20 Dump-and-Bake Easy Casserole Recipes for Weeknight Dinners

2019-10-11
20 Dump-and-Bake Easy Casserole Recipes for Weeknight Dinners

Pressed for time on a busy weeknight? No problem! Our dump-and-bake easy casserole recipes provide a hearty meal with almost no prep time. Simply combine your ingredients, add them to a casserole dish, and your oven does the rest. Keep these dump-and-bake recipes handy for when you need a low-fuss homemade meal.

01 of 20

Chicken Alfredo and Rice Casserole

Chicken and rice are a classic (not to mention kid-pleasing) combo. Add creamy Alfredo pasta sauce, and you have a super-simple-to-make, scrumptious dinner ready with no fuss. We added peas and roasted red bell peppers to this chicken dump casserole for a more flavorful and nutritious meal.

02 of 20

Hot Chicken Salad Casserole

Dress up cold chicken salad with this super-simple, extra cheesy version. Cream of chicken soup and yogurt provide chicken salad's classic creaminess; crushed cornflakes and sliced almonds bring delicious crunch. It's got everything we love about lunchtime chicken salad turned into a satisfying oven casserole you can toss together on a weeknight.

03 of 20

Twice Baked Potato Dump Casserole

This dump-and-bake easy casserole recipe has all of your future potato side dish needs covered. Need potatoes for a holiday meal? Check. Scrambling for a last-minute potluck dish? Done. Thanks to the gooey cheese on top and bacon throughout, there won't be any leftovers to bring home.

04 of 20

Smoky Cheesy Chicken-Potato Casserole

Cheesy potatoes capture our hearts at almost every holiday meal, so getting them in a weeknight dinner is a treat. Smoked or roasted chicken with hash brown potatoes and smoked cheddar cheese make this easy casserole recipe hearty enough for your hungriest guests. The recipe says croutons on top are optional, but we say they're a must.

05 of 20

Hot and Cheesy Chicken Casserole

This easy casserole oozes with three different kinds of melted cheese. It's great for a weeknight dinner because this recipe requires almost no prep. The trick to pulling this easy chicken dump-and-bake casserole together so quickly is to mix frozen veggies and leftover chicken (even a rotisserie chicken could work) with cream of chicken and nacho cheese soups.

06 of 20

Shawarma Casserole

A hearty mix of ground turkey, rice, and spices is the start of this dump-and-bake easy casserole for dinner. Finish the dish with crunchy pita chips, Greek yogurt, lemon wedges, and plenty of fresh herbs. As on BHG home cook raved, "This recipe is such a fun twist on a casserole, and the smells were amazing."

07 of 20

Denver Potato Casserole

You need only five ingredients to make this yummy potato casserole. Smoky ham, green bell pepper, and yellow onion give this easy casserole recipe a rustic flavor. Naturally, we added a handful of cheese. Because it's so speedy, you could toss it together for breakfast, brunch, or your next breakfast-for-dinner night.

08 of 20

Easy Huevos Rancheros Casserole

Eggs are great for breakfast and brunch. We think they're delicious at dinnertime, too. The zesty kick from chunky salsa will have you craving this spicy egg and potato dish. Adding lots of Mexican cheese on top of this dump-and-bake casserole will make it a popular request at your table.

09 of 20

Hash Brown Casserole

This hearty ham and potato casserole can be a star at any meal. Serve it alongside a salad and fruit for a quick weeknight meal or whip up this dump-and-go casserole as a last-minute holiday side dish. Plus, you can swap the cornflake topping for a different kind of crunch, like French-fried onions or crushed potato chips.

10 of 20

Meat Lover's Pizza Tot Casserole

When you're craving pizza but don't want to resort to takeout, opt for this pizza-inspired dump dish. The process does require a browning step for the meat and veggies, but it all happens in one pot. That means once it's done on the stove, you dump in the rest of the ingredients and pop it in the oven.

11 of 20

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

You know from the name that this dump-and-go casserole features bacon, chicken, and ranch, but that's only the start of the deliciousness. Pasta bulks up each bite, so it's hearty enough for dinner. Broccoli, mushrooms, and tomato make a healthier casserole recipe. And, of course, we have to mention all the cheese—cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan form a delightfully gooey layer on top.

12 of 20

One-Step Ham Casserole

Preheat your oven, stir together the ingredients, and cook. That's all it takes to make this dump-and-bake casserole recipe. You don't even have to chop anything. Start with leftover (or store-bought) diced ham, then make this casserole gooey, creamy, and delicious by adding shredded cheese, macaroni, and cream of celery soup.

13 of 20

Farmer's Casserole

Hash browns, melted cheese, smoky ham, and eggs—this meal combines everything we love about breakfast and brunch. However, we can't think of a single time of day when we wouldn't be happy with cheesy hash browns and eggs.

14 of 20

Alfredo-Bacon Tot Casserole

Everything you need for a successful weeknight dinner is in this dump-and-bake recipe. This chicken Alfredo casserole comes together fast, like all of our dump dinner recipes. But the best part is all the yummy ingredients: potato tots, bacon, Alfredo sauce, and chicken. Dress it up with juicy cherry tomatoes on top.

15 of 20

King Ranch Crunch Chicken Casserole

King ranch chicken is a nostalgic comfort food dating back to the '50s. Here, we've turned it into an easy casserole recipe that you dump and "bake" in the slow cooker. Melty cheese and chicken are layered between tortilla chips for an irresistible savory dinner that takes just 15 minutes to toss together.

16 of 20

Red Bean, Cheese, and Triple-Chile Casserole

One of the great things about using red beans as the protein in this dump-and-go casserole is that they don't require any cooking. Unlike ground beef, which you usually have to brown first, beans go right in with the cheese and diced chile peppers. Top the baked dish with chopped tomatoes and crushed tortilla chips for freshness and crunch.

17 of 20

Spicy White Bean Casserole with Calabrian Chiles

The easy casserole recipe starts with inexpensive ingredients like cream cheese, canned beans, and broccoli. A crunchy chili-panko topping adds texture and color to the cheesy casserole. Looking for a vegetarian dump-and-go casserole recipe? Omit the pancetta and swap in vegetable broth.

18 of 20

Quick Chicken Tortilla Bake

This easy chicken casserole has all the flavor of your favorite chicken tacos, minus the hassle. Instead of setting up a taco assembly line for everyone to make their own, combine the tomatoes, tortillas, chicken, and cheese into one delicious dish. This zesty dump-and-bake taco casserole can be on your table in an hour.

19 of 20

Chicken, Wild Rice, and Vegetable Casserole

This delicious chicken and rice dish can be made and frozen for up to two months before baking. When you're ready for dinner, pop this chicken dump-and-go casserole in the oven and set the table (or work on a quick side salad). Topping it with cheddar cheese makes it completely irresistible.

20 of 20

Creamy Meatball Casserole

This hearty main dish combines succulent meatballs and cream of mushroom soup with red potatoes. Speed up this dump-and-bake meatball casserole by using frozen veggies and meatballs. It's a meat-and-potatoes dinner all in one pan.

Related Article

Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

Few desserts elicit the oohs and ahhs that molten cakes do, which makes them a natural pick for special dinners. Feel free to use semi-sweet baking chocolate in place of the bittersweet chocolate if that's the variety you have on hand.
13 Easy Hot Dip Recipes That Belong on Your Game-Day Menu

13 Easy Hot Dip Recipes That Belong on Your Game-Day Menu

Any game-day party will be tastier with these crowd-pleasing appetizer dips, whether you decide to serve up indulgent buffalo chicken dip or a healthier spinach dip recipe.
Cottage Cheese-Dill Dip

Cottage Cheese-Dill Dip

A green, yellow, or red sweet pepper shell makes a fun serving bowl for this low-fat cottage cheese dill dip.
4 Mouthwatering Bratwurst Recipe Ideas for Your Next Cookout

4 Mouthwatering Bratwurst Recipe Ideas for Your Next Cookout

These creative bratwurst recipe ideas use clever combinations of veggies, sauces, and other toppings for a memorable backyard barbecue.
Greek Flatbreads

Greek Flatbreads

This easy Mediterranean flatbread recipe is topped with lots of fresh veggies and herbs. Great for a quick dinner, this Mediterranean recipe can be ready in just 35 minutes.
27 Make-Ahead Game-Day Recipes That Will Make You the MVP

27 Make-Ahead Game-Day Recipes That Will Make You the MVP

When you need game-day recipes that are ready when you are, use these make-ahead football food ideas. The dishes here are our top football recipes.
Garden Stir-Fry

Garden Stir-Fry

Grab all your extra garden veggies and use them up in this easy stir-fry recipe. Cauliflower, green beans, summer squash, and sweet peppers are all welcome, and you can mix up the veggie combo you use each time depending on what you have on hand.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Homemade Dinners

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Homemade Dinners

Not sure what to serve for dinner tonight? With these easy 5-ingredient slow cooker recipes, a delicious, hearty meal is easy to prepare.
Fruit Leather

Fruit Leather

Fruit Leather
The Best Types of Red Wine and How to Serve Them

The Best Types of Red Wine and How to Serve Them

This red wine guide shares the best types of red wine and how to serve them. Plus, the best red wine glasses to use for aroma and flavor enjoyment.
Hibiscus Tea Is the Perfect Summertime Drink

Hibiscus Tea Is the Perfect Summertime Drink

Agua Fresca de Jamaica (Iced Hibiscus Tea) is a tangy, refreshing drink that's made with dried hibiscus flowers, sugar, and lime juice. Read on for everything you need to know about the benefits of hibiscus tea and how to make it.
How to Cook Eggplant—5 Simple Methods

How to Cook Eggplant—5 Simple Methods

If you're wondering how to cook eggplant, keep reading. On the grill, roasted, sautéed, and—yes—even in the microwave, this vegetable is as versatile as it is delicious.
We Tried the TikTok-Famous Million Layer Potatoes, And They're Delicious

We Tried the TikTok-Famous Million Layer Potatoes, And They're Delicious

We put the TikTok-famous million layer potato recipe to the test. Get our take on the stacked potato recipe, including the most delicious homemade spicy aioli for dipping.
13 Slow Cooker Brunch Recipes that Work for Weekday Breakfasts, Too

13 Slow Cooker Brunch Recipes that Work for Weekday Breakfasts, Too

These slow cooker brunch recipes work, whether it's a hectic weekday or a calm Sunday. The easy prep and delicious results will make everyone happy.
14 Easy Pasta Side Dishes to Pair With Your Favorite Proteins

14 Easy Pasta Side Dishes to Pair With Your Favorite Proteins

These pasta side dishes might outshine the main. Whether you flip for farfalle, go wild for gnocchi, or prefer your noodles in soup, you’ll find new and classic pasta side dish recipe ideas in this guide. Add these easy pasta side dishes to your menu alongside protein and you have a quick and well-balanced meal.
This Sautéed Zucchini Recipe Is the Best Way to Use Up Your Bounty

This Sautéed Zucchini Recipe Is the Best Way to Use Up Your Bounty

Although it's available year-round, the best time to enjoy zucchini is during the summer. Here's how to make quick sautéed zucchini, one of our favorite summer side dishes.
Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas

Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas

Rich with vitamins and minerals, this savory side dish is packed with flavor, enhanced beautifully by the roasting process. Rosemary and garlic lend their aromatic essence, while a hearty blend of chickpeas, twin potatoes and carrots ensures that this vegetarian delight will satisfy. Rinse chickpeas well to remove excess salt.
Farro-Stuffed Peppers

Farro-Stuffed Peppers

Farro-Stuffed Peppers
Pesto Chicken and Radicchio Skewers

Pesto Chicken and Radicchio Skewers

Chicken marinates in a citrus-basil pesto before sharing stick space with purple radicchio.
Grilled Zucchini and Goat Cheese Toasts

Grilled Zucchini and Goat Cheese Toasts

Put a bumper crop of zucchini to use in this fresh spin on a crostini appetizer recipe.