Dump, Bake, and Enjoy: 10 One-Pot Meals for Easy Dinners

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Busy nights call for easy, no-fuss dinners that require minimal prep and cleanup. That’s where dump-and-bake meals come in! With these one-pot recipes, all you have to do is toss the ingredients into a dish, let the oven or stovetop do the work, and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without the hassle.

In this article, we’re sharing 10 dump-and-bake recipes that make dinner effortless. Whether you’re craving pasta, chicken, or a hearty casserole, these meals will become your go-to favorites!

Why You’ll Love One-Pot Dump-and-Bake Meals

  • Minimal Prep: No complicated steps—just mix, bake, and serve.
  • Easy Cleanup: Only one dish to wash.
  • Big Flavor, Less Effort: Slow-cooked taste without the work.
  • Perfect for Busy Nights: Quick, stress-free dinners.

Now, let’s dive into the recipes!

1. Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Why it works: This creamy, cheesy pasta cooks in one dish—no boiling needed!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a greased baking dish.
  3. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  4. Remove foil, stir, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes.
  5. Serve with fresh parsley and extra cheese!

2. Dump-and-Bake Salsa Chicken

Why it works: Just 3 ingredients create a flavorful, juicy chicken dish.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Place chicken in a baking dish.
  3. Pour salsa over the chicken and top with cheese.
  4. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  5. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
  6. Serve with rice or tortillas.

3. One-Pot Cheesy Taco Rice

Why it works: All the flavors of a taco in a simple, cheesy rice dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add all remaining ingredients (except cheese) and stir.
  3. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
  4. Stir in cheese and let melt before serving.

4. Dump-and-Bake Italian Sausage Casserole

Why it works: Packed with bold Italian flavors and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (sliced)
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Mix all ingredients (except cheese) in a baking dish.
  3. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  4. Remove foil, add cheese, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy!

5. Dump-and-Bake Lemon Garlic Salmon

Why it works: A fresh, zesty salmon dish with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Arrange salmon in a baking dish.
  3. Mix butter, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings, then pour over salmon.
  4. Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes.
  5. Serve with steamed veggies or rice.

6. One-Pot Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Why it works: Comfort food made easy in just one pot.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp basil
  • 2 grilled cheese sandwiches, cut into cubes

Instructions:

  1. Simmer tomatoes, broth, and seasonings for 10 minutes.
  2. Stir in heavy cream.
  3. Top with grilled cheese croutons before serving.

7. Dump-and-Bake BBQ Chicken and Potatoes

Why it works: Smoky BBQ flavors infuse the chicken and potatoes.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless chicken thighs
  • 3 cups diced potatoes
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Arrange chicken and potatoes in a baking dish.
  3. Pour BBQ sauce over everything.
  4. Cover and bake for 40 minutes.
  5. Serve hot!

8. One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

Why it works: Simple yet packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté garlic.
  2. Add rice and broth; bring to a simmer.
  3. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Add shrimp, cover, and cook 5 more minutes.
  5. Serve warm.

9. Dump-and-Bake Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Why it works: Creamy, cheesy, and full of Italian flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups uncooked pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cooked chicken
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Combine all ingredients (except cheese) in a dish.
  3. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
  4. Remove foil, stir in cheese, and bake for 5 more minutes.

10. One-Pot Chili Mac

Why it works: A fusion of chili and mac & cheese in one easy dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup uncooked macaroni
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

  1. Brown beef in a large pot.
  2. Add all ingredients (except cheese) and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in cheese and serve.

Final Thoughts

With these dump-and-bake meals, making dinner is as easy as mixing, baking, and serving. These one-pot wonders save time without compromising on flavor, making them perfect for busy families and weeknight meals.

Which recipe will you try first? Let us know in the comments!

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