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    Home » Quick & Easy Meals » Dump and Bake Recipes

    30 Dump-and-Bake Recipes That Practically Make Themselves

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated June 10, 2026 · Published June 17, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Feeding a crowd can be a challenge, but dump-and-bake recipes make it easy and fun. These 28 simple dishes require minimal prep and can be thrown together in one pot or pan, saving you time and effort. Perfect for gatherings, these recipes are sure to please everyone at the table. Want to serve more people? Just double or triple the recipe! Keep in mind you might need to adjust the cook time, or use multiple dishes.

    One Pot Burrito Bowl

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

    These Mexican burrito bowls are simple to prepare and can be made in one pot in just 30 minutes, which makes cleaning up easy. They are great for busy nights when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake

    A creamy pesto pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Rich and Delish.

    This creamy pesto pasta bake is simple to make and packed with cheese, all in one pan. It comes together in under an hour and has a delicious flavor that rivals what you'd find at a restaurant.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Chicken

    Cheesy Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Fantabulosity.

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

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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 satisfy everyone. It's perfect for serving a crowd and you'll likely have some leftovers to enjoy later.

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    Baked Chicken Thighs

    Baked Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Baked Chicken Thighs are simple to prepare and packed with flavor, coming out crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside. They're generously seasoned with garlic and herbs for a delicious meal.

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    Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

    Chicken broccoli bake on a white dish.
    Photo Credit: From Valerie's Kitchen.

    This chicken, broccoli, and rice casserole is super easy to make since everything is mixed and baked in one dish. It's a great option for busy days when you need to feed a crowd.

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    Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

    Shrimp boil with sausage and baby corn.
    Photo Credit: Like Hot Keto.

    This sheet pan seafood boil is full of Cajun flavor and is easy to prepare in the oven. It features shrimp and Creole spiced andouille sausages, making it a great option for gatherings.

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    4-Ingredient Lazy Lasagna

    A spoonful of lazy lasagna being lifted out of a baking dish with an amazing cheese pull.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This Lazy Lasagna is ready in just 35 minutes with 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of hands-on work! No need to boil pasta, make a ricotta layer or brown meat... just layer ravioli with tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella, top with some parmesan cheese and bake!

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    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something simple and delicious. With just a little chopping to begin, you can enjoy a tasty meal of chicken, veggies, and plenty of sauce all cooked together in one pan.

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    Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice Casserole

    Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Fantabulosity.

    This chicken and rice dish is a classic family favorite that's simple to prepare in the oven. It combines tender chicken thighs with canned soups for a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

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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 delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    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 nights.

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

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    Shake and Bake Chicken

    Shake and Bake Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Shake and Bake Chicken is a simple and tasty dinner featuring juicy chicken covered in a crunchy homemade seasoning. Once you try this, you'll forget about the store-bought versions.

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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 great served hot or cold, making it perfect for gatherings.

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    Monterey Chicken Casserole

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

    This casserole is super simple to prepare. With zesty BBQ sauce, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese, it's a dish everyone will enjoy.

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    Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

    Million dollar casserole.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    This casserole combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, and cream of chicken soup, all topped with buttery Ritz crackers. It's a simple dish that's great for feeding a crowd.

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    Vegetarian Ravioli Bake

    Ravioli bake.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This dish is a family favorite that's easy to prepare. It's cheesy and packed with flavor, making it a hit for gatherings.

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    Dutch Oven Lasagna

    Dutch Oven Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    Dutch Oven Lasagna is a simple and delicious way to enjoy your favorite lasagna. It's cooked in a cast iron Dutch oven, making it perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare.

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    Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes

    Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits/

    This Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes recipe is super simple and perfect for feeding a crowd. With just 5 minutes of prep, everything cooks together on one pan for a delicious meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Fajita Casserole

    A chicken fajita casserole.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This chicken fajita casserole is an easy one-pan meal that brings the flavors of comfort food right to your table. It's also great for leftovers, making it a perfect choice for busy nights.

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    Baked Lemon Salmon on Veggies

    Baked Lemon Salmon on Veggies.
    Photo credit: Oh Sweet Culture Shock.

    This salmon dish is healthy and really simple to make. With fresh lemon slices and herbs, it's baked to perfection for a delicious meal any night of the week.

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    Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes

    Oven Baked One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    One pan chicken drumsticks and potatoes offer a simple solution for a weeknight dinner when you're short on time. With zesty chicken legs and nicely roasted potatoes, this dish is satisfying and pairs well with a quick green salad for a wholesome meal.

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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 potlucks or a quick weeknight dinner.

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    Sausage Tray Bake

    Sausage tray bake.
    Photo credit: Gluten Free Tranquility.

    This sausage tray bake is packed with flavor and is simple to prepare in just one pan. It's filled with veggies, potatoes, and gravy, making it a great option for gatherings.

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    King Ranch Chicken Casserole

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

    This easy casserole is a comforting Southern classic that everyone will love. With gooey cheese, chicken, and southwest flavors, it's perfect for feeding a crowd without much effort.

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    Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

    Chicken fajitas.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These sheet pan chicken fajitas are loaded with flavor but take just minutes to prep and bake. You'll have a hearty dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes with this foolproof recipe!

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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 feeding a crowd without putting in too much effort.

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    Ricotta Spinach Tortellini Bake

    Ricotta spinach casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Make this delicious tortellini bake in under 30 minutes, with a few simple steps. It's loaded with two types of cheese and lots of spinach for an indulgent dinner that's still full of nutrients. Perfect for weeknight dinners, or any time you need a quick meal!

    Get the recipe

    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 soft gnocchi, crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone.

    Get the recipe

    More Dump and Bake Recipes

    • Garlic mushroom chicken thighs.
      19 Dump-and-Cook Meals That Look Way More Impressive Than They Are
    • Greek chicken.
      22 Dump-And-Go Dinners That Will Transform Your Weeknight Meals
    • Hamburger minestrone.
      25 Cozy Dump-and-Cook Meals That Do All the Work for You
    • Chicken and rice casserole.
      25 Hearty Summer Dinners You Just Dump, Bake, and Dig Into

    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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