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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Dump-and-Go Dishes That Taste Like They Came From a Restaurant

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated November 23, 2025 · Published November 23, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These 19 dump-and-go dishes are simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Just toss the ingredients together and let them cook, and you'll have a meal that feels like it came from a restaurant without the extra effort.

    Chicken Thigh Tray Bake

    Chicken thigh tray bake.
    Photo credit: Living Lou.

    This chicken thigh tray bake is simple to prepare and perfect for a quick family meal, ready in under 45 minutes. You just mix chicken thighs with Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and carrots, add a flavorful marinade, and roast everything together. It's a convenient way to get a delicious dinner on the table with minimal effort.

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    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

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

    Cheesy chicken and pasta come together with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in this hearty meal. It's an easy choice that brings the flavors of a restaurant right to your table. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is satisfying and requires minimal effort.

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    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple meal comes together with just 8 ingredients, making it perfect for a tasty dinner any night. Featuring tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, this dish is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit at the table.

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    Sheet Pan Salmon with Brussels Sprouts

    Sheet pan salmon with brussels sprouts.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    This dish is all about simplicity, allowing you to whip up a complete dinner using just one sheet pan. The flavorful brussels sprouts pair wonderfully with salmon, creating a satisfying meal. If you like, you can throw in some rice on the side to round it out.

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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 feels like a special meal you'd get at a restaurant. Using just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a filling dinner in around 30 minutes.

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    One Pan Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and potatoes.
    Photo credit: Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

    This chicken and potatoes dish combines juicy bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks with tender potatoes, roasted garlic, and button mushrooms, all cooked together on one sheet pan. It's a straightforward way to have a filling dinner with very little cleanup afterward. You only need about 15 minutes to get everything ready before it goes into the oven.

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    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 super simple to make. With just four ingredients and a few store-bought items, you can whip it up in about 5 minutes and have it served in under 40 minutes. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying.

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    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

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

    This easy sheet pan meal lets you enjoy lamb without worrying about overcooking it. The lamb chops soak up the tasty juices from the vegetables, which keeps the meat tender and juicy. It's a straightforward way to have a satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is packed with chicken and broccoli, creating a filling meal that will really hit the spot. It's a great choice for dinner, and you can expect to have some leftovers to enjoy later.

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    Sheet Pan Steak & Potatoes

    Sheet pan steak and potatoes.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This simple sheet pan meal features juicy steak paired with tender roasted potatoes, all cooked together on one pan. It provides a filling and hearty dinner option that requires very little cleanup. This is a great choice for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake

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

    This creamy pesto pasta bake is easy to whip up and loaded with cheese, all in just one pan. You can have it ready in under an hour, and it tastes like something you'd enjoy at a nice restaurant.

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    Cheesy Baked Olive Dip

    Cheesy Baked Olive Dip.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This cheesy olive dip is super easy to whip up and is full of tasty olive goodness that everyone will love. You can even make it up to five days in advance, which is perfect for any get-together.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Jerk Chicken with Pineapple

    Sheet Pan Jerk Chicken with Pineapple.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Sheet Pan Jerk Chicken with Pineapple combines spicy and sweet flavors that everyone will love. It's easy to prepare using just one pan, and it includes plenty of healthy vegetables. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

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    Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken

    Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken.
    Photo credit: Food Meanderings.

    This chicken dish is simple and can be on the table in under 30 minutes. It's packed with flavor and is sure to please the whole family.

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    Baked Lemon Salmon on Veggies

    Baked Lemon Salmon on Veggies.
    Photo credit: Oh Sweet Culture Shock.

    This salmon is both healthy and easy to prepare. It's baked with fresh lemon slices and herbs, resulting in a tasty dinner that works well any night of the week.

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    Cheddar Gruyere Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked Mac and Cheese is easy to whip up. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes in the oven, you can have a tasty one-pan meal filled with Cheddar and Gruyere cheese. It's a comforting dish that everyone loves, perfect for a cozy dinner.

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    Ras El Hanout Chicken

    Ras El Hanout Chicken.
    Photo credit: Like Hot Keto.

    Moroccan chicken is easy to prepare with only four ingredients, resulting in juicy meat and crispy skin. This dish has a restaurant-quality feel, making it perfect for a special dinner at home.

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    Baked Chicken & Potatoes

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

    This baked chicken and potato dish is an easy one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken, a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, crispy potatoes, and roasted broccoli. It's a great option for a weeknight dinner since it's simple to prepare and keeps cleanup to a minimum.

    Get the recipe

    Roasted Gnocchi with Veggies

    Roasted gnocchi with veggies.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    Gnocchi is tossed in olive oil and then roasted in the oven, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender. This dish is simple to prepare and offers a satisfying texture that feels like a treat. It's perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      12 Easy Crock Pot Chili Recipes You’ll Want All Winter Long
    • Spicy honey glazed turkey.
      Make One of These Turkey Recipes for Your Best Thanksgiving Yet
    • Brussel sprouts.
      7 Air Fryer Veggie Sides That Go With Any Dinner
    • Monterey Chicken Casserole.
      38 Casseroles That Will Make You Feel All Cozy Inside

    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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