steaks dry before seasoning so they roast rather than steam.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan. Everything should have a bit of space to roast properly.
  • Have your lemon ready so you can finish the dish while everything is still hot.



 

 

 




Thursday, January 8, 2026

Easy Beef Fajita Bowls (Perfect for Weeknight Dinners)

 

These easy Beef Fajita Bowls are packed with tender beef, sautéed peppers, and bold fajita flavor. A simple, customizable weeknight dinner perfect for busy nights and meal prep.




Easy Beef Fajita Bowls (Perfect for Weeknight Dinners)


When dinner needs to be bold, comforting, and still manageable on a busy weeknight, these Easy Beef Fajita Bowls are exactly what I reach for. Tender sirloin steak seared in a cast iron skillet, sweet bell peppers and onions, charred corn, and a fresh tomato salsa all come together in one satisfying bowl. It’s familiar fajita flavor, but layered and cozy in a way that feels perfect for weeknight cooking.

What makes this recipe especially doable is how each component builds on the last using the same skillet. The steak cooks quickly, the vegetables stay crisp-tender, and the corn gets just enough char to add depth without extra effort. Paired with simple cilantro lime rice, every bite is balanced, colorful, and full of Southwestern flavor.

These Beef Fajita Bowls are easy to customize, great for feeding a family, and ideal for meal prep if you like leftovers that actually reheat well. Whether you serve everything piled into a bowl or let everyone build their own, this is the kind of flexible, reliable dinner recipe you’ll want to keep in rotation.

If you love bowl-style dinners like this one, you might also enjoy my Southwest Chicken Salad Bowls or these Greek Meatball Bowls with Tzatziki & Greek Salad.

Enjoy!









Ingredients

Steak

  • 1–1½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 Tbsp Southwest Seasoning Blend (recipe below)
  • Olive oil

Bell Pepper Blend

  • 2 bell peppers (red or orange), cored and sliced
  • ½ red onion, sliced
  • 1 tsp Southwest Seasoning Blend
  • Olive oil

Corn

  • 1 package frozen roasted corn
  • 1 Tbsp Southwest Seasoning Blend
  • Olive oil

Fresh Salsa

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
  • ¼ red onion, finely diced
  • Olive oil

Cilantro Lime Rice

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

For Serving

  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Olive oil drizzle
  • Lime wedges (optional)




How to Make

These Beef Fajita Bowls come together in stages, but each step is simple and quick — perfect for a relaxed but flavorful weeknight dinner.

  • Prepare the rice: Cook basmati rice according to package directions. Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro while warmCover and keep warm while preparing the remaining components.
  • Season the steak: Toss steak cubes with Southwest Seasoning Blend until evenly coated. (Homemade version is at the end of this section)
  • Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak and cook about 2 minutes, stirring often, until browned. Remove to a plate.
  • Cook the peppers & onions: Add a little more oil to the skillet. Add sliced peppers and onions, sprinkle with Southwest Seasoning, and cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • Char the corn: Add frozen corn directly to the hot skillet. Let it char in spots before stirring. Season with Southwest Seasoning, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and remove from heat.
  • Make the salsa: Combine diced tomatoes, jalapeño, and red onion in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to combine.
  • Assemble the bowls: Layer rice, steak, peppers, corn, and fresh salsa. Finish with chopped cilantro, a drizzle of olive oil, and extra lime juice if desired.


Southwest Seasoning Blend

Makes about ¼ cup

  • 2 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 Tbsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

To make:
Add all spices to a small bowl or jar. Stir or shake until well combined. Store in an airtight container.




Substitutions & Variations

  • Seasoning Swap: Don’t have the homemade Southwest Seasoning Blend? Use your favorite store-bought Southwest or fajita seasoning. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste, as salt levels vary by brand.
  • Protein Options: Swap sirloin for chicken thighs, flank steak, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust cooking time as needed.
  • Grain Alternatives: Use brown rice, jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice in place of basmati.
  • Vegetable Add-Ins: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or poblano peppers to stretch the bowls or clean out the fridge.
  • Heat Level: Leave out the jalapeño for mild bowls, or add extra cayenne or hot sauce for more heat.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Store steak, vegetables, rice, and salsa separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before assembling.




Kitchen Tips & Notes

  • Use a hot skillet: Make sure the pan is fully heated before adding the steak. High heat gives you good browning without overcooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook steak in batches if needed. Crowding causes steaming instead of searing.
  • Let the corn char: Resist stirring right away — letting the corn sit creates those flavorful browned spots.
  • Season in layers: Seasoning the steak, vegetables, and corn separately builds deeper flavor throughout the bowl.
  • Adjust salt last: If using a store-bought seasoning blend, taste before adding extra salt since blends vary.
  • Prep ahead: Slice vegetables and mix the seasoning blend up to 2 days in advance to make dinner even faster.




Set the Mood

Follow my tips below to create the perfect setting and atmosphere to enjoy your Beef Fajita Bowls.





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Before You Start

  • Cook the rice first. It takes the longest and can stay covered and warm while you prepare the steak and vegetables.
  • Have everything prepped. Slice the peppers and onions, cube the steak, and measure the seasoning before you start cooking — this recipe moves quickly once the skillet is hot.
  • Use a hot pan. A preheated skillet is key for getting good browning on the steak and charring the corn without overcooking.
  • Season in layers. Each component is lightly seasoned on its own, which builds bold flavor throughout the bowl.
  • Plan for leftovers. These bowls store well for meal prep — keep rice, steak, vegetables, and salsa in separate containers for best texture when reheating.
  • Customize as you go. Adjust the heat level, salt, and toppings to suit your taste — these bowls are meant to be flexible.



     



Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins — Cozy Winter Breakfast in 30 Minutes


Warm, cozy Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins made with simple ingredients — perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or winter treat your whole family will love.



Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins — Cozy Winter Breakfast in 30 Minutes


I simply love apple season, and the fact some of the apples last through the winter season keeps that love alive through my cozy breakfast bakes.  If you’ve been searching for a breakfast that’s both cozy and easy, these Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins are exactly what you need. With simple ingredients and no complicated steps, you can have a batch ready in under 30 minutes, making busy mornings feel a little more special.

Soft, tender, and perfectly spiced, these muffins strike the ideal balance between wholesome and indulgent. The oats add a subtle heartiness, while the chunks of apple bring a fresh, juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the warm aroma of cinnamon. They’re just sweet enough to satisfy, without being overpowering, and they stay soft for days — making them perfect for breakfast on the go, a midday snack, or even a little cozy treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just craving a little morning comfort, this recipe is fail-proof and approachable for every home cook. Even if you’ve never baked muffins from scratch, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is — and how fast your kitchen will fill with the inviting scent of cinnamon and apples. Grab your mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and let’s whip up a batch of these Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins that your whole family will reach for again and again.

Enjoy!









Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these cozy Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins:

Muffins:

  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup + 1 Tbsp milk
  • ¼ cup canola oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup quick oats
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ cup finely diced, peeled apple (such as Honeycrisp)

Topping:

  • 2 Tbsp oats
  • 1 Tbsp packed brown sugar
  • Pinch of cinnamon
Tip: You can add a few chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch or substitute pears for apples if desired.




How to Make

These muffins come together quickly in a single bowl — perfect for a cozy winter breakfast or snack. Follow these simple steps for tender, flavorful muffins every time:

  • Start with wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, canola oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • Add dry ingredients: Stir in the flour, sugar, oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix gently until just combined — be careful not to overmix, or your muffins could turn out dense.
  • Fold in add-ins: Gently fold in the diced apples, or any optional mix-ins like raisins, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries.
  • Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the muffins before baking.
  • Bake and enjoy: Scoop the batter into a prepared muffin tin, top with the oat mixture, and bake until golden brown. Let cool slightly and serve warm.

 



Substitutions & Variations

  • Milk: Swap for any plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy) or dairy milk — results stay tender and moist.
  • Oil: Replace canola oil with melted butter or coconut oil for richer flavor.
  • Sweetener: Use coconut sugar, maple sugar, or a touch of honey (reduce other liquids slightly) if desired.
  • Flour: Try whole wheat pastry flour or a 50/50 blend for slightly heartier muffins.
  • Spices: Add more cinnamon or nutmeg to taste, or experiment with allspice or cardamom for a unique twist.
  • Add-ins: Raisins, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or even a handful of chocolate chips can be folded in with the apples for variation.
  • Fruit: Swap apples for pears or grated zucchini for a subtle veggie boost.

Tip: Keep the total wet-to-dry ratio similar to maintain muffin texture; too many add-ins can make muffins dense.





Kitchen Tips & Notes

  • Do not overmix: Mix dry and wet ingredients until just combined — overmixing develops gluten and creates dense muffins.
  • Prep apples carefully: Finely dice and peel apples for even distribution; larger chunks may sink or bake unevenly.
  • Topping tip: Press oat and brown sugar topping lightly onto batter — this helps it stay in place and create a lightly crunchy top.
  • Portioning: Use an ice cream scoop for uniform muffins that bake evenly.
  • Storage: Muffins keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
  • Serving suggestion: Enjoy warm with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey for a cozy breakfast treat.






Cozy, tender, and perfectly spiced, these Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins are the ultimate winter breakfast or afternoon snack. They’re quick to whip up, full of wholesome flavor, and a treat the whole family will reach for again and again.

If you loved these muffins, you’ll also enjoy my Banana Oat Muffins with Cranberries & Walnuts — another soft, flavorful breakfast favorite that’s just as easy to make and perfect for starting the day on a sweet note.





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Before You Start

These muffins come together quickly in a single bowl — here’s everything you need to know before you bake:


Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! Mix dry and wet ingredients separately and combine just before baking. Muffins keep 2–3 days in an airtight container or can be frozen.

Can I substitute the milk or oil?
Absolutely — any dairy or plant-based milk works. Canola oil can be swapped for melted butter or coconut oil for richer flavor.

Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes — raisins, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or even a handful of chocolate chips pair beautifully with the apples.

Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?
Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make muffins dense instead of tender and fluffy.
























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