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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    25 Dump-And-Bake Recipes That Will Transform Your Weeknight Meals

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 1, 2025, updated April 22, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Busy weeknights can make cooking feel like a chore, but dump-and-bake recipes are here to help. These simple meals require minimal prep and cleanup, allowing you to enjoy delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. From casseroles to one-pan wonders, these 25 recipes will make your evenings easier and more enjoyable.

    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, making it super easy to prepare. You can have it ready in less than an hour.

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    Sheet Pan Salmon Oreganata

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

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

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    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.

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    Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese

    Chicken Caprese Sheet Pan.
    Photo Credit: Wholly Tasteful.

    Chicken Caprese Sheet Pan is a simple and impressive meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. With just a few ingredients, this dish not only looks great but also delivers on flavor.

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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.

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    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 inside.

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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 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.

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    Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Chicken And Rice Casserole.
    Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This chicken and rice casserole is a cozy dish that's simple to prepare and full of flavor. It's a great option for a satisfying meal any night of the week.

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    Baked Ranch Chicken

    Baked ranch chicken on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    This recipe creates a creamy sauce while it bakes. Enjoy tender chicken covered in a tasty gravy and topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs.

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    King Ranch Chicken Casserole

    King ranch chicken casserole.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    This comforting Southern dish is perfect for a cozy meal. With gooey cheese, chicken, and southwest flavors, this easy casserole comes together with very little effort.

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    Southwest Chicken Casserole

    .Chicken Casserole
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    Southwest Chicken Casserole is a filling dish that combines juicy chicken, zesty spices, and gooey cheese. With just one pan and easy prep, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a warm, smoky flavor that everyone will enjoy.

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    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.

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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 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.

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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

    Sheet Pan Drumsticks & Potatoes

    Baked drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Go Healthy Ever After.

    Sheet pan chicken drumsticks and potatoes are simple to prepare and really tasty. The lemon garlic seasoning adds great flavor, making this a quick dinner option for busy weeknights.

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    No Boil Cheesy Ham and Macaroni Casserole

    No Boil Cheesy Ham and Macaroni Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Cooking with Carlee.

    A cheesy ham and macaroni casserole is creamy and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare and makes a great dinner for a busy weeknight.

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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 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.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Gnocchi Bake

    Baked gnocchi.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    This is a simple and satisfying meal that anyone can enjoy. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

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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 sauce all cooked together in one pan.

    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

    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 dish of cheesy chicken breast can easily become a staple for your family dinners.

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

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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. 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

    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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    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.

    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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    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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