Are you tired of spending precious time in the kitchen after a long day? You’re not alone. Many of us crave a delicious meal without the hassle of complicated prep work, and that’s exactly why I created this post. With busy schedules and hungry family members, you need quick solutions that don’t skimp on flavor.
If you’re a busy parent or someone juggling work and home life, this collection is for you. You care about finding meals that are easy, satisfying, and perfect for weeknights when time is short. No one wants to deal with multiple pots and pans after a long day. You want something simple that the whole family will enjoy.
In this post, I’ve gathered 12 dump-and-bake dinner recipes that fit the bill perfectly. These one-pan meals are not only easy to prepare, but they also offer a variety of flavors that keep family dinners interesting. From One-Pan Cheesy Chicken and Rice to Baked Ziti with Spinach, you’ll find recipes that are both comforting and quick to make. Each recipe comes with minimal prep, so you can spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
Let’s dive into these hassle-free cooking ideas that will transform your weeknight dinners from stressful to enjoyable. With these quick dinner recipes, you’ll discover that zero-prep meals can be just as fun and delicious.
Key Takeaways
– You’ll find 12 easy-to-make dump-and-bake dinner recipes suitable for busy weeknights.
– Each recipe is designed to require minimal prep time, allowing for a hassle-free cooking experience.
– Many of the meals are family-friendly and cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.
– Enjoy flavorful one-pan meals like Taco Bake with Cornbread Topping and Mediterranean Chickpea Casserole.
– These recipes will help you create memorable family dinners without the stress of extensive cooking.
1. One-Pan Cheesy Chicken and Rice
Craving cozy weeknight dinner? This One-Pan Cheesy Chicken and Rice keeps prep simple and flavor big. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melty cheese bake together in one dish for easy cleanup.You’ll love the creamy finish and the way all the pieces bake in harmony, saving you time for family time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups uncooked rice
– 4 chicken thighs, skinless
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large baking dish, combine the rice, chicken broth, onion, and peas.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and place them on top of the rice mixture.
4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Remove foil, add cheese, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly.For added flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite spices before cooking.
FAQs:
– Can I use brown rice? Yes, just adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
One-Pan Cheesy Chicken and Rice
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2. Italian Sausage and Veggies Bake
Craving a hearty, veggie-loaded supper with bold flavor? The Italian Sausage and Veggies Bake brings roasted garlic, savory sausage, and colorful vegetables into one sizzling pan. It’s that warm, homey dinner you crave after a long day.Serves four with minimal prep and big aroma.Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
– 2 bell peppers, chopped
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 red onion, quartered
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large baking dish, toss together the sausage, vegetables, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread everything out evenly and bake for 25-30 minutes until sausage is cooked and veggies are tender.For extra texture, add some parmesan cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
FAQs:
– Can I use turkey sausage? Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great lower-fat alternative.
Italian Sausage and Veggies Bake
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Want taco night without the mess? This Taco Bake with Cornbread Topping layers seasoned beef, beans, and cheese, all crowned with a golden cornbread crust. It’s a warm, family-friendly one-pan winner.Serves six with simple, comfort-food vibes.Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 can black beans, drained
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheese
– 1 box cornbread mix
– 1 egg (for cornbread)
– 1 cup water (for cornbread)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Mix in taco seasoning and black beans.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle cheese on top.
4. In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions, then pour over the beef mixture.
5. Bake for 30 minutes until the cornbread is golden and cooked through.Serve with sour cream and salsa for a delicious finish. You can also add bell peppers for extra crunch!
FAQs:
– Can I make this vegetarian? Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu for a veggie version.
Taco Bake with Cornbread Topping
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Lawry’s Taco Spices & Seasonings Mix, 1 oz (Pack of 12)
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Amazon$31.994. Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake
Craving something creamy and comforting? This Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake brings together al dente pasta and a silky pesto cream sauce. A few cherry tomatoes and mozzarella finish it with color and gooey goodness.It’s a cozy dinner that comes together fast and feeds a hungry crowd.Ingredients:
– 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
– 1 cup pesto sauce
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, pesto, cream, cherry tomatoes, and half the mozzarella.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then pour into a greased baking dish.
4. Top with remaining mozzarella and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.Feel free to add grilled chicken or spinach for more nutrition!
FAQs:
– Can I use store-bought pesto? Yes, store-bought pesto works great for convenience!
Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake
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5. BBQ Chicken and Quinoa Bake
Looking for a hearty, protein-packed dish? The BBQ Chicken and Quinoa Bake delivers a smoky-sweet flavor with wholesome quinoa and beans. It’s a one-pan staple that feeds the crowd without fuss.Quick to assemble and big on satisfaction.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked quinoa
– 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 cup corn kernels
– 1 cup black beans, rinsed
– 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, corn, and black beans.
3. Pour into a greased baking dish and top with cheese.
4. Bake for 30 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.Experiment with different BBQ sauces for varied flavors!
FAQs:
– Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa? Yes, but cooking times may vary.
BBQ Chicken and Quinoa Bake
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Looking for a bright, plant-forward dinner? The Mediterranean Chickpea Casserole packs chickpeas, lemon, and herbs into a cozy bake. It’s satisfying, colorful, and perfect for meatless nights or when you want something lighter.Frames of sunshine in a pan, ready in under an hour.
Ingredients:
– 2 cans chickpeas, drained
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp oregano
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, bell pepper, zucchini, diced tomatoes, oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the mixture in a greased baking dish and bake for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.Top with feta cheese or parsley before serving for extra flavor.
FAQs:
– Can I add other veggies? Absolutely! Feel free to throw in any seasonal vegetables you have on hand.
Mediterranean Chickpea Casserole
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7. Sweet and Sour Chicken Bake
Crave the tang of sweet and sour? This Chicken Bake coats chicken in a glossy sauce with peppers and pineapple for a balanced, weeknight-friendly dish. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.A family-friendly favorite that comes together in minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken cubes, sweet and sour sauce, bell pepper, and pineapple.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
4. Serve over cooked rice.For added crunch, toss in some cashews before baking.
FAQs:
– Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, just ensure it’s thoroughly cooked before serving.
Sweet and Sour Chicken Bake
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8. Ranch Chicken and Potato Bake
If you love ranch flavor, this Ranch Chicken and Potato Bake is a must-try. Juicy chicken and crispy potatoes meet zesty ranch seasoning for a crowd-pleasing, one-pan meal.Simple, comforting, and satisfying with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients:
– 4 chicken breasts
– 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
– 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss chicken and potatoes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread in a greased baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are golden.
4. Adding some green beans in the last 15 minutes of baking adds color and nutrition!FAQs:
– Can I use salad dressing instead of seasoning mix? Yes, ranch salad dressing works as a flavorful alternative.
Ranch Chicken and Potato Bake
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9. Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Bake
Brighten your dinner routine with lemon, garlic, shrimp, and asparagus baked together. This fresh combo cooks fast and tastes like a sunny evening on a plate.Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal that pairs well with rice or pasta.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a baking dish, combine shrimp, asparagus, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Bake 15-20 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.Serve immediately to enjoy the bright flavors at their peak.
FAQs:
– Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just ensure they are thawed before baking.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Bake
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10. Creamy Chicken and Spinach Bake
Creamy, comforting, and built for busy nights. This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Bake tosses tender chicken with spinach in a silky sauce for a satisfying finish.A cozy dish you can serve solo or with crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken breast, diced
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 cup cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, spinach, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread mixture in a greased baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake for 30 minutes until chicken is cooked and cheese is bubbly.Pair with a simple salad or crusty bread for balance.
FAQs:
– Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, just thaw and drain excess water before using.
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Bake
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Looking for a make-ahead meal that tastes like brunch at home? This Vegetable and Cheese Breakfast Bake fits the bill. Eggs meet colorful vegetables and gooey cheese for a versatile dish you can enjoy anytime.Great for meal prep and easy to customize with your favorites.
Ingredients:
– 8 eggs
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, onions)
– 1 cup shredded cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in mixed vegetables and cheese, then pour into a greased baking dish.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes until eggs are set.Serve with hot sauce for a little kick.
FAQs:
– Can I add meat? Yes! Cooked bacon or sausage can be added for extra flavor.
Vegetable and Cheese Breakfast Bake
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 11:04 PM
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12. Baked Ziti with Spinach
Finish the week with a cozy, cheesy Baked Ziti loaded with spinach. This crowd-pleaser layers pasta with marinara, spinach, and plenty of mozzarella for a comforting finish.A dependable, make-ahead option that reheats beautifully.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups cooked ziti pasta
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta, and spinach.
3. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.Add some Italian sausage for a meaty twist.
FAQs:
– Can I use whole wheat pasta? Yes, whole wheat pasta is a great alternative for added fiber.
Baked Ziti with Spinach
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With these dump-and-bake dinner recipes, weeknight dinners can be as easy as a simple toss-and-bake. Each recipe is designed to bring joy to busy families, delivering delicious meals without the stress! So, gather your loved ones, try these recipes, and enjoy a hassle-free dinner experience that everyone will appreciate.
Which dish are you excited to try first? Let us know in the comments below!
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