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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    25 Dump and Bake Dinners That Are Perfect for Weeknights

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

    Busy weeknights can make dinner time a challenge, but dump and bake meals are here to help. These 25 easy recipes require minimal prep and cleanup, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. From casseroles to one-pan dishes, these dinners are perfect for families looking for quick and satisfying options.

    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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    One Pan Falafel Bake

    Falafel bake on a baking dish.
    Photo Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

    This easy one-pan dinner is both simple and delicious. With premade falafel, beans, tomatoes, kale, and a cheesy topping, this vegetarian casserole is a comforting meal you'll want to make often.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Thigh Tray Bake

    Chicken thigh tray bake.
    Photo credit: Living Lou.

    This chicken thigh tray bake is easy to prepare and great for a quick family dinner, taking less than 45 minutes from start to finish. Just roast chicken thighs along with Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and carrots in a tasty marinade.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole combines all the delicious flavors of tacos into a simple one-dish meal. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it perfect for a potluck or a quick weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is all about being simple and satisfying. It's a great option for a cozy meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    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 weeknights, and it can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.

    Get the recipe

    Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole

    Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This tortellini casserole is perfect for anyone who loves cheese and pasta. With a mix of two cheeses, a bit of tang from Gorgonzola, and a nice crunch from walnuts, it comes together in under 40 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

    Chicken fajitas.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Sheet pan chicken fajitas are packed with flavor and are quick to prepare. You can have a satisfying dinner ready in under 30 minutes with this easy recipe.

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    Baked Tilapia

    Baked tilapia.
    Photo credit: Organically Addison.

    Baked tilapia is a quick and easy dish that's full of flavor. It only takes 15 minutes to prepare and cook, making it perfect for a busy evening.

    Get the recipe

    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 only take 5 minutes to get ready. With cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon all in one, this is a simple dinner that comes together quickly, and using frozen cod helps keep the fish from overcooking.

    Get the recipe

    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

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

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Salmon with Brussels Sprouts

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

    This dinner can be made all on 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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    Dutch Oven Lasagna

    Dutch Oven Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    Dutch Oven Lasagna is a flavorful twist on your favorite lasagna, cooked right in a cast iron Dutch oven or camp oven over coals. It's a simple and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

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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!

    Get the recipe

    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 definitely provide leftovers. It's a straightforward option for a satisfying dinner.

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    Baked Chicken Drumsticks

    Healthy Baked Chicken Drumsticks.
    Photo Credit: My Chef's Apron.

    This healthy chicken drumsticks recipe is a simple sheet pan dinner that delivers a tasty meal in about 40 minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy and satisfying.

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    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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    Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

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

    This creamy casserole is made with rotisserie chicken and frozen veggies, making prep a breeze! You can make it in under 1 hour, from start to finish.

    Get the recipe

    Bean & Pasta Casserole

    Bean & Pasta Casserole.
    Photo credit: Hurry The Food Up.

    This vegetarian casserole features hearty white beans, filling pasta, and juicy cherry tomatoes, creating a comforting meal. It's a healthy and satisfying option for dinner.

    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 quick and easy dinner that you can whip up in just 25 minutes using only one pan. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

    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 and ready in under an hour. Packed with spicy buffalo sauce, hidden spinach, and plenty of cheese, it's a tasty option for a weeknight dinner.

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

    Get the recipe

    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 sauce all cooked together in one pan.

    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 meal that's simple to prepare. It's perfect for a cozy dinner when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken

    Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken.
    Photo credit: Food Meanderings.

    This chicken dish is quick to prepare and can be ready in less than 30 minutes. It's a flavorful meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      22 Dump-And-Cook Chicken Dinners That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine
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      23 Hearty Ground Beef Dishes to Make When You’d Rather Not Cook
    • Sheet pan roast pork tenderloin.
      29 Easy Dinners So Good Your Family Will Be Begging for Seconds

    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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