Making Mealtime Meaningful: Discover how we're giving back with the 12T Cares program →

I get it. You’ve had a long day and the absolute last thing you want to think about is what to make for dinner. Or maybe you’re just having one of those lazy days where cooking seems like more effort than it’s worth. I’ve got good news for you! These 6 recipes are just about as easy as it gets. Dump-and-bake recipes are exactly what they sound like – dump ingredients in a pan and bake until done. You’ll have dinner on the table in no time! Don’t be fooled; just because these dishes are quick and easy doesn’t mean they don’t pack a flavorful punch. Let’s take a look at some of my go-to easy weeknight dinners.

Dump And Bake Chicken Parmesan

I have always loved Chicken Parmesan, and with the crispy coating and melty, gooey cheese I’m sure I’m not alone. However, it’s not a dish I tend to make at home; since it involves frying chicken and making pasta and making a sauce, it’s one I wait to order in a restaurant. But no more! This easy dump-and-bake casserole brings you the very same flavor with virtually no prep. It’s just a matter of stirring together a few ingredients, letting the oven do its work and voila – chicken parm! Get the recipe here!

Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole

This dump-and-bake is no different… except that it involves meatballs! Annnd tender curly pasta and plenty of cheesiness. (And yes, I meant it when I said no precooking.) You only need five ingredients here and that’s thanks to the convenience of good ol’ storebought meatballs. Along with some pasta (we’ve used cavatapi), some marinara, and Parmesan and mozzarella, they make for a hearty dish that’s as comforting to the tastebuds as it is the soul. Get the recipe here!

Dump And Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole

This particular casserole – with creamy alfredo sauce, tender penne, and hearty chicken – feels impossible to top in convenience and flavor. It’s absurdly easy to make, but so utterly tasty and satisfying that it just feels like an added bonus that it takes no effort at all. There’s a lot to say about this casserole, but first up – look at that golden brown, crunchy top. A cheesy blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan that’s been baked until it’s bubbly and irresistible. It’s sheer perfection. Get the recipe here!

Dump And Bake Chicken Caprese Casserole

Who doesn’t love Caprese? It’s a longstanding summer classic and while that can be attributed to its simplicity, I think that most of the draw is that incomparable trio of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil – drizzled with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar of course. Well, we’ve taken that trio and translated it into a ‘dump and bake’ casserole that’s not much more effort than the original, but still has the flavor you know and love, bumped up with a little pasta and protein to boot. Get the recipe here!

One Pan Taco Chicken Bake

I’m always looking for easy meals that pack a flavorful punch. And if they happen to be a “dump everything into a casserole dish and bake” meal, then all the better! Not only is this dish simple to prepare with hardly any prep time involved, but it’s on the healthier side. You can make it even healthier by replacing the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. Let’s take a look and see how easy this meal is to prepare! Get the recipe here!

Chicken And Stuffing Casserole

I have a tendency to completely forget that stuffing exists outside of Christmas and Thanksgiving, and geez, what a mistake that is! Stuffing (even the kind out of the box) is a wonderful thing and it should be gracing our tables all year round. This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is just the kind of dish to make that happen (though it works very well with holiday leftovers too) because it’s casual and quick enough to make any night of the week. And its delicious contrasting textures and savory flavors certainly don’t hurt matters either. Get the recipe here!