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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    17 Life-Changing Dump-And-Bake Dishes for Busy Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on November 7, 2024, updated November 5, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Busy weeknights can make cooking feel like a chore, but dump-and-bake dishes are here to save the day. These simple recipes allow you to toss everything into a baking dish and let the oven do the work, making dinner a breeze. With minimal prep and cleanup, you can enjoy hearty meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With just four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

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    Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes

    Oven Baked One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This dish makes for a super simple dinner on hectic weeknights. With zesty chicken and nicely roasted potatoes, you can whip up a healthy meal in no time, leaving you free to toss together a quick salad.

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    Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake

    Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Rich and Delish.

    This tuna pasta bake is simple to make and packed with flavor, featuring canned tuna and mozzarella cheese along with a few everyday ingredients. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying meal during busy weeknights.

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    Baked Tilapia

    Baked tilapia.
    Photo credit: Organically Addison.

    This tilapia dish is quick and easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight. In just 15 minutes, you can have a tasty meal on the table.

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    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This mac and cheese is incredibly easy to make, as everything goes into one dish without any pre-cooking. Loaded with mozzarella and gorgonzola, it’s a cheesy and comforting meal that you can enjoy with minimal effort.

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    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

    Baked lamb chops with veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baking lamb chops with veggies on a sheet pan makes it easy to enjoy a tasty meal without worrying about overcooking. This method results in tender lamb that takes on the delicious flavors of the vegetables.

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    Chicken Stuffing Casserole

    Chicken Stuffing Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This chicken stuffing casserole is an easy dinner option for busy weeknights. It features a tasty mix of stove-top stuffing, shredded chicken, and a creamy mushroom sauce that everyone will love.

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    Crispy Furikake Salmon

    Fruikake salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is full of flavor and is super easy to make with just a few ingredients. All you need is salmon, soy sauce, and furikake seasoning to create a delicious meal.

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    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Air Fryer Roast Beef is a quick and simple option for a family dinner that can be ready in less than an hour. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a deliciously crusted and tender roast that everyone will love.

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    King Ranch Chicken Casserole

    King ranch chicken casserole.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    This classic Southern casserole is all about comfort and ease. With gooey cheese, chicken, and a kick of southwestern flavor, it makes for a satisfying meal without much hassle.

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    Green Pesto Salmon

    Green Pesto Salmon.
    Photo credit: Cooking with Mama C.

    Baked Pesto Salmon is a simple yet impressive dish that works well for both gatherings and quiet evenings at home. In just 25 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.

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    Vegetarian Ravioli Bake

    Ravioli bake.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This dish is loaded with cheese and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. It's an easy option for busy weeknights that everyone will enjoy.

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    Ranch Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies

    Sheet pan with chicken and veggies.
    Photo credit: Budget Delicious.

    This easy sheet pan chicken dinner with veggies is perfect for families who need a quick and healthy meal. Just toss everything together, pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a tasty dinner ready in no time.

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    Chicken Fajita Casserole

    A chicken fajita casserole.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This chicken fajita casserole is a simple and delicious one-pan meal that's perfect for busy nights. It's great for leftovers too, so you can enjoy it again the next day!

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    Chicken & Veggie Traybake

    Chicken & Veggie Traybake.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    This chicken traybake features tender chicken thighs and vibrant vegetables tossed in a flavorful Mediterranean dressing, all baked together in one pan. It's a flexible dish that you can adjust to fit your tastes.

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    Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Chicken And Rice Casserole.
    Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This chicken and rice casserole is a cozy meal that's easy to make and full of flavor. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.

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    Chicken Thigh Tray Bake

    Chicken thigh tray bake.
    Photo credit: Living Lou.

    This chicken thigh tray bake is easy to make and great for a quick family dinner, taking less than 45 minutes from start to finish. Just toss chicken thighs, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and carrots together with a tasty marinade and roast them.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • 19 Family Friendly Dinners That Are Perfect for Weeknights
    • Chicken and rice casserole.
      18 Best Dump-and-Bake Dinners for Busy People
    • Meatball casserole.
      22 Dump-And-Go Pasta Dinners So Easy Anyone Can Make Them
    • Nacho soup.
      21 Crockpot Ground Beef Dinners You Can Just Dump and Forget

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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