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    Home » Quick & Easy Meals » Dump and Bake Recipes

    30 Layer-and-Bake Dinners That Practically Cook Themselves

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated November 26, 2025 · Published November 26, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    intrThese 30 layer-and-bake dinners are perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just stack your ingredients, pop them in the oven, and let the magic happen. Enjoy delicious, comforting dishes with minimal effort!

    Southwestern Turkey and Rice Casserole

    Southwestern Turkey and Rice Casserole
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipes.

    This turkey and rice casserole is packed with layers of cheese, spices, and creamy goodness, creating a warm and satisfying meal. The crunchy corn tortilla topping gives it a delightful texture that complements the dish perfectly. It's a simple and comforting option for dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    Sausage Asparagus Pasta Bake

    Sausage Asparagus Pasta Bake
    Photo Credit: Buy This Ccook That.

    This pasta bake is a simple meal that comes together with just five easy ingredients. Fresh asparagus and sweet Italian sausage work well together, creating a dish that's both delicious and healthy. It's perfect for a quick dinner that doesn't require much effort.

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    Cajun Chicken Pasta Casserole

    Cajun chicken pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Practically Homemade.

    This casserole brings together tasty Cajun flavors and a creamy sauce that comes together while it bakes. It's a simple dish that eliminates the need to boil pasta, making dinner quick and easy.

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    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

    sun-dried tomato pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features a comforting mix of cheesy chicken and pasta, along with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It's simple to prepare and ideal for a relaxing night in.

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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 perfect for busy evenings. Everything goes into one dish, making it easy to prepare and bake for a quick and satisfying meal. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Shepherd's Pie Tater Tot Casserole

    Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish brings together tater tot casserole and shepherd's pie into a delicious one-pot meal. It includes frozen veggies for added nutrition and is topped with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. This is a satisfying dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

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    No Boil Stuffed Pepper Casserole

    No Boil Stuffed Pepper Casserole on a baking dish.
    Photo Credit: Piper Cooks.

    This casserole is easy to prepare and doesn't require boiling anything. It includes bell peppers, navy beans, white rice, and a tasty tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs. It's a simple dish that brings together great flavors without much effort.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is super simple to prepare, loaded with cheese, and really filling. It's a great choice for a cozy evening at home.

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    Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

    Pizza pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    This pizza pasta bake is a great option for busy nights when you need something quick and satisfying. Everything comes together in one pan, making it simple to prepare. Just throw it in the oven, and you'll have a cheesy, delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    One Pan Falafel Bake

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

    This dinner combines falafel, beans, tomatoes, kale, and a cheesy topping all in one pan. It's an easy vegetarian casserole that's great for busy evenings.

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    Spicy Strata with Chorizo

    Spicy Breakfast Strata with Chorizo
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This filling casserole features chorizo, cheddar cheese, and bread cubes, creating a satisfying meal for any time of day. It's an easy dish to put together, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Baked Ravioli Casserole

    Baked Ravioli Casserole.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This baked ravioli casserole is quick and easy to prepare, taking only 20 minutes with very little effort since you don't have to boil the ravioli. It's perfect for busy weeknights and can be prepped in advance, so you can store it in the fridge or freezer for later. This dish is a simple and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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    Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake

    Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Rich and Delish.

    This tuna pasta bake is creamy and full of flavor, combining canned tuna with gooey mozzarella cheese. It uses basic ingredients that mix together effortlessly, making it a great choice for a filling meal.

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    Veggie Loaded Tater Tot Casserole

    Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    This dish combines creamy vegetables with a crunchy layer of golden tater tots, making it a hit for any meal. With only 10 minutes of prep time, it's ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in.

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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 simple to put together. With just four ingredients and some pre-made items, you can whip it up in about 5 minutes and have it served in under 40. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Layer and Bake Reuben Casserole

    Layer and Bake Reuben Casserole
    Photo Credit: Feast and Farm.

    This Reuben casserole is simple to make and captures all the delicious flavors of the classic sandwich. With a few store-bought ingredients, you can whip up this tasty one-pan dish in no time. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

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    Company Casserole

    Company Casserole (Ground Beef Pasta Casserole)
    Photo Credit: Neighbor Food Blog.

    Company Casserole features ground beef and pasta mixed in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. It's a dish that really lives up to its name, offering a comforting meal that everyone loves. This casserole is easy to prepare in advance, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family.

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    Meatball Casserole

    Meatball casserole served on a dish.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    This casserole features tender meatballs and pasta mixed with a creamy blend of marinara sauce, cream, broth, and gooey cheese, all baked together in a single dish. It's a comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines chicken and broccoli for a hearty meal that's sure to fill you up. It's an excellent choice for busy evenings when you want something easy to prepare. Plus, you'll probably have some leftovers to enjoy the next day.

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    Farmer's Casserole

    Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole.
    Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This casserole is filling and delicious, ideal for dinner or a comforting breakfast. It's an easy dish that everyone will love, no matter when you serve it.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

    This dish is easy to prepare and can be on the table in under an hour. It features spicy buffalo sauce, fresh spinach, and lots of cheese, creating a tasty meal perfect for any night. It's a great option when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Pizza Baked Butter Beans

    Baked butter beans in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Life as a Strawberry.

    Easy pizza baked beans are a quick and comforting meal when time is tight. Simply combine canned beans with pizza sauce, toss in your favorite toppings, and bake. In about 30 minutes, you'll have a delicious dinner ready to enjoy.

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    Vegetarian Ravioli Bake

    Ravioli bake.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This dish is a classic favorite that the whole family will love. It's loaded with cheese and delicious flavors, making it a great option for a cozy dinner at home.

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    Swiss Chard & Gruyere Casserole

    Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole with Swiss Chard and Gruyere
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady

    This casserole is great for making in advance and can easily feed a group. It's loaded with veggies, eggs, cheese, and bread, making it a versatile choice for any meal. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dish is simple to put together and satisfying.

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    Classic Tater Tot Casserole

    Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Bitz & Giggles.

    This casserole is a simple and delicious meal that the whole family will love. It comes together quickly with just a few basic ingredients, making it perfect for busy nights. With minimal effort, you can have a satisfying dish ready to serve.

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    Tuna Sushi Bake

    Tuna Sushi Bake on a white dish.
    Photo Credit: Piper Cooks.

    This simple sushi bake brings together rice, canned tuna, nori, and a spicy mayo topping. It's a great option for busy evenings or when you want to prepare something quick for friends. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love.

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    Big Mac Casserole

    Big Mac Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This casserole combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots, all topped with a delicious Big Mac sauce. It's a fun and filling meal that adds a twist to your dinner routine. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Baked Ham Penne Pasta

    Baked Ham Penne Pasta.
    Photo credit: Miss in the Kitchen.

    Baked Ham Penne Pasta is a great choice for busy weeknights when you want something easy and satisfying. This dish combines penne pasta with delicious ham and a creamy garlic cheese sauce, making it a perfect way to use up leftover ham. It's simple to prepare and will keep everyone happy at the dinner table.

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    Egg, Ham & Potato Casserole

    Leftover Egg, Ham and Potato Casserole.
    Photo credit: Hearth & Vine.

    This dish brings together eggs, ham, and potatoes in a comforting casserole. It's called Rakott Krumpli in Hungary and is a filling meal that's simple to make. It's also a great way to use up any leftovers you have on hand.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole puts a twist on taco night by combining all your favorite ingredients into one easy dish. Featuring ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, it's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a get-together with friends. It's a simple way to enjoy the flavors of tacos without the fuss.

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    More Dump and Bake Recipes

    • CREAMY BAKED ZITI.
      Dump, Bake, and Enjoy: 40 Gourmet Dinners Made Simple
    • Brie mac and cheese.
      Brie Mac and Cheese
    • Steak pasta casserole.
      This Is How I Make My Dinner Cook Itself
    • Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
      Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole With Walnuts

    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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