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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Best Dump-and-Bake Dinners for Busy People

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 28, 2025, updated August 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    For those busy nights when cooking feels like a chore, dump-and-bake dinners are a lifesaver. These simple recipes allow you to toss ingredients together and let the oven do the work, making mealtime quick and easy. From casseroles to one-pan meals, these 18 options are perfect for anyone looking to save time without sacrificing flavor.

    One Pot Burrito Bowl

    One Pot Burrito Bowl Recipe
    Photo Credit: I Heart Nap Time.

    These Mexican burrito bowls are quick and easy to prepare in one pot, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish. They’re perfect for busy evenings when you want a satisfying meal without a lot of cleanup. Enjoy a flavorful dish that brings the taste of Mexico right to your table.

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    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 full of great flavors and loaded with veggies, making this a tasty and healthy dinner choice for the whole family. It's an easy meal that brings everyone together around the table. With just one pan to clean up, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Shrimp & Veggie Stir Fry

    Shrimp & Veggie Stir Fry.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This shrimp and vegetable stir fry is a great option for a busy weeknight dinner. It's loaded with protein and fresh veggies, making it a healthy choice that doesn't skimp on flavor. You can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for when you need something quick and satisfying.

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    One Pan Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and potatoes.
    Photo credit: Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

    This dinner features juicy roasted chicken, tender potatoes, roasted garlic, and mushrooms all cooked together on one pan. It’s a straightforward meal that doesn’t require much prep time, making it perfect for busy evenings. With just 15 minutes of preparation, you can enjoy a hearty and satisfying dish without a lot of cleanup.

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    Ranch Chicken & Potato Casserole

    Ranch potato bake.
    Photo credit: The Food Blog.

    Ranch Chicken and Potato Casserole with broccoli, bacon, and cheese is a great comfort food option. This dish is simple to prepare and only requires one pan, making it ideal for a quick dinner during the week. It's a satisfying meal that combines delicious flavors and is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Sausage Tray Bake

    Sausage tray bake.
    Photo credit: Gluten Free Tranquility.

    This sausage and vegetable bake is full of flavor and only requires one tray to prepare. It's filled with a variety of veggies, potatoes, and gravy, making it a satisfying meal. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is easy to throw together and enjoy.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines chicken and broccoli for a filling meal that's great for lunch or dinner. It's easy to prepare and perfect for when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, it holds up well, so you can enjoy the leftovers the next day.

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    Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

    Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner.
    Photo Credit: The Clean Happy Life.

    This sheet pan dinner features Italian sausage and a mix of veggies, all roasted together until everything is perfectly cooked. It's a hearty and comforting meal that requires very little prep work and makes cleanup a breeze. With just a drizzle of olive oil and some spices, you can enjoy a delicious dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Chicken And Rice Casserole.
    Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This chicken and rice casserole is a great comfort food that's simple to prepare. It's hearty and satisfying, making it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies

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

    Season some sausage and veggies with garlic and herbs, then throw everything in the oven. In less than 30 minutes, you'll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Sheet Pan Greek Veggie Feta Bowls

    Sheet Pan Greek Veggie Feta Bowls.
    Photo Credit: Evergreen Kitchen.

    Sheet Pan Greek Veggie Feta Bowls are loaded with flavor. With baked feta, roasted veggies, crispy chickpeas, and creamy tzatziki, this dish is a real treat. Topped with a zesty pepperocini sauce, it’s a filling and healthy meal that’s sure to please.

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    Pizza Baked Butter Beans

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

    Dinner can be a challenge when you're short on time. These pizza baked beans are a simple solution. Just combine canned beans with pizza sauce, add your favorite toppings, and pop it in the oven. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

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    Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli

    Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This sheet pan beef and broccoli dish is a simple and tasty option for dinner. With just a handful of ingredients and very little clean-up, you can whip up a satisfying and healthy meal quickly. It's a great choice for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

    Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This simple sheet pan dinner is ideal for busy weeknights. It features juicy chicken, tasty spices, and vibrant peppers and onions, making it a dish that the whole family will enjoy.

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    Rigatoni al Forno

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

    A simple and delicious rigatoni al forno with veggies is perfect for a satisfying dinner. This Italian-inspired dish is easy to prepare and is sure to please everyone at the table while being full of healthy ingredients.

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    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs & Sweet Potatoes

    Sheet pan chicken thighs.
    Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    This dish is easy to prepare and really tasty, making it a great option for a quick meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have it on the table in no time. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Bean & Pasta Casserole

    Bean & Pasta Casserole.
    Photo credit: Hurry The Food Up.

    This vegetarian casserole combines white beans, pasta, and cherry tomatoes for a cozy meal that's perfect for a healthy dinner. It's simple to prepare and offers a satisfying mix of flavors and textures. This dish is not only filling but also a great way to enjoy a meatless option any night of the week.

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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. It combines creamy goodness with everyday ingredients like canned tuna and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick meal, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • 19 Family Friendly Dinners That Are Perfect for Weeknights
    • 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
    • Chicken soup.
      21 Easy Dinners for Busy Schedules

    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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