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Sheet Pan Dinner, Maximum Flavor, Minimum Fuss
Fajita night is officially back on the menu — and it’s better than ever. These Easy Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas are bold, smoky, colorful, and loaded with flavor. They’re also one of the most naturally diabetes-friendly dinner recipes we’ve ever shared, clocking in at just 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving with 17 grams of protein.
Everything — the flank steak, the peppers, the onions — roasts on one sheet pan at 425°F for about 20 minutes. That means less cleanup, less stress, and more time at the dinner table with the people you love.
This is Week 3 of our Diabetes Team Takeover series for National Nutrition Month at Health Care Partners of South Carolina. Every Thursday in March our team shares a recipe designed to make blood sugar management feel delicious. And this one? This one might be the most crowd-pleasing yet.
Why Sheet Pan Fajitas Are Great for Blood Sugar Management
Fajitas are one of those meals that are naturally well-suited to a diabetes-friendly lifestyle — when you make them right. Here’s the nutritional breakdown your Diabetes Team wants you to know:
🩺 Diabetes Team Ingredient Breakdown
- Flank Steak: A lean cut of beef that provides 17g of protein per serving. Protein helps slow carbohydrate absorption and keeps blood sugar levels more stable after meals.
- Bell Peppers (4 colors!): Non-starchy vegetables that are low in carbs and high in vitamin C — in fact, one bell pepper contains more vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin C supports immune function and may help reduce oxidative stress linked to diabetes complications.
- Avocado Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart health — especially important since cardiovascular disease risk is higher in people with diabetes.
- Spice Blend (cumin, paprika, chili powder): Beyond flavor, these spices carry real nutritional benefits. Cumin has been studied for its potential to improve insulin sensitivity. Paprika is rich in antioxidants. Chili powder contains capsaicin, which may help reduce inflammation.
- Lime Juice: Adds brightness and a pop of vitamin C without any added sugar. The acidity also helps tenderize the steak naturally.
Easy Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas Recipe
| Prep | Cook | Total | Servings | Diet | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 20 min | 35 min | 6 servings | Diabetic, GF | 11g |
Ingredients
For the Fajitas:
- 1 lb flank steak
- 4 bell peppers, sliced into strips (orange and red recommended)
- 1 sweet yellow onion, sliced into rings
- 1/4 cup oil of choice (avocado oil preferred)
- 1 lime, juiced
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Seasoning Blend:
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 Tbsp paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Optional Toppings (Choose Your Own Adventure!):
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Plain Greek yogurt (great swap for sour cream!)
- Shredded cheese (in moderation)
- Corn or flour tortillas, lettuce wraps, or cauliflower rice for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup.
- Lay your flank steak flat on the sheet pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together your oil and all seasoning spices until combined into a smooth paste.
- Add sliced peppers and onions to a bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of the spice/oil mixture until fully coated.
- Drizzle half the remaining oil/spice mixture over the flank steak, then squeeze half the lime juice over it. Rub everything into the meat.
- Flip the steak and repeat with the remaining spice mixture and lime juice, rubbing it in until the steak is fully coated.
- Arrange the seasoned peppers and onions around the steak on the sheet pan in an even layer.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the steak reaches 145°F for medium rare (use a meat thermometer for accuracy).
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the steak rest for 15 minutes — this is important! Resting allows the juices to redistribute.
- After resting, transfer the steak to a cutting board and slice against the grain into strips. Serve with peppers, onions, and your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving — Steak & Vegetables Only)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 236 kcal | 11g | 17g | 15g | 3g |
Also contains: Saturated Fat 3g • Sodium 250mg • Sugar 6g
Note: Nutrition is calculated for the steak and vegetables only. Carb count will vary based on tortilla choice. Use lettuce wraps or cauliflower rice for the lowest carb option.
🏆 Love These Recipes? Take the Next Step.
Healthy eating is one of the most powerful tools for preventing type 2 diabetes. Our award-winning National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) combines personalized nutrition coaching, lifestyle education, and ongoing community support to help South Carolinians prevent or delay type 2 diabetes — at no cost to qualifying participants.
📞 Classes Are Free — Call to Enroll Today!
843-248-4700 ext. 5396
hcpsc.org • Health with Heart 💙
