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    Home » Quick & Easy Meals » Dump and Bake Recipes

    33 Set-and-Forget Dinners That Will Save Your Evening

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 11, 2025 · Published January 9, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    After a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. These 33 set-and-forget dinners are perfect for busy evenings, allowing you to prepare a meal with minimal effort. Just set it up and let it cook while you relax or take care of other things.

    Sheet Pan Kielbasa & Veggies

    Sheet pan kielbasa and veggies.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    This dinner is super easy and only needs one sheet pan to prepare. Just pick your favorite sausage and veggies, and you're all set!

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    Pizza Baked Butter Beans

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

    Pizza baked beans are a simple dinner option that combines canned beans with pizza sauce and your favorite toppings, all baked until hot and bubbly. Serve it with some crusty bread for a warm and satisfying meal that's ready in just 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple meal uses just 8 ingredients and is perfect for a tasty dinner any night. Featuring soft gnocchi, crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it's a dish that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Ranch Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies

    Sheet pan with chicken and veggies.
    Photo credit: Budget Delicious.

    This easy sheet pan dinner with chicken and veggies is perfect for busy families who need a quick and healthy meal. Just toss everything together, put it in the oven, and dinner is ready in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage & Veggies

    Gnocchi sheet bake.
    Photo credit: Living Lou.

    Baking gnocchi, sausage, and veggies on a sheet pan is an easy way to prepare dinner. In just 25 minutes, you'll have a delicious meal with minimal cleanup.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Gnocchi Bake

    Baked gnocchi.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    This easy dinner can be prepared quickly and requires minimal effort. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Taco Casserole

    Taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Taco Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese for a simple weeknight dinner. This dish can be prepared in advance and is great for freezing, making it perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is great for busy nights when you want something delicious with minimal effort. Simply chop some ingredients, toss them on a pan, and let the oven handle the rest for a satisfying meal with chicken, veggies, and a tasty sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This meal features chicken and broccoli, making it a filling option for dinner. It's also great to have as leftovers the next day.

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    Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake

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

    A tuna pasta bake is a simple dish that combines canned tuna, mozzarella cheese, and a few basic ingredients. It's an easy meal that you can prepare with minimal effort.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake

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

    This creamy and cheesy pesto pasta bake is made in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It's quick to prepare and has a delicious flavor that rivals restaurant dishes.

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    Baked Vegan Pasta

    Vegan pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Plant Based Folk.

    This vegan pasta bake is creamy and full of vegetables, and there's no need to boil the noodles beforehand. It's great served hot or cold!

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

    A spoonful of Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    This casserole features creamy chicken, mixed vegetables, and a crunchy layer of tater tots on top. It can be prepared in advance and frozen for later, or baked right away for a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Salmon

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

    Pesto Salmon is quick to prepare and takes only 15 minutes. The salmon is covered in a blend of Greek yogurt and pesto, making it a great option for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is quick to make and can be ready in less than an hour. With spicy buffalo sauce, fresh spinach, and plenty of cheese, this dish is a simple and delicious choice for any evening.

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    Butternut Cauliflower Soup

    A bowl of soup topped with cheese and bacon.
    Photo credit: Peas and Crayons.

    This soup is easy to prepare in your slow cooker or pressure cooker. It's full of flavor and great for a cozy evening in the winter.

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    Teriyaki Salmon

    Teriyaki salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This simple salmon dish is easy to prepare and can be made with store-bought teriyaki sauce or a homemade version. It's a delicious option that you'll appreciate for a quick and satisfying meal.

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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 incredibly easy to prepare. With just four ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

    Get the recipe

    Sausage Tray Bake

    Sausage tray bake.
    Photo credit: Gluten Free Tranquility.

    This sausage tray bake is full of flavor and is super easy to prepare in just one pan. With a mix of vegetables, potatoes, and gravy, it's a hearty meal that requires minimal effort.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

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

    This dinner features cheesy chicken, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach for a filling and easy meal. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without a lot of work.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

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

    This recipe shows how to prepare tasty lamb chops easily. By baking them with vegetables on a sheet pan, you'll get juicy and flavorful results every time.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Ravioli Casserole

    Baked Ravioli Casserole.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Baked ravioli is super easy to prepare, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish with only 5 minutes of prep time. There's no need to boil the ravioli first, so it's a quick meal that you can even make ahead and keep in the fridge or freezer.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken

    Sheet pan prosciutto wrapped chicken.
    Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    This easy sheet pan dinner includes chicken wrapped in prosciutto, making it simple to prepare. It's a quick meal that you can set in the oven and forget about while it cooks.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Chicken Pasta Casserole

    Cajun chicken pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Practically Homemade.

    This cajun casserole is packed with flavor and super easy to prepare. Just throw everything in the oven without cooking the pasta first, and you'll have a creamy dish ready to enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

    Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore.
    Photo Credit: Bowl Me Over,

    This dish features tender chicken along with bell peppers, onions, and zucchini all simmered in a tasty Italian sauce. It's a simple recipe that's great for a busy weeknight dinner.

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    Baked Ranch Chicken

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

    This dish features tender chicken baked in a creamy sauce, topped with flavorful gravy and crispy breadcrumbs. It's a simple and satisfying meal that you can prepare with minimal effort.

    Get the recipe

    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Mac and Cheese is a simple and tasty dish you can prepare in no time. Just spend 10 minutes getting it ready, then let it bake in the oven for 45 minutes for a cheesy meal with Cheddar and Gruyere, all made in one pan.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pan Maple Dijon Chicken

    One-Pan Maple Dijon Chicken
    Photo Credit: Simply Stacie.

    Baking chicken with butternut squash, purple potatoes, and broccoli in one pan creates a simple and delicious dinner. This healthy meal cooks on its own, allowing you to focus on other things while it bakes.

    Get the recipe

    Enchilada Bake

    Enchilada bake.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    Enchilada Bake is simple to prepare with ingredients you likely have on hand, and it's tasty enough to be a family favorite. There's no need to turn on the oven; just let your slow cooker handle everything.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Thigh Tray Bake

    Chicken thigh tray bake.
    Photo credit: Living Lou.

    This chicken thigh tray bake is simple to prepare and perfect for a quick family dinner, taking less than 45 minutes. Just toss chicken thighs, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and carrots together in a flavorful marinade and roast them.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken & Broccoli Over Rice

    Slow Cooker Chicken & Broccoli Over Rice.
    Photo Credit: The Quicker Kitchen,

    Slow cooker chicken and broccoli over rice is a simple dish that cooks itself while you go about your day. This family-friendly meal combines tender chicken in a creamy sauce with plenty of broccoli, all served over rice for an easy dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs & Sweet Potatoes

    Sheet pan chicken thighs.
    Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    This dish is easy to prepare and really filling. With just a few simple ingredients, it comes together quickly.

    Get the recipe

    Firecracker Salmon

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

    Firecracker Salmon is a quick and easy dinner option that features a flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked fish. This spicy dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    More Dump and Bake Recipes

    • A pan full of baked spaghetti.
      14 Dump-and-Go Dinners You Can Toss Together in Minutes
    • Chicken thigh tray bake.
      17 Easy Dump-and-Go Recipes Perfect for Busy Weeknights
    • Lazy lasagna.
      15 Easy Dump-and-Go Dinners for Effortless Evenings
    • A spoonful of chicken fajita casserole.
      21 Hearty Dump-and-Bake Meals That Almost Cook Themselves

    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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