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Looking for dinner ideas that are as simple as they are delicious? Enter dump and bake recipes, the ultimate no-fuss solution for busy nights. These dishes let you toss a few ingredients into a dish, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a comforting meal with minimal cleanup. From cheesy casseroles to hearty stews, we’ve rounded up 10 easy dump-and-bake recipes that will save you time and make your taste buds happy. Let’s dive in!

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1. Mediterranean Chicken and Olives

A savory dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors. This easy recipe pairs tender chicken thighs with briny olives and juicy tomatoes, creating a delicious meal in one pan.

Mediterranean Chicken and Olives
Mediterranean Chicken and Olives

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Add the chicken thighs, cherry tomatoes, olives, and garlic to a baking dish.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
  4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Serve warm with crusty bread or rice to soak up the flavorful juices.

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2. Chili Mac

The ultimate comfort food! This one-pan chili mac combines the heartiness of chili with the coziness of macaroni for a meal everyone will love.

Chili Mac
Chili Mac

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large baking dish, mix the ground beef, beans, tomatoes, broth, macaroni, chili powder, and cumin. Stir to combine.
  3. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  4. Remove foil, stir, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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3. Shrimp and Tomato Rice Casserole

This seafood casserole is light, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The rice cooks to perfection while absorbing the delicious shrimp and tomato juices.

Shrimp and Tomato Rice Casserole
Shrimp and Tomato Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a baking dish, combine rice, tomatoes, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix.
  3. Spread the shrimp evenly over the top.
  4. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Remove foil and bake for 5 more minutes to lightly roast the shrimp.

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4. Parmesan Casserole

All the cheesy, saucy goodness of chicken parmesan with none of the hassle! This dish is a favorite for busy weeknights.

Parmesan Casserole
Parmesan Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or ziti work well)
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Layer the cooked chicken, pasta, and marinara sauce in a baking dish. Mix gently to combine.
  3. Sprinkle with mozzarella, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and drizzle with olive oil.
  4. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden.
  5. Serve hot with a green salad or garlic bread.

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5. BBQ Sweet Potato and Chicken Thighs

A sweet and smoky dish that combines juicy chicken thighs and caramelized sweet potatoes for a hearty and healthy dinner.

BBQ Sweet Potato and Chicken Thighs
BBQ Sweet Potato and Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the chicken thighs and sweet potato chunks in a baking dish.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and BBQ sauce. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender.
  5. Serve with steamed veggies or a side of rice.

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6. Taco Casserole

All the flavors of taco night baked into one delicious casserole! This recipe is perfect for layering on your favorite taco toppings.

Taco Casserole
Taco Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
  • 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a baking dish, layer ground beef, salsa, black beans, and corn. Top with crushed tortilla chips and cheese.
  3. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes to crisp the chips.
  4. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or chopped lettuce before serving.

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7. Pasta Primavera

A vibrant, veggie-packed casserole that’s perfect for a light and satisfying meal. This recipe brings fresh spring flavors to your table any time of year.

Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, cherry tomatoes)
  • 1½ cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Combine pasta, vegetables, broth, cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large baking dish. Stir to combine.
  3. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  4. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
  5. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 5 more minutes to lightly brown the top.

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8. Stuffed Shells Casserole

Love stuffed shells but hate the hassle? This dump-and-bake version delivers all the cheesy goodness without the extra work.

Stuffed Shells Casserole
Stuffed Shells Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells, uncooked
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1½ cups water

Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish. Arrange uncooked shells over the sauce in a single layer.
  4. Spoon the ricotta mixture into the shells, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Add water to the edges of the dish.
  5. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.

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9. Nacho Cheese Casserole

Cheesy, crunchy, and packed with flavor, this nacho-inspired casserole is perfect for parties or a fun family dinner.

Nacho Cheese Casserole
Nacho Cheese Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups tortilla chips, lightly crushed
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey, cooked
  • 1 can (10 oz) nacho cheese sauce
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sliced jalapeños (optional)

Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Layer tortilla chips, cooked ground beef, nacho cheese sauce, and salsa in a baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar and jalapeños (if using).
  4. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, or extra chips for dipping.

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10. Pot Roast Stew

A cozy, hearty meal that feels like it simmered for hours—but all you have to do is dump it and bake! This stew is perfect for chilly evenings.

Pot Roast Stew
Pot Roast Stew

Ingredients:

  • 1½ lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Add beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, broth, tomato paste, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper to a large baking dish. Stir to combine.
  3. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 2-2½ hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
  4. Serve warm with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner.

Conclusion

Dump-and-bake recipes are the ultimate solution for quick, delicious, and stress-free meals. Whether you’re craving cheesy casseroles, hearty stews, or vibrant veggie dishes, these recipes offer something for everyone. So grab your ingredients, toss them in a dish, and let your oven do the rest—dinner has never been this easy!

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