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    Home » Quick & Easy Meals » Dump and Bake Recipes

    16 Simple Dump-and-Go Meals for Zero-Stress Dinners

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 11, 2025 · Published January 13, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Cooking can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially on busy days. These easy dump-and-go recipes take the stress out of meal prep by allowing you to simply combine ingredients and let the oven do the work. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a homemade meal without the fuss, these dishes are both simple and satisfying.

    Sweet & Spicy Glazed Salmon

    Sweet & Spicy Glazed Salmon.
    Photo credit: Cassidy's Craveable Creations.

    This keto salmon dish is quick and simple, ready in just 20 minutes with only one pan needed. It has a nice sweet and spicy glaze that adds great flavor without any flipping.

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    Broccoli Casserole

    Broccli casserole.
    Photo credit: Masala Herb.

    This broccoli casserole is a great choice for a quick and healthy side dish. It's easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

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    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This mac and cheese is packed with cheese and is super easy to prepare. Just toss everything into one dish, bake it, and you have a cozy meal ready to enjoy.

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    Zucchini Casserole

    Zucchini casserole.
    Photo credit: Masala Herb.

    A simple Zucchini Casserole is a great way to enjoy fresh seasonal vegetables. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick meal.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is great for a filling dinner featuring lots of chicken and broccoli. You'll also have some leftovers to enjoy later!

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    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This one-pan Mac and Cheese is simple to make and doesn't require any boiling. With a blend of Cheddar and Gruyere, it's packed with flavor and only takes 10 minutes to prepare before baking for 45 minutes.

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    Cajun Chicken Pasta Casserole

    Cajun chicken pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Practically Homemade.

    This cajun casserole is super easy to prepare and skips the step of boiling pasta. The creamy sauce that forms while it bakes gives this dish a great flavor.

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    Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

    Million dollar casserole.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    This casserole is filled with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and cream of chicken soup, all topped with buttery Ritz crackers. It's a simple and satisfying dish that's perfect for busy nights.

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    Pizza Baked Butter Beans

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

    Easy pizza baked beans are perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Simply combine canned beans with pizza sauce, toss in your favorite toppings, and bake for a comforting meal in just 30 minutes.

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    Mediterranean Salmon

    Mediterranean Salmon.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    This Mediterranean-inspired salmon is seasoned with flavorful spices and can be ready in under 20 minutes. It pairs well with salads, sandwiches, or roasted garlic potatoes.

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    Baked Vegan Pasta

    Vegan pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Plant Based Folk.

    This vegan pasta bake is creamy and packed with vegetables, and there's no need to boil the noodles. It's great served hot or cold, making it a tasty option for any meal.

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    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Baked lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is super easy to make, needing just three ingredients for a tasty meal. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying.

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    Sheet Pan Chicken Stir Fry

    Sheet Pan Chicken Stir Fry.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Sheet Pan Chicken Stir Fry is an easy and flavorful dinner choice for busy weeknights. Using a sheet pan means you can prepare it with minimal effort and no need for constant stirring!

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    Spicy Baked Salmon

    Spicy Baked Salmon.
    Photo credit: Sims Home Kitchen.

    Baked salmon is full of fresh citrus flavor and is simple to prepare. Just apply a quick homemade marinade and dry rub, then bake it for a tasty meal in less than 30 minutes.

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake

    A creamy pesto pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Rich and Delish.

    This creamy pesto pasta bake is cheesy and simple to prepare in just one pan. You don't have to be an expert cook to enjoy this tasty meal that feels like dining out.

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    Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Drumsticks

    Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks.
    Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Oven-baked chicken drumsticks are a simple and flavorful dinner option that requires minimal cleanup with just a sheet pan. This recipe features delicious flavors like garlic, parmesan, red pepper, and parsley.

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    More Dump and Bake Recipes

    • Creamy tuna pasta bake.
      21 Easy One-Pan Dinners You Can Set, Forget, and Devour
    • Taco casserole.
      33 Set-and-Forget Dinners That Will Save Your Evening
    • A pan full of baked spaghetti.
      14 Dump-and-Go Dinners You Can Toss Together in Minutes
    • Chicken thigh tray bake.
      17 Easy Dump-and-Go Recipes Perfect for Busy Weeknights

    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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