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    Home / Roundups

    28 Easy Baked Entrees for Dinner Without the Drama

    By Lisa MarcAurele · May 5, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

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    Long days don't need long dinners. A good baked main dish can get you out of the kitchen fast without settling for sad takeout. It's all about simple prep, easy clean-up, and food that actually feels like you tried. These are the kinds of recipes you can throw together and still have time to binge your favorite show. Plus, anything that cooks itself while you relax deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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

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    Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

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

    Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables keeps dinner low-effort while still feeling complete. It's a smart choice for nights when you need easy baked entrees that don't add drama to your evening. Everything cooks together on one tray, making cleanup simple and fast. The fresh flavors come through without needing a complicated list of ingredients.
    Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

    Marinated Lamb Chops

    Plate of grilled lamb chops with asparagus, onions, parsley garnish, and a lemon wedge. A fork holds a piece of lamb.Pin
    Marinated Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Marinated Lamb Chops bring hearty flavor with minimal hands-on work, perfect when you want dinner done without extra steps. They're a strong option for easy baked entrees that make dinnertime feel manageable. After a quick marinade, they bake up tender and full of flavor with hardly any babysitting. They also pair easily with simple sides for a complete meal.
    Get the Recipe: Marinated Lamb Chops

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

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

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a one-dish wonder that keeps dinnertime moving along without adding stress. It's a good choice for easy baked entrees that help you skip the usual kitchen chaos. Loaded with chicken, bacon, and creamy ranch, it bakes up hearty and filling. Plus, it's a crowd-pleaser that makes leftovers easy if you want to stretch meals.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

    Mexican Steak Pizza

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

    Mexican Steak Pizza gives you a baked dinner that feels different without being complicated. It fits right into easy baked entrees by using simple ingredients and quick cooking time. Bold flavors from steak, cheese, and toppings make it hearty enough to stand alone. This recipe is perfect when you want something homemade without a lot of back-and-forth.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

    Individual Lasagna

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

    Individual Lasagna lets you bake up personal-sized portions without the effort of a giant dish. It's a natural pick for easy baked entrees when you need something that feels special but doesn't take much juggling. The smaller size helps everything cook faster, making it a practical option for weeknights. Plus, cleanup is easier without a big pan to scrub.
    Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

    Personal Pizza

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

    Personal Pizza offers a quick path to a homemade meal without turning dinner into a project. It's one of those easy baked entrees that keep things flexible and stress-free. You can throw them together with pantry basics and still end up with something warm and filling. Everyone can top their own, making it easy to keep everyone happy with minimal extra work.
    Get the Recipe: Personal Pizza

    Breaded Panko Pork Chops

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

    Breaded Panko Pork Chops bring a crunchy, baked main course to your table without a lot of prep. They're a smart fit for easy baked entrees that let you skip long marinating or complicated steps. A simple breading gives a crispy texture that feels like you did more work than you actually did. These chops are great when you want something hearty that cooks up fast.
    Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

    Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli

    A slice of lasagna on a white plate, garnished with basil leaves, and a fork beside it.Pin
    Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli balances comfort and convenience all in one pan. It's a strong choice for easy baked entrees when you need something filling without spending hours prepping. Tender chicken and broccoli layer in for a complete meal that bakes all at once. This dish is perfect for feeding a family or saving extra portions for later.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli

    Panko Crusted Cod

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

    Panko Crusted Cod offers a crisp and flaky dinner that comes together without much effort. It checks the box for easy baked entrees that won't leave you standing over the stove. The light coating gives it a satisfying crunch while keeping the inside tender. It's a great option when you need a quick seafood dish that still feels hearty.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake blends bold flavors with a hands-off baking process, making it a lifesaver on busy nights. It fits right in with easy baked entrees that don't pile on extra work. With pasta, chicken, and a touch of heat, it creates a filling meal that holds up well for leftovers too. It's a great way to add a little variety without complicating dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

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

    Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels bring a little extra flair to dinner without dragging out the process. They are perfect examples of easy baked entrees that feel a little special but stay manageable. Rolled with simple fillings, they bake up evenly and slice easily. This is a practical way to put a nice dinner on the table without spending all day on it.
    Get the Recipe: Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

    Chicken Pot Pie

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

    Chicken Pot Pie offers a comforting baked meal that doesn't require a lot of hovering in the kitchen. It fits right into easy baked entrees when you want something hearty without a ton of prep. The flaky crust and creamy filling come together with familiar ingredients. It's a reliable option for a warm, filling meal on busy evenings.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

    Sloppy Joe Casserole

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

    Sloppy Joe Casserole takes a classic sandwich idea and turns it into an easy baked dinner. It's a strong pick when you're looking for easy baked entrees that keep things simple. The hearty beef filling and biscuit topping bake up together without much hands-on time. This casserole is also great for leftovers, stretching your efforts even further.
    Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

    Chicken Divan

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

    Chicken Divan is a comfort food classic that fits perfectly into easy baked entrees for busy nights. It layers chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce in a way that feels filling but never complicated. Baked until bubbly, it's an easy way to get a hearty meal on the table. The leftovers reheat well, making it a smart choice for meal planning too.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

    Baked Meatballs in Oven

    A plate of zucchini noodles topped with tomato sauce, meatballs, and grated cheese, garnished with parsley. A fork rests on the plate.Pin
    Baked Meatballs in Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Baked Meatballs in Oven give you a hands-off way to make a batch of flavorful meatballs without frying. They are a good option for easy baked entrees that keep dinner prep simple and low-mess. The oven does the heavy lifting, leaving you free to prep a side if needed. These meatballs work for pasta nights, subs, or even just a quick snack.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Meatballs in Oven

    Popcorn Chicken

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

    Popcorn Chicken bakes up crispy without needing to fuss over a fryer. It fits the bill for easy baked entrees by keeping prep simple and cooking time short. The bite-sized pieces are great for kids and adults alike, making dinner feel easygoing. It's also easy to pair with dipping sauces for a no-fuss meal.
    Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

    Wet Burrito

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

    Wet Burrito offers a hearty baked dinner without a lot of complicated steps. It's a natural fit for easy baked entrees when you want something filling that doesn't overcomplicate your evening. The smothered sauce keeps everything moist and flavorful while baking. It's an easy way to bring a restaurant-style meal into your kitchen.
    Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

    Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

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

    Baked Stuffed Pork Chops give you a hearty meal in one easy bake without needing much extra work. They're a solid pick for easy baked entrees that look impressive without being stressful. The stuffing adds flavor and makes each chop feel complete without needing a lot of sides. These chops bake up juicy and tender with minimal babysitting.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

    Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

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

    Cracker Barrel Meatloaf brings comfort food home without a complicated recipe. It fits right into easy baked entrees when you want something filling that you can trust to turn out well. The simple mix of beef and seasonings bakes up moist and hearty. It's a smart meal to make when you want leftovers or need something that freezes well.
    Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

    Baked Lemon Butter Fish

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

    Baked Lemon Butter Fish brings a fresh, light dinner to the table with very little hands-on effort. It's a perfect fit for easy baked entrees when you need something quick that still feels like a real meal. The lemon butter sauce keeps it flavorful without a lot of extras. It's great for nights when you want a lighter dinner that still fills you up.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

    Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

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

    Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes bake up hearty and colorful with minimal prep time. They're a good choice for easy baked entrees when you want something different without a lot of juggling. The filling is easy to throw together while the potatoes bake on their own. This is a practical way to bring big flavors to the table without complicating dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

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

    Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a classic, no-fuss meal that fits right into easy baked entrees. It brings comforting flavors together in one simple dish that doesn't require a lot of tending. Everything bakes up in one pan, keeping cleanup fast and easy. It's a reliable way to put a hearty dinner on the table when time is short.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

    Seafood Pot Pie

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

    Seafood Pot Pie layers flaky crust with rich seafood filling for a meal that feels special without being complicated. It's a great match for easy baked entrees that need to feel comforting without being a project. The creamy filling bakes up in one dish, saving you effort and time. It's a nice change of pace when you want something homemade without a long prep list.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

    Individual Shepherd's Pie

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

    Individual Shepherd's Pie portions out hearty meals in easy-to-handle servings. It fits well with easy baked entrees when you need something filling without big cleanup. Each one bakes up quickly, saving you time without sacrificing comfort. They also store and reheat well, making leftovers simple.
    Get the Recipe: Individual Shepherd's Pie

    Carne Asada in the Oven

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

    Carne Asada in the Oven gives you bold, hearty flavor with easy baking and minimal fuss. It's a perfect example of easy baked entrees that don't need constant attention. After marinating, the meat roasts quickly and stays juicy. This is a smart way to enjoy steak night without firing up the grill.
    Get the Recipe: Carne Asada in the Oven

    Oven Baked Pork Steaks

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

    Oven Baked Pork Steaks offer a no-fuss way to get a hearty main dish on the table. They fit naturally into easy baked entrees that skip the extra steps. The steaks bake up juicy and tender with very little active cooking time. It's a reliable option when you need a filling dinner without standing over the stove.
    Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Pork Steaks

    Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

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

    Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls bring comforting flavors together in a way that feels homemade without being difficult. They're a strong fit for easy baked entrees that let you plan ahead and keep dinner calm. Once rolled and baked, they hold their shape and store well for leftovers. This meal is great for nights when you want something traditional without extra fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

    Panko Chicken Breast

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

    Panko Chicken Breast brings a crispy coating to the table without the hassle of deep frying. It's a natural fit for easy baked entrees when you want something that feels complete but stays simple. The panko crust adds great texture while keeping the inside juicy. It's a quick way to put a hearty, homemade meal on your plate.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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