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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    26 Dump-and-Bake Dinners That Will Simplify Your Life

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on November 23, 2024, updated June 17, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    If you're looking for easy and delicious dinner ideas, dump-and-bake meals are a great solution. These recipes allow you to throw everything together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze while still serving up satisfying flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, these dinners will help you get a wholesome meal on the table with minimal effort.

    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 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.

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    Sheet Pan Kielbasa & Veggies

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

    This dinner is so easy to prep, and it's all cooked on one sheet pan. You can mix and match any sausage and vegetables you like!

    Get the recipe

    Meatball Casserole

    Meatball casserole served on a dish.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    This Meatball Casserole is a filling and tasty dish that combines tender meatballs and pasta in a creamy marinara sauce with melted cheese. It's perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Cheesy chicken and rice casserole dish.
    Photo Credit: Rose Bakes.

    This is a simple, one-pan meal that uses canned soups and ready-made rice mixes. It's great for busy weeknights or when you want some comforting food without a lot of fuss.

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    Cheesy Baked Spaghetti

    Cheesy Baked Spaghetti.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This cheesy baked spaghetti brings together the comforting flavors of spaghetti and lasagna in one easy meal. With layers of noodles, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese, it's perfect for a satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Steak & Potatoes

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

    This is a simple and satisfying meal that requires very little effort. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without a lot of cleanup.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is easy to prepare, cheesy, and really delicious. It's a great choice for a cozy night in.

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    Ranch Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies

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

    This easy sheet pan chicken dinner is perfect for busy evenings and is loaded with veggies. Just throw everything on the pan, bake it, and dinner is ready in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Rigatoni al Forno

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

    This rigatoni al forno with veggies is a simple and delicious dish that can help simplify your dinner routine. It's a classic Italian bake that's easy to prepare and full of flavor and nutrients.

    Get the recipe

    Roasted Gnocchi with Veggies

    Roasted gnocchi with veggies.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This easy gnocchi recipe will help you streamline your dinner routine. The gnocchi is mixed with olive oil and roasted in the oven until it's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Chicken Pasta Casserole

    Cajun chicken pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Practically Homemade.

    This easy cajun casserole simplifies dinner by skipping the pre-boiling of pasta. The creamy sauce comes together beautifully as it bakes, resulting in a tasty meal.

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    French Fry Casserole

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

    This easy casserole uses leftover french fries and is packed with cheese and spice. It goes great with chicken, beef, or any protein you have on hand.

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    Sausage Tray Bake

    Sausage tray bake.
    Photo credit: Gluten Free Tranquility.

    This sausage tray bake is full of delicious flavors, with plenty of veggies, potatoes, and gravy all cooked together in one pan. It's a simple and satisfying meal that makes dinner a breeze.

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    Pesto Salmon

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

    This Pesto Salmon is a quick and easy dinner option that will make your evenings simpler. With a creamy mix of Greek yogurt and pesto, this flavorful dish is ready in just 15 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Mac and Cheese recipe simplifies dinner time with minimal effort. Just combine the ingredients, bake it, and enjoy a cheesy, delicious meal without any fuss.

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    Sheet Pan Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken

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

    This easy sheet pan dinner features prosciutto-wrapped chicken that comes together quickly and with minimal fuss. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This easy dump-and-bake dinner combines chicken and broccoli for a simple and satisfying meal. It's perfect for busy nights and great for leftovers.

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    Bacon Wrapped Salmon with Garlic Butter

    Bacon wrapped salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Wrapping salmon filets in bacon and garlic butter creates a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something simple yet satisfying.

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    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

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

    This dish combines cheesy chicken, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach all in one pot. It's an easy meal that's quick to put together, perfect for busy nights.

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    Vegetarian Gnocchi Bake

    Baked gnocchi.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    This easy dump-and-bake dinner is perfect for a cozy night in. It takes minimal effort and delivers a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Vegan Pasta

    Vegan pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Plant Based Folk.

    This easy vegan pasta bake is packed with veggies and doesn't require any boiling. It's a great meal that you can enjoy hot or cold.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Thigh Tray Bake

    Chicken thigh tray bake.
    Photo credit: Living Lou.

    This easy chicken thigh tray bake is perfect for busy evenings and can be ready in under 45 minutes. Just mix chicken thighs with Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and carrots in a flavorful marinade and roast everything together.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

    Pizza pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    This pizza pasta bake is a quick and easy dinner option that doesn't need any pre-cooking of the pasta. Just combine everything in one pan and bake it for a cheesy, pizza-flavored meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Chicken & Potatoes

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

    This one-pan meal features juicy lemon garlic chicken, crispy potatoes, and charred broccoli. It's an easy dinner that keeps cleanup to a minimum.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Lemon Salmon on Veggies

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

    This easy salmon dinner is perfect for busy evenings. Fresh lemon and herbs add delicious flavor, while baking keeps it juicy and flaky.

    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, and perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      20 Stupid Simple Crockpot Dinners That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine
    • Pesto pasta bake.
      26 Cheap & Easy Casseroles That Will Transform Your Weeknight Meals
    • Chicken tikka masala.
      19 Slow Cooker Dinners That Will Make Your Kids Cheer
    • 23 Deliciously Simple Dinners You Can Set and Forget

    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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