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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Dump-and-Go Casseroles That Will Change Your Dinner Game

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 22, 2025, updated September 15, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Casseroles are a lifesaver for busy weeknights, offering a simple way to prepare a hearty meal with minimal effort. These 22 dump-and-go recipes make it easy to throw together a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Just mix the ingredients, pop them in the oven, and enjoy a warm, comforting dish that the whole family will love.

    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 basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in about 5 minutes and on the table in under 40. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin

    Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish is a great option for a filling meal. With tender Russet potatoes, ground beef, and straightforward flavors, it's sure to be a hit with your family. It's an easy choice that everyone will enjoy.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is all about simplicity and flavor, bringing you a warm and satisfying meal. With just a few ingredients tossed together, it's perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a great option for family dinners or when you have friends over, offering a cozy vibe that everyone will enjoy.

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    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 can throw it together without having to boil any pasta, which saves time and effort. As it bakes, a creamy sauce develops that really brings everything together.

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    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked Mac and Cheese is super simple to whip up. In just 10 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes in the oven, you can enjoy a delicious one-pan meal without the need for boiling pasta or making a sauce. With a mix of Cheddar and Gruyere cheese, this dish is rich and full of flavor.

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    Crockpot Mexican Casserole

    Crockpot Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit" Haute & Healthy Living.

    This crockpot Mexican casserole is a simple and tasty option for busy weeknights. Packed with all the flavors you love from Mexican cuisine, it offers a healthier and more affordable alternative to takeout. With minimal prep work, you can enjoy a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    One Pot Burrito Bowl

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

    Mexican burrito bowls are simple to prepare and packed with flavor, all made in one pot in just 30 minutes. This dish is great for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, cleanup is quick and easy, so you can enjoy your meal without the stress.

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    No Boil Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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

    This casserole is simple to prepare and doesn't require any boiling. It combines bell peppers, navy beans, long-grain white rice, and a tasty tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs. It's a great option for busy nights when you want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Tater Tot Casserole

    Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo credit: Simply Five Ingredients.

    This casserole features a tasty ground beef filling covered with cheesy tater tots, making it a simple dish that you can have on the table in just 30 minutes. It's a comforting meal that's great for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying.

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    Cheesy No-Boil Lasagna

    Cheesy No-Boil Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    No-Boil Lasagna is super easy to prepare, taking only 10 minutes of your time. You don't even need to boil the noodles before putting it in the oven. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

    Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole.
    Photo credit: Savory with Soul.

    Philly Cheesesteak Casserole brings all the flavors of a classic cheesesteak sandwich into one dish. It's packed with ground beef, plenty of cheese, and a mix of bell peppers and onions. This creamy and filling casserole is perfect for a satisfying meal any night of the week.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features plenty of chicken and broccoli, making it a hearty meal that will fill you up. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, you'll likely have some leftovers to enjoy later.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is quick to prepare, taking less than 10 minutes, and it cooks in under an hour. It's packed with spicy buffalo sauce, has some hidden spinach, and is super cheesy. This dish is a tasty and simple option for a weeknight dinner.

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    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This mac and cheese is incredibly easy to make, requiring just one dish and no pre-cooking. Simply combine everything, pop it in the oven, and you'll have a warm and comforting meal ready to enjoy. With a mix of mozzarella and gorgonzola, it's packed with cheesy goodness.

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    Monterey Chicken Casserole

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

    This casserole is super simple to prepare. With a mix of zesty BBQ sauce, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese, it's a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

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

    This dish features cheesy chicken and pasta combined with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, creating a hearty meal that's simple to prepare. It's perfect for when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just throw everything together, and you'll have a satisfying dinner ready in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

    Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

    This simple meatball casserole combines uncooked pasta, frozen meatballs, and marinara sauce into a tasty one-pan meal. There's no need to boil the pasta or brown the meatballs beforehand. Just layer everything in a casserole dish and let the oven handle the cooking.

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    Shepherd's Pie Tater Tot Casserole

    Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish combines tater tot casserole and shepherd's pie for a tasty one-pot meal. With frozen veggies mixed in, it's filling and satisfying. Topped with shredded cheddar, this is a complete meal that everyone in the family will love.

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    Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole

    Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This tortellini casserole is perfect for anyone who loves cheese and pasta. It features two kinds of cheese, a zesty kick from Gorgonzola, and a satisfying crunch from walnuts. Ready in under 40 minutes, it's a simple and delicious meal option.

    Get the recipe

    Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

    Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Ritz cracker chicken casserole features tender chicken in a creamy sauce, all topped with crunchy, buttery cracker crumbs. This dish is simple to put together and requires very little prep time, making it perfect for a quick dinner. It's a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Chicken Parm Casserole

    Chicken Parm Casserole.
    Photo credit: Golden Grace Kitchen.

    This casserole brings the flavors of a classic Italian dinner into one easy dish. It features juicy chicken, rich marinara sauce, pasta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. It's a simple meal that works well for any night of the week.

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    Vegan Pasta Bake

    Vegan Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Nourished by Nic.

    This dish is warm, cheesy, and entirely plant-based. It's perfect for a comforting meal that doesn't require much effort. Just throw everything together, and you'll have a satisfying casserole that's great for any night of the week.

    Get the recipe

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    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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