25 simple baked main dishes you’ll make over and over again

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I love meals that come together with minimal effort but still feel like something special, and baked dishes always deliver. With the oven doing most of the work, these recipes keep things simple while still being hearty and reliable. Whether you’re cooking for family or just need an easy dinner, these are the kinds of meals you’ll keep coming back to.

Sliced meatloaf on a white plate garnished with parsley.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked lemon butter fish fillet seasoned with herbs and spices, garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley,.
Baked Lemon Butter Fish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This baked fish dish brings a light, flavorful meal to the table with minimal effort. The lemon butter adds a fresh touch, making it a great choice for a no-fuss weeknight dinner. It bakes quickly, so you’re not spending all evening in the kitchen. The simple preparation makes it one you’ll want to keep on repeat. Perfect for when you need a meal that’s easy but still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Oven Baked Pork Steaks

Oven baked pork steak on a plate with green beans and a fork on the side.
Oven Baked Pork Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These pork steaks turn out tender and flavorful with a simple seasoning blend. Baking them in the oven keeps things hands-off, making them ideal for busy nights. They come out juicy without requiring constant attention. It’s a go-to option when you want a hearty meal without a complicated process. A reliable main dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Pork Steaks

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn.
Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet potatoes make the perfect base for this easy and filling baked dish. The taco-inspired filling brings bold flavor without extra work. Everything bakes in one dish, keeping cleanup simple. It’s a great way to switch up your routine with something both comforting and effortless. A dependable recipe for when you want something satisfying without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

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

This baked meatloaf delivers a homestyle meal with little effort. The classic flavors and simple ingredients make it a go-to for family dinners. Baking keeps it hands-off, so you can focus on sides or just relax. It’s one of those reliable meals that never disappoints. Perfect for when you need something filling and easy to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Sloppy Joe Casserole

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

This casserole takes the classic sloppy joe flavors and turns them into a simple baked dish. It’s a great way to feed a crowd with minimal work. Everything comes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. The comforting flavors make it a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. Ideal for busy nights when you need something quick and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Serving of buffalo chicken pasta bake with casserole dish.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A baked pasta dish that brings the right amount of heat without extra effort. The bold flavors make it a standout, but it’s still incredibly simple to prepare. Everything bakes together for a no-stress dinner. It’s a great way to enjoy something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. A perfect choice for a meal that’s both easy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Baked salmon fillet with asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers on a white plate, garnished with herbs.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This sheet pan meal makes dinner effortless by baking everything at once. The salmon comes out tender, and the vegetables soak up all the flavor. It’s a simple way to get a balanced meal with little cleanup. The straightforward prep makes it one to keep in your regular lineup. Perfect for when you need something quick but still wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Popcorn Chicken

A bowl of golden brown popcorn chicken on a table.
Popcorn Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These crispy bites are baked instead of fried, making them an easier option for weeknights. They come together fast, making them great for both meals and snacks. Baking means no standing over the stove, so cleanup is simple. It’s a recipe you’ll turn to when you want something quick and homemade. Great for keeping things easy without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie

Small serving of chicken pot pie casserole on plate with fork.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A comforting baked dish that’s perfect for busy evenings. The flaky crust and creamy filling make it feel homemade without too much effort. Everything bakes in one dish, keeping things simple. It’s one of those meals that always hits the spot and doesn’t take much work. A dependable option when you need something warm and easy to put together.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

Stuffed steak pinwheels sliced on platter.
Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This baked steak dish brings a fun twist to dinner without making things complicated. The simple stuffing adds flavor without extra work. Baking keeps the process easy while ensuring the meat stays tender. It’s a great choice for when you want something a little different but still easy to prepare. A go-to recipe that’s both simple and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

Mexican Steak Pizza

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

This baked pizza takes bold flavors and makes them incredibly easy to enjoy at home. The simple preparation keeps things low-effort while delivering a meal that feels special. Baking everything together means you get a crisp crust without extra work. It’s a fun way to switch up your dinner routine. A great choice when you want something different but still easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

Individual Lasagna

Lasagna for One in small 10-ounce square baking pan.
Individual Lasagna. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These single-serving lasagnas bake up quickly and take the hassle out of layering a full dish. Perfect for portion control and easy meal planning. Baking them individually makes sure each one has the perfect balance of ingredients. It’s a great option when you want comfort food without committing to a huge batch. A simple way to enjoy a classic dish without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken bacon ranch casserole in baking dish.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A baked casserole that brings together flavors everyone loves with minimal prep. The ingredients blend together in the oven, making it easy to put together. It’s a great option when you need something filling but don’t want to spend all night cooking. The simple process makes it one to keep in your rotation. A reliable meal for when you need something easy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

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.

This casserole takes comforting ingredients and turns them into a no-fuss baked meal. Everything comes together in the oven for a hands-off approach. The familiar flavors make it an easy crowd-pleaser. It’s a great go-to for busy nights when you don’t have time for complicated meals. Simple, warm, and easy to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Panko Crusted Cod

Panko-crusted cod fish on a plate with green beans.
Panko Crusted Cod. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This baked fish dish gives you a crispy finish without the hassle of frying. The panko coating adds texture while keeping everything simple. It’s a great way to enjoy a seafood dinner without extra work. Baking makes it a reliable option for easy cleanup. Perfect for when you want something light but still filling.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

Carne Asada in the Oven

Slices of baked carne asada on small wood cutting board.
Carne Asada in the Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This baked take on carne asada makes it simple to enjoy without firing up the grill. The oven does all the work, keeping things easy. The bold flavors make it a great choice for switching up your dinner routine. With minimal effort, you get a hearty and flavorful meal. A simple way to enjoy steak without a complicated process.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada in the Oven

Seafood Pot Pie

Seafood Pot Pie in small pie dish.
Seafood Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A baked dish that brings together seafood and a flaky crust in one simple meal. The oven does all the work, making it a stress-free dinner option. It’s a warm and comforting choice that doesn’t take much effort. Everything bakes in one dish, keeping cleanup easy. A great way to enjoy seafood without a complicated recipe.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin.
Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This baked casserole brings together simple ingredients for an easy, comforting meal. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a reliable choice for weeknights. Everything bakes in one dish, so there’s little cleanup involved. It’s a great way to make a filling dinner without a complicated process. A dependable recipe that’s easy to come back to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

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

This classic baked dish turns simple ingredients into a comforting meal. The oven does the work, ensuring the rolls come out tender and flavorful. It’s a great way to enjoy a traditional meal without standing over the stove. Everything comes together in one dish, making it easy to prepare. A solid choice when you want something homemade without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Panko Chicken Breast

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

This baked chicken dish delivers a crispy crust without frying. The panko coating adds texture while keeping things simple. Baking keeps it hands-off, making it a great choice for easy meals. It’s a reliable recipe when you need a quick dinner that still feels like a favorite. Perfect for when you want something familiar and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

Wet Burrito

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

This baked burrito dish brings all the flavors together in a simple, no-fuss way. Baking makes sure everything is warm and perfectly combined without extra steps. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without standing over the stove. The easy preparation makes it one to add to your regular rotation. A reliable option when you need something filling but simple.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

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

These baked pork chops come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside without the hassle of frying. The panko coating keeps things simple while adding great texture. Baking makes it an easy option for busy nights. It’s a great go-to when you want something hearty without too much prep. A dependable recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Personal Pizza

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

These individual pizzas bake up quickly, making them perfect for easy meals. The simple preparation lets you customize them without much effort. Everything comes together in the oven for a quick and hands-off approach. It’s a great option when you want a homemade meal without a lot of work. A reliable choice for keeping dinner simple and fun.
Get the Recipe: Personal Pizza

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

A plate of pork chops stuffed with mushrooms and cheese served with green beans.
Baked Stuffed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These baked pork chops are packed with flavor while keeping things easy. The stuffing adds a hearty touch without making the process complicated. Everything bakes in one dish, keeping cleanup simple. It’s a great way to enjoy a filling meal without extra effort. A dependable choice when you want something satisfying but easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Individual Shepherd’s Pie

Individual Shepherd's Pie.
Individual Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These single-serving shepherd’s pies bake up quickly while keeping things simple. The oven does the work, so you don’t have to worry about standing over the stove. Each portion has the perfect balance of meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic dish without making a full-sized batch. A reliable option for easy, comforting meals.
Get the Recipe: Individual Shepherd’s Pie

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