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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    Dump, Bake, and Enjoy: 40 Gourmet Dinners Made Simple

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 25, 2024, updated November 18, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking gourmet dinners doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With simple dump-and-bake recipes, you can create delicious meals with minimal effort. Just toss your ingredients together, pop them in the oven, and enjoy a satisfying dinner without the fuss.

    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 packed with great flavors and come with plenty of veggies, making it a tasty and healthy dinner option. This dish is perfect for a family meal that everyone will love.

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

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Fajita Casserole

    A chicken fajita casserole.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This chicken fajita casserole is an easy one-pan meal that brings the flavors of comfort food right to your table. It's also great to have as leftovers, making it perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Salmon with Black Rice

    Salmon with black rice.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Salmon and black rice go really well together and you'll want to make this dish again and again. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that you can enjoy any time.

    Get the recipe

    No Boil Stuffed Pepper Casserole

    No Boil Stuffed Pepper Casserole on a baking dish.
    Photo Credit: Piper Cooks.

    This casserole is easy to prepare and doesn't require boiling. It combines bell peppers, navy beans, long-grain white rice, and a tasty tomato sauce with Italian spices.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Steak & Potatoes

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

    This sheet pan version of a classic steak dinner features tender roasted potatoes and perfectly broiled steak for a delicious one pan meal. It offers all the comfort of a hearty meal with minimal cleanup afterward.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a little chopping to begin, you’ll have a delicious meal of chicken, veggies, and plenty of sauce all cooked together in one pan.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Ravioli Bake

    Ravioli bake.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This dish is a family favorite that's sure to please everyone. It's cheesy and packed with flavor!

    Get the recipe

    Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

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

    This casserole features shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese and cream of chicken soup, all topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Gnocchi with Frozen Veggies

    Baked gnocchi with vegetables on a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

    This is an easy one-pan gnocchi bake that requires no chopping. It's filled with frozen mixed vegetables and a creamy cheese sauce, making it a comforting meal for the whole family.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken

    Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken.
    Photo credit: Food Meanderings.

    This chicken dish is quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes. It's a flavorful meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Tuna Sushi Bake

    Tuna Sushi Bake on a white dish.
    Photo Credit: Piper Cooks.

    This easy sushi bake combines rice, canned tuna, slivered nori, and a spicy mayo drizzle. It's a simple casserole that's great for busy weeknights, meal prep, or serving at gatherings.

    Get the recipe

    Monterey Chicken Casserole

    Monterey Chicken Casserole.
    Photo credit: Zona's Lazy Recipes.

    This casserole is quick and simple to prepare. With tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, smoky bacon, and rich Monterey Jack cheese, it’s a meal that everyone in the family will enjoy!

    Get the recipe

    Roasted Gnocchi with Veggies

    Roasted gnocchi with veggies.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This recipe is perfect for gnocchi lovers. The gnocchi is tossed in olive oil and roasted in the oven, creating a crispy outside while staying soft and tender inside.

    Get the recipe

    Greek Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

    Greek Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
    Photo Credit: Busy Day Dinners.

    This simple sheet pan dinner brings together a tasty mix of ingredients inspired by fresh Mediterranean flavors. It's a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features plenty of chicken and broccoli, creating a hearty meal that will definitely provide some leftovers. It's a simple yet satisfying option for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Lemon Salmon on Veggies

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

    This salmon dish is healthy and really simple to make. With fresh lemon slices and herbs, it’s baked to perfection for a juicy and flaky meal that’s great for any night of the week.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pan Maple Dijon Chicken

    One-Pan Maple Dijon Chicken
    Photo Credit: Simply Stacie.

    This dish features tender chicken baked alongside butternut squash, purple potatoes, and broccoli, all on one pan. It's a simple and healthy meal that's perfect for any night.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

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

    This sheet pan meal is a simple way to enjoy lamb without the stress of overcooking. The lamb chops cook in the flavorful juices from the vegetables, resulting in tender meat that’s delicious.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Tilapia

    Baked tilapia.
    Photo credit: Organically Addison.

    Baked tilapia is a simple and tasty dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It's juicy and full of flavor, perfect for a quick dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Kielbasa & Veggies

    Sheet pan kielbasa and veggies.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    This dinner is simple and easy, all cooked on one sheet pan. You can choose any sausage and vegetables you like!

    Get the recipe

    Maple Mustard Salmon

    Maple Mustard Salmon - Sheet Pan Dinner
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Maple mustard salmon is a super easy dinner that you can whip up in just 40 minutes, with most of that time spent letting everything roast in the oven. The sweet and tangy maple Dijon sauce brings together cubed sweet potatoes, crispy Brussels sprouts, and fresh salmon for a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Vegan Pasta

    Vegan pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Plant Based Folk.

    This creamy vegan pasta bake is simple to prepare and loaded with veggies. It's delicious whether served hot or cold!

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Wrapped Salmon with Garlic Butter

    Bacon wrapped salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon filets are topped with garlic butter and wrapped in bacon for a tasty meal everyone will enjoy. This is a simple yet satisfying dinner option that brings gourmet flavors to your table.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

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

    This dish features cheesy chicken and pasta packed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. It's a simple comfort food option that's quick to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Salmon

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

    Pesto Salmon is ready in just 15 minutes and is a great option for busy evenings. Topped with a mix of Greek yogurt and pesto, this baked salmon is full of flavor and easy to make.

    Get the recipe

    Ranch Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies

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

    This easy sheet pan chicken dinner with vegetables is great for busy families who want a healthy meal without a lot of hassle. Just toss everything together, bake it, and serve.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Salmon Oreganata

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

    This dinner is quick, healthy, and easy to prepare all on one sheet pan. With its crispy coating and zesty flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Ravioli Casserole

    Baked Ravioli Casserole.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This baked ravioli casserole is quick to prepare, taking only about 20 minutes from start to finish with just 5 minutes of prep. Using store-bought cheese ravioli makes it a simple option for busy nights, and you can even make it ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer.

    Get the recipe

    Honey Mustard Salmon

    Honey Mustard Salmon.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    A sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce turns your regular salmon and asparagus into a delicious dinner. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage & Veggies

    Gnocchi sheet bake.
    Photo credit: Living Lou.

    Sheet pan oven-baked gnocchi with sausage and vegetables is a simple dinner that you can whip up in just 25 minutes using only one pan. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Chicken Pasta Casserole

    Cajun chicken pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Practically Homemade.

    Cajun flavors are always a hit, and this casserole is super easy to prepare. You won't need to boil any pasta, and the creamy sauce that develops while it bakes is sure to impress.

    Get the recipe

    Roasted Gnocchi with Mushrooms & Broccoli

    Roasted Gnocchi with Mushrooms & Broccoli
    Photo Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

    This vegetarian sheet pan gnocchi is a quick and delicious dinner option. With just a few ingredients, you can have a great meal ready in 30 minutes, and the best part is you only need one pan to clean up!

    Get the recipe

    Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

    A casserole dish full of spinach artichoke casserole.
    Photo credit: Nibble and Dine.

    This creamy casserole combines rotisserie chicken and frozen veggies for an easy meal. It comes together in less than an hour, perfect for a quick dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Caprese Gnocchi

    Caprese gnocchi on a sheet pan.
    Photo Credit: The Savory Cipolla.

    This sheet pan dinner is a great option for any night of the week. It’s an easy and tasty way to serve a large family without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Sweet & Spicy Glazed Salmon

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

    This easy keto salmon is coated in a tasty sweet and spicy sauce. It comes together in just 20 minutes using only one pan, and there's no need to flip it!

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Drumsticks

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

    Oven baked chicken drumsticks are a tasty option for dinner, and using a sheet pan makes cleanup a breeze. This recipe features the great flavors of garlic, parmesan, red pepper, and parsley.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

    Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus
    Photo Credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

    This salmon dinner is super simple and ready in under 10 minutes. It's full of flavor with a delicious mix of honey and Dijon mustard.

    Get the recipe

    Mediterranean Veggie Casserole

    Veggie casserole.
    Photo credit: The Fiery Vegetarian.

    This casserole is quick to prepare and goes straight into the oven. You'll end up with soft vegetables in a delicious, garlicky sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Baked Ziti

    CREAMY BAKED ZITI.
    Photo credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This dish combines soft noodles, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese for a cozy meal. It's a simple, family-friendly option that brings delicious Italian flavors right to your dinner table.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      21 Vegetarian Casseroles That Will Change Your Dinner Game
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      18 Elegant Lunch Ideas to Impress Mom This Mother’s Day
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      18 Cheap Ground Beef Recipes That Are Perfect for Spring

    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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