Some nights you just need a quick and easy meal that doesn’t require prep work! All of these dump and bake dinners come together in minutes, take advantage of smart kitchen shortcuts, and taste delicious. From lightened-up chicken Parmesan, to chicken Alfredo casserole, sheet pan smoked sausage with crispy potatoes, and country pork chops with rice, there’s a hearty, satisfying, and simple dish for every craving!
Easy Dump Dinners
What can I throw in the oven for dinner? That’s the question that so many of us ask multiple nights per week, because no matter what else is on the agenda, our family needs to eat! Some days we have time for made-from-scratch casseroles or more time-consuming, complicated meals (like the ultimate pot roast), but often the schedule is tight, we’re tired, and we feel uninspired in the kitchen. That’s where these easy dump dinners come into play!
There’s almost zero prep necessary, and then the oven does the work. Sound too good to be true? It’s not. I have an entire category on this website devoted to dump-and-bake recipes. This convenient compilation is designed to highlight some of our favorite dump dinners, organized in a way that’s easy for you to find them quickly. Bookmark this page so that you can come back to it later, because these are the lifesavers that you’ll turn to again and again. Let’s dive in!
What does Dump Dinner mean?
A dump dinner is any meal that comes together with almost no preparation. In other words, you “dump” the ingredients into the pan, pot, casserole dish, or slow cooker, and your job is done! Sometimes called “dump and go dinners,” “dump and run” options, or “dump-and-bake” recipes, these are easy dinner ideas to throw in the oven!
For instance, instead of pre-boiling the rice, it’s added to the pan while the rice is still raw. Instead of chopping a bunch of vegetables, you might just reach for a bag of pre-diced frozen mixed vegetables. Instead of making a roux from scratch, you might start a casserole sauce with a can of cream of chicken soup. You get the idea! These are quick-prep, simple dinner solutions for the busiest (or laziest!) home cooks. No, they’re not the finest gourmet meals, but sometimes good is good enough!
Our Favorite Dump-and-Bake Dinners
I’ve pulled together some of our favorite (or most popular) dump-and-bake dinners, broken down into the following categories:
- Dump and Bake Chicken Dinners
- Dump and Bake Beef Recipes
- Pork Recipes to Dump and Go
- Vegetarian Dump and Bake Recipes
- Healthy Dump and Bake Dinners
- Dump and Bake Pasta
- Dump and Bake Rice
Dump and Bake Chicken Dinners
From Chinese takeout-inspired meals to saucy baked chicken breast and cozy casseroles, these family-friendly chicken dump dinners are sure to please!
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Vegetable Casserole
An easy one-dish dinner that includes chicken, a creamy herb sauce, and frozen mixed vegetables topped with cheese and buttered crumbs!
Chicken Divan Casserole
Chicken divan casserole is a dump-and-bake recipe that makes weeknight dinners easy and delicious!
Healthy General Tso Chicken
It's baked, not fried! This healthy General Tso chicken recipe is a lighter version of the Chinese restaurant classic — with about 10 minutes of prep.
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Potato Casserole
An easy comfort food dinner comes together in just minutes with this dump-and-bake chicken and potato casserole!
Baked Teriyaki Chicken
This 5-ingredient, one-dish, baked teriyaki chicken recipe is about as easy as it gets!
Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits
A cozy, comforting chicken pot pie with biscuits: an easy, Southern-style dinner that everyone will love.
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Lighter, healthier, and even more delicious than restaurant take-out, this baked sweet and sour chicken is a one-dish meal with just 10 minutes of prep!
Cranberry Chicken
This easy, 5-ingredient chicken with cranberry sauce makes the perfect weeknight dinner!
Cool Ranch Dorito Chicken Casserole
This dump-and-bake Cool Ranch Dorito Chicken Casserole is an easy dinner for busy weeknights!
Baked Curry Chicken
This simple dump-and-bake curry chicken recipe is as easy as it is delicious! Filled with the warm flavors of Indian and Thai cuisine, this homemade chicken curry and vegetables takes only a few minutes of prep.
Dump-and-Bake Rosemary Chicken and Potatoes
Crispy, flavorful and healthy! This Dump-and-Bake Rosemary Chicken and Potatoes is an easy dinner recipe that comes together with almost no prep work.
Dump-and-Bake Crack Chicken
In the oven or in the slow cooker, this Dump-and-Bake Crack Chicken is an addicting easy dinner recipe that your family will love! Serve the creamy, cheesy, bacon and Ranch chicken in sandwiches, in wraps, on a salad, or over rice or pasta.
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Stuffing Casserole
You only need 5 ingredients and 10 minutes to prepare this easy dinner recipe for Dump-and-Bake Chicken Stuffing Casserole!
Dump-and-Bake Chicken and Cornbread Casserole
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken and Cornbread Casserole comes together in about 10 minutes and requires only a handful of kitchen staples. A cozy, comfort food meal has never been quicker!
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Sausage, Apple and Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet, savory and full of flavor, this healthy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Sausage, Apple and Sweet Potato Casserole is an easy dinner recipe that comes together in just 10 minutes!
Kung Pao Chicken
Skip the Chinese restaurant carryout and prepare a lighter version of your favorite dish at home with this dump-and-bake Kung Pao chicken.
Sheet Pan Honey Apricot Chicken and Asparagus
This honey apricot chicken only requires 10 minutes prep and is full of flavor! Better yet it’s all made on one pan so there’s less cleaning up involved too!
Dump-and-Bake Cream of Mushroom Chicken
With just 5 minutes of prep and 5 simple ingredients, this baked cream of mushroom chicken is the perfect meal for busy weeknights!
Dump-and-Bake French Onion Chicken
With just 10 minutes of prep, this Dump-and-Bake French Onion Chicken is an easy dinner recipe that wins the stamp of approval from even the pickiest little kids!
Dump and Bake Beef Recipes
Whether you’re looking for an easy casserole or dump and bake ground beef recipes, I bet you’ll find your new favorite weeknight dinner on this list!
Baked Corned Beef and Cabbage
This oven baked corned beef and cabbage is a cozy one-pot meal perfect for St. Patrick's Day!
Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole with Veggies
You don’t even have to boil the pasta or sauté the vegetables for this easy, cheesy, dump-and-bake meatball casserole with veggies!
Dump-and-Bake Ground Beef Casserole with Rice
A cheesy, comforting ground beef and rice casserole with just 10 minutes of hands-on prep. No need to brown the meat or boil the rice first. Just dump, stir, and let the oven do the work for an easy weeknight dinner.
Dump-and-Bake Swiss Steak
A simple one pot meal, this Dump-and-Bake Swiss Steak is an easy dinner recipe that can be prepared in the oven or in the Crock Pot.
5-Ingredient Dump-and-Bake Beefaroni
This homemade Dump-and-Bake Beefaroni recipe only requires about 5 minutes of prep!
Meatball Subs with Frozen Meatballs
Toss together these 5-ingredient meatballs subs with frozen meatballs for an easy weeknight dinner with just 5 minutes of prep!
Dump-and-Bake Beef Stroganoff Casserole
This Dump-and-Bake Beef Stroganoff Casserole is a simplified, shortcut version of the classic favorite — and you don’t even have to boil the pasta!
Pork Recipes to Dump and Go
Pork chops or sausage, what’s your favorite? Mix up the regular weeknight meal rotation with one of these easy dump dinners!
Sheet Pan Andouille Sausage with Veggies
Andouille sausage, greens, peppers, and onions bake on a single tray in about 30 minutes!
Ham and Rice Casserole
Stir together this easy ham and rice casserole with about 5 minutes of prep!
Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage
The easiest weeknight dinner recipe! This Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage comes together on a single pan, and roasts in the oven until the dumplings are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Pork Chop and Rice Casserole
A comforting pork chop and rice casserole where juicy pork chops bake with seasoned creamy rice in one easy dish.
Dump-and-Bake Bratwurst Recipe
You only need 4 ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep for this Dump-and-Bake Bratwurst recipe with potatoes and sauerkraut!
Low Country Boil
This baked "low country boil" is an entire dinner that cooks on one tray — with just 10 minutes of prep.
4-Ingredient Oven Baked Pork Chops
You only need 4 ingredients and about 5 minutes to prepare these flavorful, juicy, and tender baked pork chops.
Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes
Zesty smoked sausage and crispy seasoned potatoes bake on one tray for an easy dinner with just 10 minutes of prep!
Dump-and-Bake Sausage, Red Beans and Rice Casserole
You only need 5 ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep for this easy Dump-and-Bake Sausage, Red Beans and Rice Casserole!
Dump-and-Bake Boneless Baked Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing
These Dump-and-Bake Boneless Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing are full of flavor, require just a few minutes of prep, and stay moist and tender thanks to a few special tricks.
Sheet Pan Supper: Sausage, Green Beans and Crispy Potatoes
This Sheet Pan Supper is an easy one pan dinner that’s loaded with Italian sausage, tender green beans, and crispy oven-roasted potatoes!
Dump-and-Bake Ham and Asparagus Casserole
Welcome spring or take advantage of leftover Easter ham with this easy dump-and-bake ham and asparagus casserole!
Dump-and-Bake BBQ Pulled Pork Casserole
Smoked bbq pulled pork, rice, veggies, and cheese come together in one easy dish!
Vegetarian Dump and Bake Recipes
Looking for a “Meatless Monday” option? Or just a budget-friendly way to get a meal on the table quickly? Try one of these simple and flavorful vegetarian dump and bake dinners!
Baked Ravioli
Assemble this ravioli casserole with frozen ravioli and pop it straight into the oven!
Mixed Vegetable Casserole
An easy dump-and-bake vegetarian casserole that's hearty enough for dinner or as a flavorful side dish.
Dump-and-Bake White Bean Pasta
This white bean pasta includes pesto, spinach, sundried tomatoes, and marinara in a single dish for an easy and satisfying vegetarian meal.
One-Pot Homemade Spaghetti O’s
Serve these homemade Spaghetti O's for a quick and easy one-pot vegetarian family dinner that's ready for the table in about 30 minutes!
Crock Pot or Oven Ratatouille
A healthy, fresh, and easy ratatouille recipe for the oven or slow cooker!
Dump-and-Bake 3-Cheese Baked Ziti
This creamy, cheesy baked ziti uses a simple dump-and-bake method, so there's no need to boil the pasta first. Cottage cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella create layers of melty goodness, while the uncooked ziti bakes right in the marinara sauce. It's a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner with just 10 minutes of hands-on prep.
Dump-and-Bake Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
You don't even have to boil the pasta for this easy dump-and-bake creamy tomato basil pasta!
No-Boil Easy Mac and Cheese
The easiest mac and cheese with just 5 ingredients and no boiling the pasta!
4-Ingredient Baked Tortellini
With this easy dump-and-bake dinner, frozen ravioli goes straight from the freezer to the oven — no boiling or thawing necessary!
Dump-and-Bake Wagon Wheel Pasta Casserole
With just 3 ingredients and about 5 minutes of prep, this dump-and-bake wagon wheel pasta casserole is an easy, cheesy vegetarian dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights. No boiling required!
Healthy Dump and Bake Dinners
Keep it light and fresh with these healthy dump and bake dinners! We’ve got a 4-ingredient casserole, a salmon sheet pan supper, and Italian-inspired chicken dishes to choose from.
Healthy Chicken Parmesan
Just as cheesy and kid-friendly as the original, this baked chicken parm is a healthier, easier twist on the classic dinner!
Dump-and-Bake Shrimp Marinara
An easy baked shrimp marinara pasta casserole with just 10 minutes of prep!
Dump-and-Bake Chicken and Rice with Summer Veggies
A fresh, healthy, and easy dinner that takes advantage of the season's best produce!
Dump-and-Bake Sesame Chicken Noodles
Sesame noodles with chicken bake together in a single dish for an easy dinner with just 10 minutes of prep!
Sheet Pan Salmon
With just 5 ingredients, this sheet pan dinner with maple-glazed salmon, sweet potatoes, and broccoli is an easy way to serve a healthy meal!
Fitness and Nutrition Coaching
Easy Chicken Enchilada CasseroleWith just 4 basic ingredients you can have a healthy and easy chicken enchilada casserole ready to go in the oven — with only 10 minutes of prep time!
Dump-and-Bake Honey Soy Chicken
This sweet and savory honey soy chicken is an easy dump-and-bake recipe everyone will love!
Dump-and-Bake Italian Fish Recipe with Broccoli and Rice
This Dump-and-Bake Italian Fish Recipe with Broccoli and Rice is an entire meal that cooks in one dish!
Dump-and-Bake Basil Chicken Breasts
Fresh and healthy baked basil chicken breasts with just 5 minutes of prep!
Dump-and-Bake Bruschetta Chicken
Your favorite Italian appetizer turned into a delicious entree! This Bruschetta Chicken is baked with a yummy balsamic glaze and topped with a fresh tomato and basil topping.
Dump-and-Bake Salsa Chicken
This easy baked salsa chicken requires just one dish and about 10 minutes of prep for a nutritious and family-friendly dinner!
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
This easy and healthy dump-and-bake Chicken Cacciatore recipe only requires 10 minutes of prep! Get a healthy, satisfying dinner on the table fast with this dump and go recipe.
Baked Pesto Chicken Thighs
You only need four ingredients and five minutes of prep for this easy dump-and-bake pesto chicken recipe! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner that's flavorful and healthy!
Maple Dijon Chicken
This dump and bake maple balsamic chicken requires minimal prep and has a ton of flavor!
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This easy one-dish dinner is healthy, easy to prepare, and incredibly family-friendly!
Dump and Bake Pasta Recipes
Love pasta? These easy dump dinners allow you to add uncooked pasta straight to the baking dish, and let the oven do the work. No pre-boiling necessary!
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
You don't even have to boil the pasta for this easy meatball casserole!
Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
You don't even have to boil the pasta or pre-cook the chicken for this easy chicken pot pie pasta recipe!
Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake
This easy Cajun chicken pasta comes together in one dish. You don't even have to boil the noodles first!
Dump-and-Bake Creamy Tomato Pasta with Turkey Meatballs
The quickest and coziest weeknight dinner — complete with creamy tomato rigatoni, flavorful turkey meatballs, and plenty of cheese on top!
Hot Dog Casserole
An easy dump-and-bake dinner that bakes in one dish with just 10 minutes of prep!
Dump-and-Bake Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
This easy weeknight dinner bakes entirely in one dish!
Chicken Alfredo Casserole
You only need 10 minutes of prep and one dish for this easy chicken Alfredo bake!
Summer Pasta (Dump-and-Bake!)
This dump-and-bake summer pasta with corn, zucchini, tomatoes, and chicken is a quick, flavorful, and easy meal that the whole family will love!
Dump-and-Bake Buffalo Chicken Pasta
A zesty and cheesy buffalo chicken pasta recipe that bakes in a single dish!
Chicken Pasta Casserole
Just stir all of the raw ingredients together in a dish and this creamy chicken penne pasta is ready for the oven!
Dump-and-Bake Shrimp Alfredo
A delicious and easy baked shrimp Alfredo recipe with just 10 minutes of prep!
Dump-and-Bake Cajun Sausage Pasta
Zesty, flavorful, and easy, this dump-and-bake creamy cajun pasta with andouille sausage is the perfect weeknight dinner!
Dump-and-Bake Chicken & Broccoli Casserole
You don’t even have to boil the pasta or pre-cook the chicken for this easy chicken & broccoli casserole with noodles!
Dump-and-Bake Tortellini and Meatballs
With this easy dump-and-bake dinner, frozen tortellini and frozen meatballs go straight into the oven in one dish — no boiling or thawing necessary!
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Noodle Casserole
All the comfort of chicken noodle soup, baked into a hearty casserole. No need to boil the pasta first. Just stir everything together, cover, and bake until bubbly and delicious.
Pizza Casserole
This dump-and-bake pizza pasta casserole is loaded with pepperoni, mozzarella, and marinara. No boiling required! Just stir everything together and bake for an easy, family-friendly dinner.
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Mushroom Casserole
A quick and easy dinner with just 5 minutes of prep time!
Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
A flavorful chicken tortellini bake with just 5 minutes of prep!
Dump-and-Bake Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
With no need to even boil the pasta this dump and bake shrimp scampi linguine is low prep, super easy and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Broccoli Casserole
This dump-and-bake chicken and broccoli casserole is the easiest dinner casserole. Tender pasta cooked in a creamy sauce with chicken, broccoli, and a crunchy stuffing topping.
Dump and Bake Rice Recipes
That’s right — you can even dump-and-bake rice! Try these shrimp, jambalaya, or chicken and rice dinners that don’t require you to pre-cook the rice before throwing the whole pan into the oven. So simple!
Dump-and-Bake White Chicken Chili Casserole
This easy chicken chili casserole bakes entirely in one dish — no prep work necessary!
Aloha Chicken
Family-friendly aloha chicken and rice baked in one dish with sweet pineapple, savory bacon, and easy dump-and-bake simplicity.
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Fajita Casserole
The easiest chicken fajita casserole requires just 10 minutes of prep — and then the oven does the work!
Dump-and-Bake Jambalaya
There’s no prep work necessary! Just stir the raw ingredients together in a dish and pop it in the oven for an easy Dump-and-Bake Jambalaya!
Dump-and-Bake Egg Roll Casserole
With just 5 minutes of prep, this dump-and-bake chicken egg roll casserole with rice is an easy dinner that cooks in one dish!
Dump-and-Bake Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
With just 5 minutes of prep, this dump-and-bake cheesy chicken and rice casserole with zucchini is an easy dinner that cooks in one dish!
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Chicken, broccoli, and rice cook together in a single dish for an easy, healthy, and family-friendly dinner!
Tell Us About Your Favorites!
Do you have a favorite easy dump meal? Share the love and tell us all about it in the comments! We’re always looking for new ideas…
Love this post! I have saved so many recipes to try!
That’s great, Beverly. I’m so glad that it’s helpful!
Wow, this is a great resource for busy households, and good timing of the post with school starting! Thought I had seen all of your Dump and Bake recipes, but found a couple that I had somehow overlooked. Thanks for putting this together, Blair!
Thank you, Norma! I’m so glad that you might have a few new options!
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