18 oven recipes to keep your family happy (and your cooking easy)

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Oven recipes are basically the secret to keeping everyone at the dinner table happy while giving you a little break, too. Your family gets to enjoy a cozy meal, and you can breathe easily, knowing the oven handles most of the heavy lifting. Whether it’s a busy evening or just a day when you need something simple, these recipes are here to make things easier.

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Casserole is a great option when you need something comforting from the oven that your family will look forward to eating. It’s a simple mix of steamed broccoli with a cheesy, creamy topping, baked to perfection and ready in about 50 minutes. It’s easy to prepare, and the crispy top adds a nice touch. It is an easy win if you try to sneak more veggies at dinner. Plus, it’s light on effort, perfect for busy nights when you still want to serve something homemade.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Cottage cheese breakfast muffins on a plate with green onions.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are a great pick when you’re looking for an easy breakfast that keeps everyone happy. It’s made with eggs, cottage cheese, and your choice of bacon or veggies, these muffins are ready in about 30 minutes and give plenty of protein to start the day. They’re also perfect for those hectic mornings when you need a quick grab-and-go meal. You can make them ahead, and they’ll still taste great. They’re simple but a nice change from the usual breakfast routine.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

If your family loves hearty meals but you want to keep things simple, Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is just the dish. It combines tender steak, onions, peppers, and cheese into one easy-to-bake casserole that’s ready in no time. This meal brings the flavors of a steak sandwich into a convenient, no-stress dinner. You get all the satisfaction of a classic Philly cheese steak without the extra work. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy with very little effort on your part.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is an easy dish to throw together; everyone enjoys it. You get crispy tater tots, shredded chicken, and sweet corn, all topped with melted cheese. It’s comforting, filling, and ready in under an hour. This casserole is perfect for those nights when you want to make something from the oven but don’t want to spend much time on prep. The oven does the work, and you’re left with a meal that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake is perfect when you need something comforting and easy that everyone in the family will enjoy. Chicken thighs are baked with spinach in a creamy, cheesy sauce, ready in 30 minutes. This dish sneaks in some veggies without the battle — kids won’t mind the spinach when it’s wrapped up in cheesy goodness. It’s great for busy nights when you want to make something simple and healthy. Plus, just one dish to clean makes your evening a little easier, which is always welcome.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you need a quick dinner that gets your family eating veggies, Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a great option. The broccoli and cauliflower are baked in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with bacon, which makes this dish extra tempting. It’s ready in 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights. Bacon and cheese make this casserole a winner for picky eaters, and it’s hearty enough to work as a side or even a main. Easy to make, and great for those nights when you need dinner quickly.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting dish that makes dinner feel a little special. It’s a combination of creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon for feeding the family or sharing at a gathering. You can prep it, pop it in the fridge, and bake it when ready — perfect for busy days. This casserole works as a hearty side dish or even a main when you want something simple and filling. Plus, leftovers taste just as good, so you’re set for the next day too.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli is perfect for nights when you want something comforting from the oven that doesn’t take much time to assemble. You’ve got cheese-filled ravioli, marinara sauce, and a layer of melted cheese all baked together into a simple but crowd-pleasing dinner. It’s ready in about an hour, but the prep is super easy — layer the ingredients and let the oven handle the rest. It’s great for feeding a family or saving for leftovers, and the cheesy goodness is hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

A dish of seasoned shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage slices, and potato chunks garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When craving a flavorful meal with minimal effort, Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil has you covered. It’s a simple one-pan dinner that combines shrimp, sausage, baby potatoes, and corn, all seasoned with Old Bay. Ready in under an hour, it’s a great weeknight meal that feels like a treat. The best part is fewer dishes to clean. It’s perfect for families looking for a delicious dinner that doesn’t take a lot of prep, and any leftovers make for an easy meal the next day. Simple, flavorful, and great for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Hash brown breakfast casserole with a wooden spoon in it.
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is one of those versatile dishes that can be enjoyed any time of day. It’s made with crispy hash browns, eggs, bacon, and cheese, and it’s a hearty meal that’s easy to assemble. Just mix it up, bake, and you’re good to go. It’s perfect for busy mornings or even dinner when you want something filling and easy. This casserole is great for meal prepping, too—make it ahead and reheat for a quick meal later. Simple, delicious, and perfect for feeding the family without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a great oven recipe that’s quick, easy, and perfect for family dinners. With mayonnaise and seasoned breadcrumbs, these chops come out crisp on the outside and juicy inside. The whole thing takes 25 minutes, so it’s a great choice for busy nights. This recipe keeps things simple while still giving you that homemade feel. It’s a nice way to serve up something comforting without much effort, whether you’re making it for family or yourself.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is perfect for craving a hearty, cheesy oven dish that packs a little heat. It features shredded chicken, crispy bacon, cream cheese, hot sauce, and jalapeños, all topped with gooey melted cheese. You can throw it together and have it baked in no time, which makes it great for those nights when you want something comforting but not too time-consuming. The spicy, creamy, and cheesy mix makes this casserole a winner for those who like their meals with a little kick.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you want an oven dish that mixes things up a bit, Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is a good option. You get the sweetness of butternut squash, the heartiness of cauliflower, and the crispness of bacon, all baked together. It’s simple to put together, and baking softens the veggies nicely. It is a great side dish when you’re looking for something easy but still packed with flavor. Perfect for family meals when you need a change from your usual routine.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A baking sheet with garnished parmesan crusted potatoes on it.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are the kind of oven-baked side dish everyone loves, and for good reason. They’re tossed in Parmesan and breadcrumbs, then baked until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside. These potatoes are done in under an hour, making them great for adding a little crunch to your dinner without too much effort. They’re versatile enough to go with just about anything. They’ve got that nice golden finish, which makes them look good and taste great.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is one of those no-stress meals that can save you time without sacrificing flavor. You throw sausages and veggies on a sheet pan, roast them, and have dinner ready in 30 minutes. It’s a simple, reliable option for nights when you want a good meal without much prep or cleanup. The sausages cook up perfectly, and the veggies come out just right. It is a great recipe to keep in your back pocket when you need an easy, homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole is great when you want to serve something your family will genuinely enjoy. It’s packed with cauliflower rice and spinach, making it healthier without losing any of the heartiness. With ground beef and cheese baked together, you get that comforting vibe we all need sometimes. It’s ready in half an hour, so you’ll have a delicious meal without cooking all night. A simple, wholesome dinner that everyone can enjoy — and you’ll appreciate how effortless it is to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Lemon Pepper Wings

In FDL library.
Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

These Lemon Pepper Wings are a great choice when you need something easy but still feel special. Baking the wings gives you that perfect crispiness without the hassle of frying, and lemon pepper seasoning brings out a fresh, tangy flavor. They’re ready to serve after 30 minutes of cooking, making them perfect for family dinners or a quick snack. Cleanup is a breeze, which is always a win. These wings are an easy way to keep everyone happy without much effort. You get all the flavor without the mess, which everyone can appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fajita Baked Chicken is a simple, no-stress meal that brings big flavor with minimal effort. The chicken is seasoned, paired with sweet peppers, and baked with cream cheese for a creamy finish. It’s ready in 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Everything bakes in one dish, so you’re not stuck cleaning pots and pans afterward. Serve it with rice or tortillas to make it a complete meal. It’s great for those nights when you want to avoid takeout but still want something special.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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