25 easy baked dinners for when you’re too tired to cook

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After a long day, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Sometimes, you just need a quick and easy dinner that you can pop in the oven and let it do the work. That’s where baked dinners come in. These recipes are perfect for busy nights when you’re craving something comforting, but you’re too tired to spend much time cooking.

Baked meals are a lifesaver because they typically require minimal prep. You can simply toss your ingredients together, put them in the oven, and let them cook while you unwind. Plus, many of these dishes can be made in advance and stored for later, making them even easier when you need dinner fast. With the right ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying meal with very little effort.

If you’re looking for hassle-free meals that still feel like a treat, baked dinners are the way to go. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, these recipes are designed to be stress-free and delicious. They allow you to enjoy a hearty, homemade dinner without the chaos. So grab your baking dish, and let’s make dinner easy tonight!

Panko pork chop on plate with greens.
Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these breaded panko pork chops make for a quick and easy dinner that requires minimal effort. With simple ingredients and a short cooking time, they’re a great choice for those nights when you want a delicious meal without the hassle. The panko crust adds a perfect crunch, while the pork stays juicy. This meal is comforting and filling, perfect for a no-stress evening. Pair it with your favorite side, and dinner is ready!
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, this casserole combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch sauce for a winning dish. With minimal prep time and a straightforward cooking process, it’s a stress-free dinner solution. It’s perfect for when you want comfort food with little cleanup. The layers of cheese and bacon make it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy. A simple, fuss-free dinner option for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Oven Baked Pork Steaks

Oven-baked pork steaks are a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together with minimal effort. The meat becomes tender as it bakes, requiring just a little time in the oven while you relax. With just a few seasonings, it’s a hearty meal that feels satisfying without any of the stress. It’s a perfect choice when you want something filling without spending much time in the kitchen. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Pork Steaks

Two cabbage rolls on a plate with fork.
Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

These stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food, perfect for a no-fuss dinner that still feels homemade. The combination of ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce wrapped in tender cabbage makes for a hearty meal. It’s an easy-to-prepare dish that’s baked in the oven, giving you time to unwind while it cooks. The flavors blend together beautifully, making it a meal everyone will love. This recipe offers both ease and comfort for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Popcorn Chicken

Bite-sized, crispy popcorn chicken is a simple and fun meal that’s easy to make with minimal effort. Just toss the chicken pieces in breadcrumbs, bake, and you’re done. It’s a great choice when you’re craving something crispy and flavorful without all the fuss. With a quick cooking time and easy prep, it’s the perfect meal when you don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it with dipping sauces for an extra touch of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Baked stuffed pork chops are a straightforward yet delicious dish that feels comforting without taking too much time to prepare. The stuffing, made with simple ingredients, pairs perfectly with the juicy pork. With just a few steps, you can have a flavorful and filling meal that requires minimal effort. This dish is great for when you want something hearty but easy to make. The oven does most of the work for you, making clean-up a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Panko chicken on a white plate.
Panko Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Panko Chicken Breast

Crispy, golden-brown panko chicken breasts are an easy and flavorful dinner option that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort. Simply coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs, bake, and enjoy. The breading gives the chicken a satisfying crunch, while the meat stays moist. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something easy, but still crave a homemade feel. Pair it with a quick side, and dinner is ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

Chicken Pot Pie

A comforting classic, chicken pot pie is the perfect way to make dinner feel special without spending all night in the kitchen. With a simple filling of chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, it’s baked in a flaky crust for ultimate comfort. The preparation is easy, and the dish requires just one pan, making it a simple clean-up. It’s a great option when you want something hearty and homemade. Just pop it in the oven, and you have a warm, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

This buffalo chicken pasta bake combines bold flavors with easy prep, making it a perfect dinner for nights when you’re too tired to cook. Tender chicken, pasta, and a spicy buffalo sauce are baked together, creating a rich and flavorful dish. It’s a great way to enjoy the taste of buffalo wings in a comforting pasta form. The bake requires minimal prep, and it’s perfect for when you need something hearty without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Close-up of a pepperoni pizza slice being lifted, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce.
Personal Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Personal Pizza

These personal-sized pizzas are a quick and easy way to make dinner fun, without the stress of a complicated recipe. With a simple crust and your choice of toppings, each pizza is customized just for you. It’s an ideal dinner when you want something filling but don’t want to spend time on a big meal. The best part? You get a fresh, homemade pizza without any fuss. A satisfying meal in under 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Personal Pizza

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked lemon butter fish is a light and refreshing meal that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor. The fish bakes quickly and stays tender, while the lemon butter sauce adds a fresh and tangy touch. This meal is great when you want something light yet fulfilling with minimal prep time. It’s an easy and stress-free dinner option for busy nights. Pair it with some steamed vegetables for a quick, balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan is a creamy, comforting casserole that combines tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich sauce for a hearty meal. With just a few ingredients, it comes together quickly and bakes to perfection. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something filled with minimal effort. It’s a great way to make dinner without spending much time in the kitchen. The creamy sauce and tender chicken will have everyone asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Meatloaf on a white plate with a fork.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

This simple yet flavorful meatloaf is a great choice when you want a satisfying dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. Made with ground meat, seasonings, and a tangy glaze, it’s easy to prepare and bake. It’s an ideal dish when you want comfort food that doesn’t take long to make. With minimal prep and a quick cooking time, it’s a stress-free meal for busy evenings. Pair it with mashed potatoes or vegetables for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Individual Shepherd’s Pie

These individual shepherd’s pies offer a comforting meal with minimal work. Each portion is made with tender meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, all baked into a perfect little pie. They cook quickly, and the individual servings make for easy portioning and clean-up. This meal is great when you want a filling dinner that doesn’t require a lot of preparation. Perfect for busy nights when comfort food is calling your name.
Get the Recipe: Individual Shepherd’s Pie

Panko Crusted Cod

Panko-crusted cod is an easy-to-make dish that brings a light, crispy texture to your fish without much effort. The panko breadcrumbs give the cod a satisfying crunch, while the fish stays tender inside. It’s a great option when you want a quick, no-fuss meal. The fish bakes quickly, and you can serve it with a side salad or veggies for a balanced dinner. A quick and easy meal that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

A spoon lifting chicken and stuffing casserole from a cast iron skillet, with a striped towel in the background.
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This casserole combines tender chicken with savory stuffing for a simple, homey meal that’s perfect when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. It’s a one-pan dish that’s easy to prepare and bake. The stuffing adds flavor and texture, while the chicken stays juicy and tender. This is a great meal when you want something filling and comforting without a lot of work. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you need a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Vegan taco stuffed sweet potatoes are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that comes together in no time. The sweet potatoes are baked to perfection and then filled with seasoned vegetables for a healthy, filling meal. It’s an easy and stress-free dinner choice when you want something different but simple. The recipe is easy to scale for different portion sizes, making it a great option for families. You can add your favorite toppings to customize it to your taste.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Carne Asada in the Oven

Carne asada cooked in the oven is a quick and easy way to enjoy this flavorful dish without spending hours grilling. The meat bakes to a perfect level of tenderness and is full of bold flavors. It’s a great choice for busy evenings when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort. Simply season and bake, and you’re ready to serve. Pair it with rice or vegetables for a simple, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada in the Oven

Close-up of a cheesy Mexican steak pizza on a wooden spatula.
Mexican Steak Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Mexican Steak Pizza

This Mexican steak pizza combines savory steak with the bold flavors of Mexican spices for a unique and easy-to-make dish. The pizza crust is topped with seasoned steak, cheese, and other classic toppings for a meal everyone will love. It’s quick to assemble and bakes in just a short time, making it a great choice when you’re craving something satisfying without the effort. This meal combines two favorites, steak and pizza, into one.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

This sheet pan salmon with vegetables is a simple, healthy meal that requires little prep and cooks all at once. The salmon is tender and flaky, while the vegetables roast to perfection alongside it. It’s an easy dinner option for busy nights when you want something healthy without the work. The one-pan cooking method makes clean-up a breeze, and you can customize the veggies to your liking.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Seafood Pot Pie

A seafood pot pie combines rich seafood with a creamy filling, all enclosed in a flaky crust for a comforting dinner. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for when you want something hearty with minimal effort. The filling is packed with seafood and vegetables, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion. Just pop it in the oven and let it bake while you relax. A quick, comforting dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

Chicken wet burrito with salsa and sour cream on a white plate.
Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Wet Burrito

A wet burrito is a quick and satisfying meal that combines the flavors of a burrito with a rich, savory sauce. The burrito is filled with your favorite ingredients, then smothered in sauce and baked to perfection. It’s perfect for nights when you want a filling meal without much prep. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, it’s a great choice for busy evenings. Serve it with a side of rice or beans for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

These stuffed flank steak pinwheels are a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner option that looks impressive without much effort. The flank steak is filled with savory ingredients, rolled up, and baked to perfection. It’s a great meal for special occasions or weeknights when you want something hearty but not too complicated. With minimal prep and a quick cooking time, you’ll have a complete meal ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

Individual Lasagna

These individual lasagnas are a great way to enjoy a comforting meal without spending all evening in the kitchen. With layers of pasta, sauce, cheese, and meat, they bake up perfectly in their own little portions. It’s a simple dish that’s easy to make and requires very little cleanup. The individual servings make it great for families or when you don’t want leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Cheesy hashbrown topped casserole in baking pan.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy joe casserole combines the classic sloppy joe flavors in a simple, casserole form that’s easy to prepare. With ground beef, sauce, and cheese, it’s a quick meal that comes together with minimal effort. It’s a great choice for busy nights when you want something filling but don’t have the time for a complicated meal. Just mix everything together, bake, and enjoy. A no-fuss, satisfying dinner for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

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