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    Home » Quick & Easy Meals » Dump and Bake Recipes

    No-Fuss Dinners: 60+ Dump-and-Bake Recipes to Try!

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on November 26, 2023, updated March 9, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Hungry for a flavor packed dinner, but don't have the energy? These dump-and-bake recipes make for the perfect dinner if you don't want to stress about cooking. They are all of the dump-and-bake or dump-and-cook variety, and you'll want to save this list for any time you need a lot of flavor without the hard work.

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Save time in the kitchen with this Instant Pot bolognese! A rich and hearty pasta sauce, this instant pot recipe brings all the flavors of the classic dish simmered for hours into a quick meal with basic pantry ingredients.

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    Get the recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese

    Chicken & Shrimp Fajitas

    Sheet pan fajitas.
    Photo credit: Love from the Table.

    This sheet pan chicken and shrimp fajitas recipe is the easiest, most delicious one pan dinner around. With tender chicken and juicy shrimp in a delicious homemade fajita seasoning, this easy dinner will have a permanent place on your meal plan. It is definitely one of our favorite family meals for the busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe.

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    A spoonful of cheesy tortellini casserole.

    Easy, cheesy and totally delicious - this is comfort food at its best! Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Instant Pot Chicken Stew

    Chicken stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is the easiest chicken stew you will ever make. Prep it for 10 minutes, then set it and forget it - and enjoy a flavor-packed veggie-loaded meal in under 45 minutes.

    Get the recipe from always use butter: Instant Pot Chicken Stew

    Pesto Salmon

    Pesto salmon on a serving platter.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This delicious Pesto Salmon is on your table in just 15 minutes. Smothered in a Greek yogurt and pesto blend, this baked salmon is perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal ingredients but tons of flavor, the final result is salmon filets you can't resist.

    Get the recipe: Pesto Salmon

    Broccoli Casserole

    Broccoli casserole.
    Photo credit: Masala Herb.

    You are going to love this broccoli casserole if you are looking for a healthier, quick, and easy recipe!

    Get the recipe.

    Firecracker Salmon

    Firecracker salmon on a teal plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cook this quick Firecracker Salmon in just 15 minutes for a delicious dinner with spicy, tangy sauce and perfectly cooked salmon. This deliciously spicy salmon recipe makes for a quick and easy dinner that will be the star of your table.

    Get the recipe: Firecracker Salmon

    Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

    Mongolian beef.
    Photo credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

    This slow cooker Mongolian beef is flank steak cooked with garlic, ginger, brown sugar and soy sauce. This crock pot recipe tastes just like a meal you would get at a Chinese restaurant.

    Get the recipe.

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Cabbage & Brussels Sprouts

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Cabbage & Brussels Sprouts.
    Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs are bursting with flavor and loaded with veggies for a flavorful, low-carb dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe.

    Ranch Chicken & Potato Casserole

    Ranch potato bake.
    Photo credit: The Food Blog.

    This Ranch Chicken and Potato Casserole with broccoli, bacon, and cheese is comfort food at it's finest. Super simple and made in just one pan, this delicious, easy dinner recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

    Get the recipe.

    Seafood Pasta Bake

    Baked seafood pasta.

    Creamy, cheesy, seafood pasta all in a simple dump-and-bake package.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Easy Wonton Soup

    Wonton soup.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    With frozen wontons and mostly pre-chopped vegetables, this easy Wonton Soup comes together fast. (Like, done in under 30 minutes fast.)

    Get the recipe: Easy Wonton Soup.

    Mac & Cheese

    A spoonful of cheesy Mac and Cheese.

    Making Mac and Cheese has never been this easy! With just 10 minutes of prep and 45 minutes in the oven you can make the best baked Mac and Cheese - in one pan, without boiling, no flour and no roux. With both Cheddar and Gruyere this is as cheesy & flavor packed as it gets!

    Get the recipe from always use butter: Simple Mac and Cheese without Flour (Dump and Bake!)

    French Fry Casserole

    Leftover french fries casserole topped with sour cream.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Don't throw away those leftover french fries - make this leftover french fries casserole instead! Cheesy, spicy, and so delicious it's quick and easy to make, and a perfect side for chicken, beef, or another protein.

    Get the recipe: Leftover French Fries Casserole

    Baked Cod in Foil with Potatoes & Tomatoes

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A classic barbecue or oven recipe, here the fish is cooked with everything you need for a complete meal: potatoes, tomatoes, lemon and seasonings. A complete meal in a ready-to-serve package!

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry.
    Photo credit: A Cedar Spoon.

    Put this recipe in the slow cooker at the start of your day and come home to the warm rich flavors of curry, coconut and cumin in this Slow Cooker Chicken Curry. This is a meal your family will love served alongside rice and warm naan.

    Get the recipe.

    Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake

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

    This tuna pasta bake is creamy, flavorful, and delicious. It is made with canned tuna, mozzarella cheese, and other simple ingredients for the perfect weeknight meal.

    Get the recipe.

    Sheet Pan Sausages & Veggies

    Sheet pan sausage and veggies.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This sheet-pan dinner is about as simple and delicious as it gets! Seasoned with garlic and herbs, it gets tender and caramelized in the oven and is done in less than 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe from Inquiring Chef: Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables

    Leftover Boiled Potato Casserole

    Leftover boiled potato casserole.

    Next time you have leftover boiled potatoes, you must try this leftover boiled potato casserole! With all the classic flavors of baked potatoes, this dish is creamy, cheesy and so quick and easy to make.

    Get the recipe: Leftover Boiled Potato Casserole

    Sheet Pan Salmon Oreganata

    Baked salmon with crispy topping.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    A quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner all made on a sheet pan. Everyone will love the flaky, crispy coating and zesty flavors; this is bound to become a new family favorite.

    Get the recipe from Lavender & Macarons: Sheet Pan Salmon Oreganata

    Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake

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

    This creamy pesto pasta bake is extra creamy and cheesy, made in one baking pan, and doesn't require kitchen skills! It's a super delicious pasta dish that is made in under an hour and tastes like restaurant pasta.

    Get the recipe.

    Instant Pot Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes is a complete flavor packed meal all done in the instant pot in under 45 minutes. With a delicious tomato sauce made from fresh tomatoes, tomato paste and oregano, this is an easy dinner perfect for busy nights!

    Get the recipe from always use butter: Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes in Tomato Sauce

    Rigatoni al Forno

    Rigatoni al Forno.
    Photo credit: Food and Mood Dietitian.

    Are you looking for an easydelicious pasta dish to serve up for dinner? This flavorful rigatoni al forno with veggies will do the trick. This classic Italian-inspired bake is a simple but satisfying meal. It’s a comforting mixture of textures and flavors that everyone will love. Best of all, it takes very little time to prepare!

    Get the recipe.

    Vegetarian Burrito Bowls

    Burrito bowl.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    Healthy, delicious burrito bowls are so easy to make with this dump-and-bake recipe.

    Get the recipe from Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

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

    This sheet pan meal is an easy way to enjoy lamb - without worrying about it covercooking! These lamb chops bake in the juices from the veggies for super tender lamb that tastes amazing.

    Get the recipe from always use butter: Baked Lamb Chops with Vegetables

    Mediterranean Veggie Casserole

    A veggie and tomato casserole.
    Photo credit: The Fiery Vegetarian.

    This casserole takes just minutes to put together, and then you just pop it in the oven. The end result? Tender vegetables in a hearty garlicky rich sauce!

    Get the recipe from The Fiery Vegetarian: Mediterranean Vegetable Casserole

    Instant Pot Carrot Ginger Soup

    A bowl of carrot soup.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    Dump, cook, and blend - and have this flavor packed soup all ready in time for dinner! A 30 minute dish that's going to save your weeknights.

    Get the recipe from Piping Pot Curry: Instant Pot Carrot Ginger Soup

    Roasted Gnocchi with Veggies

    Roasted gnocchi with veggies.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    If you're a a gnocchi fan, you have to try this recipe! For this recipe, gnocchi is roasted in the oven after a good toss in olive oil. It gets a bit of a nice crust, but remains tender in the middle.

    Get the recipe from FODMAP Everyday: Roasted Gnocchi

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Get all your favorite buffalo flavors in a simple dump-and-bake pasta package.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Sheet Pan Kielbasa & Veggies

    Sausage and veggies on a sheet pan.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    A quick and fuss-free dinner all made on a sheet pan. You can use any kinds of sausage and veggies you want!

    Get the recipe from Lavender and Macarons: Kielbasa And Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Maybe the best salmon recipe ever? All the lemony flavors make this the ultimate weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Vegetarian Gnocchi Bake

    Baked gnocchi.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    Comfort food at its best - and easiest!

    Get the recipe from Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Lots of chicken and broccoli for a super filling dinner that will be sure to leave you leftovers.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Sheet Pan Halloumi Tacos

    Halloumi tacos.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Craving tacos, but don't have the time? Yes you do! Making these delicious halloumi tacos is a breeze.

    Get the recipe from Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Instant Pot Fettucine Alfredo

    A bowl of fettuccini alfredo.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    Creamy, rich, and so delicious! This pasta is an easy one-pot dinner that basically cooks itself.

    Get the recipe from Piping Pot Curry: Instant Pot Fettucine Alfredo

    Teriyaki Salmon

    Teriyaki salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Use store bought teriyaki sauce or make it yourself - either way, you'll love this easy salmon recipe.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Vegetarian Ravioli Bake

    Ravioli bake.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Another comfort food favorite the whole family will love. Cheesy and delicious!

    Get the recipe from Sustainable Cooks.

    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet pan dinner is great for quick and easy weeknight meals! Hands-off with just a bit of chopping to start, and comes out tasting amazing with chicken, veggies and lots of sauce all in one pan.

    Get the recipe from always use butter: Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Veggies

    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

    sun-dried tomato pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cheesy chicken and pasta loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a filling comfort food meal that's super easy to make.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Furikake Salmon

    Fruikake salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Lots of fish flavor in this crispy salmon recipe with just salmon, soy sauce and furikake seasoning.

    Get the recipe from always use butter.

    Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

    Chicken cacciatore with pasta.
    Photo credit: Saporito Kitchen.

    A  simple yet flavor packed dinner that makes an easy weeknight meal or Sunday dinner. This classic Italian dish is cooked low and slow and can be served over pasta, polenta or mashed potatoes.

    Get the recipef rom Saporito Kitchen: Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

    Sheet Pan Fajita Bowls

    A fajita bowl.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    These easy Vegan Sheet-pan Fajita Bowls are sure to be a crowd pleaser! With zucchini, peppers, cauliflower, spicy chickpeas roasted on a sheet pan, and served with a zippy chipotle-lime cashew cream and quick fajita rice, these vegan fajita bowls are a healthy, satisfying, and delicious meal.

    Get the recipe.

    Vegan Sheet Pan Gnocchi & Veggies

    A plate with gnocchi and veggies.
    Photo credit: Profusion Curry.

    This quick 30-minute dinner is exactly what you need to get an easy weeknight meal on the table fast.

    Get the recipe.

    Baked Tilapia

    Baked tilapia.
    Photo credit: Organically Addison.

    This baked tilapia recipe is quick, easy, juicy and flavorful! It takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, and the fish comes out flaky and delicious. Great for family dinners, summer cookouts, meal prep and holidays.

    Get the recipe.

    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

    Chicken thighs and pineapple sauce in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    This Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken dish is both sweet and spicy, and so simple to make. This cheap chicken recipe is a weeknight dinner superstar. With only 4 ingredients, this tasty and super quick dinner couldn't be any easier!

    Get the recipe.

    Enchilada Bake

    Enchilada bake.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    Enchilada Bake is super-easy to prepare using pantry and freezer staples, and so tasty it's sure to become a long-time family favorite! No need to turn on your oven, this recipe uses the magic of your slow cooker.

    Get the recipe.

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs & Sweet Potatoes

    Sheet pan with chicken and sweet potatoes.
    Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    You will love this comforting, easy, filling and over the top delicious Sheet Pan Baked Chicken Thighs and Sweet Potato recipe. It is extremely easy to make with pantry staples and cooks in just 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe.

    Sheet Pan Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken

    Baked prosciutto wrapped chicken.
    Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    This Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken is an easy sheet pan chicken dinner that comes together in minimal time with minimal effort.

    Get the recipe.

    Baked Vegan Pasta

    Vegan pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Plant Based Folk.

    A wonderfully creamy no boil baked vegan pasta bake that is easy, gluten free and packed with vegetables. Can be enjoyed both warm or cold.

    Get the recipe.

    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki

    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki.
    Photo credit: Frugal Family Times.

    What’s particularly wonderful about this Honey Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is that you cook the chicken breasts from FROZEN! What a time saver! That means – you don’t need to plan ahead – just pull those frozen breasts right from the freezer, dump in the simple ingredients and 30 minutes later you’ve got a fabulous meal. YES!

    Get the recipe.

    Sausage Tray Bake

    Sausage tray bake.
    Photo credit: Gluten Free Tranquility.

    This easy sausage tray bake recipe is full of flavor and as it is a one tray sausage bake and cooked in the oven it requires very little hands on time. That makes this perfect for an easy but tasty family weeknight dinner!

    Get the recipe.

    Crock Pot Green Chile Chicken

    Crock Pot Green Chile Chicken.
    Photo credit: Love from the Table.

    This deliciously creamy Crock Pot Green Chile Chicken is a simple recipe your whole family will love. This effortless and tasty slow cooker meal is perfect for super busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe.

    Slow Cooker Carne Asada

    Carne asada on lettuce.
    Photo credit: Inspired Fresh Life.

    Slow Cooker Carne Asada is everything you love about flavorful tacos with a mostly hands off approach. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, but also perfect for easy entertaining. Who doesn’t love tacos?

    Get the recipe.

    Chicken Thigh Tray Bake

    Chicken thighs and vegetables.
    Photo credit: Living Lou.

    This chicken thigh tray bake recipe is fuss-free and perfect for a speedy weeknight family dinner and ready in under 45 minutes. Simply roast chicken thighs, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and carrots in a flavorful marinade.

    Get the recipe.

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage & Veggies

    A sheet pan with gnocchi and sausage.
    Photo credit: Living Lou.

    A quick dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes, and is all made in one pan.

    Get the recipe.

    Baked Chicken & Potatoes

    Baked chicken and potatoes.
    Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    This simple chicken and potatoes one-pan meal results in tender juicy chicken coated in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, crispy golden potatoes, and delicious, slightly charred, broccoli. It’s a simple, wholesome, weeknight dinner that takes minimal effort and creates very little mess. But really, it just tastes amazing!

    Get the recipe.

    Ranch Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies

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

    This fuss-free sheet pan chicken dinner with veggies is perfect for busy families who still want to eat a healthy, hot meal for dinner. Toss, bake and serve. It really is that easy!

    Get the recipe.

    Pizza Baked Butter Beans

    Baked butter beans in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Life as a Strawberry.

    These easy pizza baked beans are perfect for busy weeknights! Mix some canned, drained beans with a bit of pizza sauce, add your favorite toppings, and bake for a quick, cozy dinner that's perfect with a loaf of crusty bread. Ready in 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

    tikka masala in a bowl with rice.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    A classic British takeaway dish, all done in the slow cooker. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is as simple as dumping all the ingredients in the slow cooker and letting it cook. Homemade curry night just got easier!

    Get the recipe.

    Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

    Pizza pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    This incredibly quick and easy pizza pasta bake is an absolute lifesaver on busy nights! It’ll be in the oven in no time flat – you can even mix it all up right in the pan (and you don’t even have to precook the pasta). So cheesy and full of great pizza flavors -  your whole family will love it!

    Get the recipe.

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies.
    Photo credit: This DIY Life.

    This slow cooker honey garlic chicken and veggies recipe is the ultimate easy, one-pot crockpot meal! Seriously – get this recipe on your meal plan rotation pronto.

    Get the recipe.

    Zucchini Casserole

    Zucchini bake.
    Photo credit: Masala Herb.

    An easy way to eat more veggies, and easy enough to make as a side on busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe.

    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken.
    Photo credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

    Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is chicken breasts cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce and honey, then shredded and drizzled with sauce. Serve over rice for an easy yet satisfying crock pot dinner!

    Get the recipe.

    Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

    Spinach chicken artichoke casserole.

    This creamy spinach artichoke chicken casserole is made with rotisserie chicken and frozen veggies, making prep a breeze! You can make this entire chicken casserole in under 1 hour.

    Get the recipe.

    More Dump and Bake Recipes

    • Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
      Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts
    • Buffalo mac and cheese.
      Buffalo Mac and Cheese
    • Air fryer nachos.
      Air Fryer Nachos With Tajin
    • Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
      Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of 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, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, 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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