Throughout more than two decades of developing new recipes as “Hungry Girl,” Lisa Lillien has amassed quite the collection of appliances. Her kitchen counter is lined with an air fryer, slow cooker, Instant pot, blender, toaster and more. But if you ask Lillien, who says, “I’m not a dietitian, I’m not a nutritionist, I’m just hungry,” there’s one tool she comes back to again and again: the sheet pan. “Why sheet pans right now? I hear from my email subscribers often, and nearly everybody wants easier and faster options,” Lillien said. “Sheet pans really are an MVP of the kitchen because you can place something on the pan, pop it in the oven and you can go about your day.” Unlike some of those other tools, it won’t take up precious counter space and often is available for less than $20. “I’m not a cooking snob. I don’t think you need a certain pan, and it certainly doesn’t have to be expensive,” Lillien said, noting that the sheet pan she swears by has been in her arsenal since 1999. The ingredients you cook on it need not be exclusive, either. “We’re not promoting that you go buy every grocery from a boutique grocery store,” she noted. “Hungry Girl is more Walmart than Vanity Fair. I mean that in the best way possible; it’s just for everybody. As am I. I want to make smarter, better food choices, but I also love food.” That’s the philosophy behind her entire Hungry Girl empire, which includes free daily emails with recipes and healthy cooking tips, a magazine, a podcast (that often reviews products available at major online and in-person retailers), and 16 cookbooks. In the latest, “Hungry Girl Sheet Pan Cookbook: One-Pan Wonders Under 400 Calories,” Lillien shares under-400-calorie recipe ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, sides and desserts — all made on a sheet pan. “Sheet pans can do it all: baking, roasting, broiling and even serving,” Lillien wrote in her book. They’re “a breeze to clean. Plus, the raised edges help contain oven spills and drips.” Taking a cue from popular fast food restaurant menu items, viral food trends and beloved comfort foods, the cookbook includes one-pan tricks to make every meal easier. We asked Lillien to coach us through an entire day of sheet pan eats. What’s for breakfast? When flapjacks are doctored up with a big pat of butter and generous shower of maple syrup, “pancakes are not always the healthiest. They’re not always easy to cook evenly, either,” Lillien said. “When I make pancakes with a skillet or griddle, I often end up burning the later batches because the heat of the pan can be challenging to control.” Lillien sought a solution, which she found and integrated into her recipes for brownie, strawberry and blueberry pancake bars. A sheet pan cooks the batter evenly and allows you to make a week’s worth of pancake squares that you can enjoy now, refrigerate for tomorrow or freeze for later. To try this at home: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and spritz it with oil or nonstick cooking spray. Mix up your favorite pancake batter. (Lillien digs a whole wheat flour-based blend for a fiber boost.) Pour it into the prepared sheet pan, sprinkle on any desired toppings, like berries or chocolate chips. and bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 17 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center springs back when you touch it. It’s like In-N-Out for lunch Typically, if you attempted to recreate a fast food value meal at home, you’d need a deep fryer, grill or griddle, and perhaps a skillet to cook some of the toppings, such as onions or bacon. But Lillien’s “ultimate lunch” — In-N-Out Burger copycat Animal-Style Burger Patties — shows how to DIY on sheet pans. You could try this same concept with any burger and fries you like. For her fast food-inspired midday meal, it all starts with the sauce. In a small bowl, stir together ⅓ cup Thousand Island dressing (light, if you like), 2 tablespoons finely minced onion, ½ teaspoon sugar and ½ teaspoon white wine vinegar. If you have another favorite burger sauce, feel free to swap that in. Then prepare ¼-pound burger patties with whatever meat and seasonings you desire. (Lillien likes 95% lean ground beef jazzed up with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper — the same spice blend she uses to season the fries.) Place the burgers and 2 cups of chopped onion on one sheet pan, and fry-shaped spears of turnips or any root vegetable or sturdy squash on another. Bake at 425 F until the fries are crispy, the onions are tender and the burgers are cooked to your preferred doneness level. Top a serving of fries with a patty, a spoonful of sauce, a scoop of cooked onions and a slice of cheddar cheese. Bake until the sauce is hot and the cheese is melty. It’s time for dinner An often-overlooked benefit of sheet pan cooking, according to Lillien, is the ability to multitask. The large cooking surface makes it possible to cook multiple items on the same sheet without overcrowding. One of Lillien’s favorite recipes in the book, Honey Mustard Pretzel Salmon with Roasted Carrots, asks for just 35 minutes and six ingredients, and leaves you with a well-balanced main dish and a side. “Honey mustard is such a good flavor-booster. It’s very versatile and so low in calories,” Lillien said, and it works like the “glue” to adhere the crushed pretzels. “The richness of the salmon works so nicely with the tang and the sweetness of the honey mustard and the salty pretzels.” Honey Mustard Pretzel Salmon with Roasted Carrots Serves 2 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 35 minutes Total cooking time: 45 minutes Ingredients Instructions Recipe adapted from “Hungry Girl Sheet Pan Cookbook: One-Pan Wonders Under 400 Calories” by Lisa Lillien. Copyright © 2025 by Lisa Lillien. Published by St. Martin’s Griffin. Karla Walsh is a Des Moines, Iowa-based freelance lifestyle writer with more than 16 years of editorial experience.
Why a sheet pan is the secret to make every meal easier than ever
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Lisa Lillien Advocates for Sheet Pan Cooking in New Cookbook"
CNN
7.3
TruthLens AI Summary
Lisa Lillien, known as "Hungry Girl," has built a culinary empire over two decades, advocating for easy and accessible cooking. While her kitchen is equipped with various appliances, she emphasizes the sheet pan as her go-to tool for meal preparation. Lillien highlights that many of her followers seek quicker and simpler cooking options, making the sheet pan a versatile and essential kitchen item. It is affordable, often costing less than $20, and does not consume valuable counter space. Lillien's philosophy revolves around making healthier food choices without the need for high-end ingredients, aiming to cater to everyone. Her latest book, "Hungry Girl Sheet Pan Cookbook: One-Pan Wonders Under 400 Calories," features recipes that are not only easy to prepare but also under 400 calories, covering all meals from breakfast to dessert. She describes the sheet pan's utility for various cooking methods, including baking and roasting, and praises its easy cleanup and ability to contain spills.
In her cookbook, Lillien provides practical recipes that transform traditional meals into healthier sheet pan versions. For breakfast, she suggests baking pancake bars on a sheet pan, allowing for even cooking and easy preparation of multiple servings. For lunch, she offers a recipe for In-N-Out Burger-style patties made on a sheet pan, simplifying the process of recreating fast food at home. Dinner recipes, like Honey Mustard Pretzel Salmon with Roasted Carrots, showcase the multitasking capabilities of sheet pan cooking, as multiple items can be cooked simultaneously without overcrowding. Lillien's approach combines comfort food with healthier alternatives, encouraging home cooks to embrace the sheet pan as a solution for efficient meal preparation. Her emphasis on accessibility and creativity in cooking resonates widely, making her recipes appealing to a broad audience.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the practical advantages of using sheet pans in cooking, as emphasized by Lisa Lillien, the creator of "Hungry Girl." This piece serves to promote a simple yet effective kitchen tool while also aligning with Lillien's philosophy of making cooking accessible and enjoyable for everyone. By focusing on ease of use and affordability, the article aims to resonate with readers who seek convenience in meal preparation.
Promotion of Simplicity and Accessibility
Lillien's advocacy for sheet pans is rooted in her understanding of audience demands for quicker and simpler cooking options. By presenting the sheet pan as an essential kitchen tool that doesn’t occupy much space and is budget-friendly, the article encourages a more inclusive cooking approach. The emphasis on practicality aligns with a broader trend of simplifying cooking in modern lifestyles, particularly for busy individuals or families.
Community and Audience Perception
The article appeals to a diverse audience that values healthy eating without the need for complicated recipes or expensive gadgets. Lillien’s down-to-earth attitude, promoting cooking with accessible ingredients, fosters a sense of community among readers who may feel overwhelmed by gourmet cooking trends. This approach positions her as a relatable figure in the culinary space, drawing in followers who appreciate her straightforward philosophy.
Potential Concealment of Broader Issues
While the article focuses on the benefits of sheet pans, it may downplay the complexities of healthy eating and meal preparation. By framing cooking as simple and enjoyable, it could potentially obscure the challenges some individuals face in accessing healthy ingredients or the time constraints they encounter. This simplification could lead to unrealistic expectations about the ease of cooking for everyone.
Manipulative Aspects of the Article
The article might exhibit a degree of manipulation through its strategic framing of Lillien as an expert. While she describes herself as “not a dietitian,” the promotion of her cookbooks and brand may influence readers' perceptions of her authority on healthy cooking. The language used is inviting and encouraging, which can subtly guide readers toward a consumerist mindset of buying her products and following her recipes.
Trustworthiness of the Content
The article appears credible as it features a well-known figure in the culinary world and presents practical advice based on her extensive experience. However, the underlying goal of promoting her brand and products raises questions about its objectivity. The focus on a singular tool, while practical, may limit a more nuanced discussion about varied cooking methods or dietary needs.
Connection to Broader Trends
In comparison to other articles in the culinary space that may emphasize gourmet cooking or specialized diets, this piece stands out by advocating for simplicity and accessibility. This aligns with current societal trends towards meal prep and convenience in cooking, especially in light of busy lifestyles exacerbated by the ongoing global issues.
Impact on Society and Economy
The promotion of sheet pans and simple cooking methods can influence consumer behavior, potentially leading to increased sales for kitchenware companies. As people seek easier cooking solutions, businesses that cater to this demand may see growth. Additionally, this trend could impact food retail, as consumers might gravitate towards easier-to-prepare ingredients.
Target Audience
The article primarily targets individuals and families looking for convenient cooking solutions. It resonates with those who may feel intimidated by cooking or those who prefer budget-friendly options. By emphasizing a relatable approach, it seeks to engage a broad audience.
Market Influence
While this article may not directly impact stock markets, it could influence consumer goods related to cooking, such as kitchen appliances and grocery products. Companies producing sheet pans or meal prep ingredients could benefit from the increased interest generated by such articles.
Global Context Relevance
The article does not appear to have direct implications on global power dynamics. However, the emphasis on accessible cooking may resonate during times when economic challenges make eating at home more appealing than dining out. The simplicity of the message aligns with current trends favoring home-cooked meals.
Potential AI Involvement
It is possible that AI tools were used in crafting parts of the article, especially in organizing content and ensuring clarity. AI could assist in tailoring the article to resonate with a specific audience, especially through the relatable language and structure. However, the personal touch of Lillien's voice suggests a human element in the writing process.
In conclusion, while the article effectively promotes the use of sheet pans, it does so with a focus on simplicity that may mask deeper issues in the culinary landscape. The credibility of the content is solid, but the promotional aspects introduce a layer of complexity regarding its objectivity.