Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, and Spiralized Sweet Potato Bake

A Busy Mom's Deliciously Easy Weeknight Dinner

Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and extracurricular activities, finding time for anything beyond survival feels like a luxury. But let's be honest, we all deserve a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, and Spiralized Sweet Potato Bake is my go-to recipe for those busy weeknights. It's surprisingly easy, unbelievably flavorful, and the cleanup is minimal – a trifecta for any time-strapped parent!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a one-pan wonder, meaning less mess and less stress. I often prep the ingredients the night before, making it a truly five-minute assembly in the morning. The spiralized sweet potato adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful vibrant color that always makes the dish look more elegant than it actually is to make. This recipe is a perfect example of how healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. The Brussels sprouts provide a hearty dose of nutrients, while the bacon adds a satisfying smoky flavor that my kids adore (and honestly, so do I!). The eggs nestled in the bake add a lovely richness and extra protein, ensuring everyone feels full and energized.

Why this recipe works for busy weeknights:

• Minimal prep time: The ingredients are simple and require minimal chopping.
• One-pan cooking: Less mess and quicker cleanup.
• Versatile ingredients: Easily customizable to your preferences and dietary needs. You can swap the bacon for pancetta or even leave it out entirely for a vegetarian option.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep the ingredients in advance for an even faster weeknight meal.
• Healthy and satisfying: Packed with nutrients and provides a good source of protein and fiber.

I often serve this bake with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. It's a complete meal in itself, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It's also surprisingly kid-friendly, which is a big win in our house. The sweet potato and bacon often distract from the Brussels sprouts, making it a sneaky way to get my kids to eat their greens.

Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe offers a moment of peace amidst the chaos. The simple act of assembling the ingredients, the aroma filling the kitchen as it bakes, and the satisfaction of creating a healthy and delicious meal for my family are small but significant moments of joy in my busy life. It's a reminder that even amidst the whirlwind, there's time for nourishing meals and family connections, and it's worth making time for.

So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by your busy schedule, give this recipe a try. You might be surprised at how simple and satisfying a healthy weeknight dinner can be. Trust me, you and your family will thank you for it.

Step-by-step

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Grab a 9 x 13 baking dish.
• Lay out the brussels sprouts and butternut squash noodles in a layer in the baking dish.
• Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Sprinkle over with the bacon.
• Place the baking dish into the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes or until brussels sprouts are mostly tender and bacon is mostly cooked through.
• Create four to five cavities in the mixture and crack in the eggs.
• Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper.
• Place the baking dish back into the oven and cook for another 7-8 minutes or until egg whites are set.
• To serve, scoop out four portions of the bake, careful not to crack the eggs.