Looking for go-to oven-baked dinners that are easy yet impressive? These 11 recipes are perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a meal that’s more than just fast food but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With quick prep and even quicker cook times, these dinners will become your new weeknight warriors.
You don’t need to wait for the weekend to use your oven. These dishes make it clear that your oven should be working as hard as you do on weekdays. From hearty casseroles to simple sheet pan meals, these recipes are easy to put together and even easier to enjoy. After trying these, you’ll wish you had brought them into your dinner routine sooner.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Ready in under an hour, this casserole combines steak, peppers, onions, and mushrooms, topped off with provolone cheese. It’s a robust oven-baked dinner that’s both hearty and balanced in nutrients. The mixture of meat and vegetables is simple to prepare. Provolone cheese provides a smooth finish. It’s an all-in-one dish that’s ideal for a convenient weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This meal is ready in 30 minutes and combines roasted sausage with an array of vegetables on a single sheet pan. The one-pan format makes for effortless cleanup and is a go-to for oven-baked dinners. The mix of sausage and vegetables provides a balanced and hearty meal. It’s quick to assemble and requires minimal effort. This dish is well-suited for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
This dish combines butternut squash, cauliflower, bacon, and red onion in the oven. It’s quick to prepare, and the amounts of most of the ingredients can be customized based on your taste preferences and what you have on hand. The bacon adds a smoky dimension to the natural sweetness of the butternut squash. Topping the dish with wilted spinach and sour cream adds another layer of flavor. It fits seamlessly into a weeknight cooking schedule.
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Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
In just 30 minutes, you can prepare this oven-baked chicken dish featuring marinated chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach. It makes for a simple yet nourishing oven-baked dinner. The chicken and spinach contribute both flavor and essential nutrients. Cream cheese and mozzarella lend a creamy texture. It’s an excellent option for a busy weeknight.
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Fajita Baked Chicken
This oven-baked dinner features chicken seasoned with spices and baked with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella. It’s ready in a reasonable amount of time and proves convenient for a weeknight meal. The seasoned chicken and colorful peppers offer a balance of flavors. The cheeses add a creamy texture that complements the other elements. It’s a simple yet flavorful option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Combining steamed broccoli and cauliflower with cheese and bacon, this casserole is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a balanced and hearty oven-baked dinner that’s practical for weeknights. The dish brings together vegetables and protein for a well-rounded meal. The short cooking time makes it an ideal choice for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Shredded chicken thighs, crispy bacon, and jalapeños are the key components of this oven-baked casserole topped with cheese. It’s a flavorful and hearty option, especially if you want a spicy kick in your oven-baked dinners. The casserole is straightforward to assemble and offers room to adjust the level of spiciness. Melted cheese on top creates a tempting golden finish. This dish is both convenient and versatile.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese come together in 30 minutes for this oven-baked casserole. The beef provides a hearty base, while the vegetables add a nutritious touch. Cheddar cheese binds all the ingredients together with its creamy texture. The dish is quick to prepare and low-maintenance, making it a practical choice for dinner. The ease and speed of preparation make this dish an efficient weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Lemon Pepper Wings
These wings, marinated in lemon and pepper, bake to a crisp finish without the need for frying. The oven ensures even cooking, resulting in a consistent texture throughout the dish. The lemon and pepper marinade introduces a tangy and spicy flavor profile. It’s a convenient, oven-baked dinner that can be ready in a short amount of time. This dish eliminates the mess and hassle associated with frying.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings
Pollo Asado
Marinated in a blend of cilantro, onion, and citrus juices, these chicken thighs bake to perfection in the oven. The marinade can be prepared in advance, offering added convenience. Once baked, the chicken absorbs all the nuanced flavors from the herbs and citrus. This dish is an aromatic and juicy option for those who wish for a change in their regular oven-baked dinners. It pairs well with a variety of sides, adding flexibility to your meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado
Keto Chicken Nuggets
Utilizing canned chicken and pork rinds for the coating, these oven-baked nuggets are ready in no time. The canned chicken maintains its juiciness during baking, while the pork rinds provide a crispy exterior. The dish is extremely easy to prepare and requires only a few straightforward steps. It serves as a quick and practical dinner option. The short cooking time is particularly advantageous for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets