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    Home » Quick & Easy Meals » Dump and Bake Recipes

    26 Set It and Forget It Recipes That Turn Busy Nights into Easy Wins

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 2, 2025 · Published December 5, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These 26 set it and forget it recipes are perfect for busy nights when you need a meal without the fuss. From sheet pan dinners to easy casseroles, these dishes let you prepare dinner with minimal effort. Just set them up and enjoy a delicious meal later!

    Chicken Thigh Tray Bake

    Chicken thigh tray bake.
    Photo credit: Living Lou.

    This chicken thigh tray bake is simple and ideal for a quick family dinner during the week, taking less than 45 minutes from start to finish. Just toss chicken thighs, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and carrots together with a tasty marinade and roast them all at once. It's an easy way to get a delicious meal on the table without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Sausage Tray Bake

    Sausage tray bake.
    Photo credit: Gluten Free Tranquility.

    This sausage tray bake is full of flavor and super easy to make in just one pan. It's loaded with vegetables, potatoes, and gravy, creating a hearty meal. Perfect for busy nights, this dish requires minimal effort while still delivering a comforting dinner.

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    Firecracker Salmon

    Firecracker salmon on a teal plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Firecracker Salmon is a simple dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. It features a zesty and spicy sauce that goes really well with the salmon. This is a great option for a dinner that's both impressive and quick to make.

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    Air Fryer Flank Steak

    Sliced flank steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Flank Steak is quick and easy, taking only 8-10 minutes to cook. The marinade does all the heavy lifting, ensuring you get a tasty and juicy steak without much effort. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Air Fryer Steak Tips

    Air Fryer Steak Tips.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Steak Tips come together in just 10 minutes, making them a great option for a quick steak dinner any night of the week. With basic seasonings that you likely already have, this dish is simple to prepare and is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

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    Vegetarian Burrito Bowls

    Burrito bowl.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    Burrito bowls offer a healthy and delicious meal that comes together in no time. They're perfect for busy nights when you need something filling and easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can create a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Bean & Pasta Casserole

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

    This vegetarian casserole combines hearty white beans, filling pasta, and juicy cherry tomatoes for a comforting meal. It's a healthy and satisfying choice for dinner, perfect for busy nights when you want something easy and delicious.

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    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Air Fryer Roast Beef is a quick and easy option for a family dinner, taking only 50 minutes to prepare. It features a tasty herby crust and a juicy, tender center that everyone will love. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

    Chicken thighs and pineapple sauce in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is a straightforward dish that brings together sweet and spicy flavors. With only four ingredients, this easy meal is ideal for a quick dinner on busy nights. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

    Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe With Ravioli.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Ravioli is a great shortcut for making lasagna, as it can take the place of both the usual noodles and the ricotta cheese. This slow cooker ravioli lasagna is a favorite among families and makes dinner easy to prepare.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is simple to put together and can be on the table in less than an hour. With a kick from spicy buffalo sauce, some sneaky spinach, and lots of cheese, this dish is a great choice for an easy weeknight meal.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is packed with chicken and broccoli, creating a filling meal that often leaves you with leftovers. It's a great option for a satisfying dinner that doesn't require much work.

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    Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Drumsticks

    Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks.
    Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Oven baked chicken drumsticks are a delicious choice for dinner, and cooking them on a sheet pan makes cleanup a breeze. With the wonderful flavors of garlic, parmesan, red pepper, and parsley, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

    Baked lamb chops with veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet pan meal offers an easy way to enjoy lamb without worrying about overcooking it. The lamb chops soak up the tasty juices from the vegetables, making the meat tender and flavorful. It's a straightforward dish that brings everything together on one pan, perfect for a busy night.

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    Pesto Salmon

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

    Pesto Salmon comes together in just 15 minutes and is really simple to prepare. With a topping of Greek yogurt and pesto, this baked salmon is perfect for busy evenings and full of flavor.

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    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked Mac and Cheese is easy to make. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes in the oven, you can have a tasty one-pan meal filled with Cheddar and Gruyere cheese. It's a comforting dish that everyone loves, perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a simple way to enjoy a classic pasta sauce. Using just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a rich and satisfying meal quickly. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This mac and cheese is super cheesy and can be made all in one dish, so there's no need for any pre-cooking. Using mozzarella and gorgonzola, it's easy to whip up and really comforting. It's perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Baked Salmon with Black Rice

    Salmon with black rice.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Salmon and black rice complement each other beautifully, creating a dish you'll find yourself wanting to repeat often. This meal is easy to prepare and offers a fulfilling option for any evening.

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    Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

    Easy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup Recipe
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This slow cooker minestrone soup is a hearty vegetarian dish loaded with pasta, beans, and zucchini. It's an easy and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. Just set it up in the morning, and by dinner time, you'll have a warm and comforting meal ready to serve.

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    Sweet & Spicy Glazed Salmon

    Sweet & Spicy Glazed Salmon.
    Photo credit: Cassidy's Craveable Creations.

    This simple salmon dish is covered in a delicious sweet and spicy sauce. It takes just 20 minutes to prepare and only requires one pan, so there's no need to worry about flipping the fish. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a quick and satisfying meal.

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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 and pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, resulting in a filling and enjoyable meal. It's easy to put together, making it a great choice for a cozy dinner.

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    Teriyaki Salmon

    Teriyaki salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This easy salmon dish is a great choice for a quick dinner. Whether you use store-bought teriyaki sauce or whip up your own, it's simple to prepare and packed with flavor. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Chicken Cacciatore

    Chicken cacciatore with pasta.
    Photo credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This dinner is packed with flavor and is great for a quick weeknight meal or a laid-back Sunday dinner. This classic Italian dish simmers gently, allowing all the tastes to blend together beautifully. It pairs well with pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

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    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is ideal for quick meals during the week. After a bit of chopping, you'll have a tasty combination of chicken, vegetables, and sauce all cooked together in one pan. It's a simple way to enjoy a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup

    Easy Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup
    Photo Credit: Whiskful Cooking.

    Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup is an easy and delicious meal that uses canned tomatoes, fresh basil, and some simple seasonings. Just toss everything into the Crock Pot and let it do the work for you. This soup goes great with grilled cheese or crackers, making it a cozy choice for lunch or dinner.

    Get the recipe

    More Dump and Bake Recipes

    • A scoop of no baked ziti.
      23 Easy Dump-And-Cook Dinners That taste Like a Restaurant Meal
    • Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
      12 Dump-and-Go Recipes That Save Me Every Week
    • Slow cooker goulash.
      27 Delicious Dump-And-Cook Recipes That Will Save Your Evenings
    • Lamb ribs.
      17 Tasty Dinners You Can Set and Forget for the Easiest Nights Ever

    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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