
How to use your roasting tin for easy one-dish dinners
When you’re too busy to cook, it’s time to forget about fussy lasagne and reach for the roasting tin. Simply add chopped veg, your favourite meat or fish and seasoning, then pop it in the oven and put your feet up.
Here are some tips to help you prepare the perfect tray bake.
Use the right pan
Choose the biggest one you’ve got. You need to be able to spread the ingredients out, otherwise they’ll steam instead of roast. Higher quality roasting pans distribute the heat more evenly.
Preheat your pan
A hot pan will give cooking a kick-start and encourage nice crispy edges.
Aim to include…
Protein, vegetables and starch. This will make a well-balanced meal. If you’re missing one, why not serve with crusty bread, toss in some chickpeas, or add a handful of salad leaves?
Choose the right protein
If you’re using meat or poultry, opt for smaller cuts like boneless chicken thighs, pork chops, sausages, koftas or meatballs. For fish, go for firm fillets such as salmon and tuna. Veggie options include tofu, pulses, eggs and cheese.
Chop veg the same size
This will make sure they cook as evenly as possible.
Timing is key
Firm vegetables such as onions, fennel, carrots and sweet potatoes will take longer to cook, so add them first. Some meats, such as chicken, may need a head start too.
Season it
Whatever you roast, sea salt, pepper and rapeseed or olive oil should always feature.
Put our top tips to the test with these tasty recipes.

Indian-Spiced Chickpeas with Marinated Lamb
Lamb loves spicy and herby flavours, and this dish brings them all together in an easy bake.
Get the recipe >

Roasted Vegetables with Feta, Hazelnuts and Sumac
The perfect vegetarian sharing dinner – swap the veg for whatever you fancy.
Get the recipe >