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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Dump-And-Bake Dinners That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on April 30, 2025, updated April 22, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Busy weeknights can make dinner time feel like a chore, but dump-and-bake dinners are here to simplify your routine. These easy recipes require minimal prep and cleanup, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients tossed together, you can create satisfying dishes that the whole family will love.

    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 veggies in a delicious, garlicky sauce!

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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 prepare. In just 10 minutes of prep and 45 minutes in the oven, you can enjoy a delicious one-pan dish loaded with Cheddar and Gruyere cheese.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

    Easy Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    This baked pesto mozzarella chicken is a quick and tasty dinner option that you can have ready in just 30 minutes. It's low-carb, gluten-free, and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Baked Cod in Foil

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These baked cod packs are easy to prepare and full of flavor, taking just 5 minutes to get ready. With cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon all cooked together, this dish is a simple and satisfying dinner option.

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    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 it. The lamb chops cook in the flavorful juices from the vegetables, resulting in tender meat that’s delicious.

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    Sheet Pan Steak & Potatoes

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

    This sheet pan version of a classic meal combines tender roasted potatoes with perfectly broiled steak for a satisfying dinner. It offers all the comfort of a hearty meal with hardly any cleanup afterward.

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    Sheet Pan Salmon with Brussels Sprouts

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

    This recipe lets you prepare an entire dinner on just one sheet pan. The tasty brussels sprouts go perfectly with salmon, and you can add rice on the side if you want.

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    Baked Gnocchi with Frozen Veggies

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

    This is an easy one-pan dinner that requires no chopping. With frozen mixed vegetables and a creamy cheese sauce, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can put together this comforting meal for the family.

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    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for quick weeknight meals. With just a little chopping to begin, you end up with a delicious mix of chicken, veggies, and plenty of sauce all cooked together.

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    Baked Harissa Chicken Thighs

    Baked Harissa Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Somebody Feed Seb.

    Baked Harissa Chicken Thighs offer a tasty mix of spicy harissa, zesty lemon, and sweet honey combined with tender chicken, onions, and sweet potatoes. This easy sheet pan dinner is perfect for weeknights, requiring minimal effort while delivering great flavor.

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    Zucchini Casserole

    Zucchini casserole.
    Photo credit: Masala Herb.

    This Zucchini Casserole is a simple way to enjoy fresh vegetables as the season begins. It's a great dish for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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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.

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    No Boil Rigatoni and Meatball Casserole

    No Boil Rigatoni and Meatball Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Cooking with Carlee.

    This no-boil rigatoni and meatball casserole simplifies dinner time with minimal prep. It’s a satisfying and hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

    Chicken fajitas.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Sheet pan chicken fajitas are packed with flavor and are super easy to prepare. You can have a filling dinner ready in under 30 minutes with this simple dish.

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    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

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

    This easy meal comes together with just 8 ingredients, perfect for a tasty dinner any night. Featuring tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, this dish is sure to be a hit.

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    Baked Tortellini

    20 Minute Baked Tortellini.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    The Cheesy Tortellini Bake is quick and easy, taking just about 20 minutes to prepare with fewer than 10 ingredients. Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

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    Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs

    Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs are simple to prepare and feature crispy, golden chicken thighs cooked in a tasty garlic and white wine sauce with juicy mushrooms. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

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    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 you serve it hot or cold!

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    One Pot Burrito Bowl

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

    These Mexican burrito bowls are simple to make and come together in one pot in just 30 minutes, so cleaning up is easy. They’re great for busy nights when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Chicken

    Cheesy Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Fantabulosity.

    Cheesy chicken is a simple casserole that the whole family loves, making it great for weeknight meals. This baked cheesy chicken breast can easily become a staple for your family dinners.

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    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This mac and cheese is made in one dish, so there's no need to pre-cook anything. With mozzarella and gorgonzola, it’s incredibly cheesy and simple to prepare.

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    Southern Baked Chicken Thighs

    SOUTHERN BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS.
    Photo credit: Healthy Mom Healthy Family.

    This chicken dish is simple and tasty, using just three ingredients. It turns out crispy and satisfying, making it a great choice for dinner.

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    Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole

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

    This recipe is all about convenience, using canned soups and pre-made rice mixes to create a hearty meal. It's ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you want a simple and comforting dish.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Sheet pan chicken fajitas.
      28 Dump-And-Bake Recipes That Will Feed a Crowd
    • Lemongrass grilled chicken.
      Memorial Day BBQ: 24 Recipes That Will Make You the Grill Master
    • Feta stuffed chicken.
      19 Simple Sunday Night Dinners Your Whole Family Will Love
    • John Wayne casserole.
      24 Dump-And-Cook Ground Beef Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook

    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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