17 Oven-Baked Recipes for Hearty Main Courses

Looking for comforting meal ideas? These baked main dish recipes make dinnertime easier, more delicious, and stress-free. Perfect for families, meal prep, or hosting guests, they deliver big flavor with minimal effort and are sure to become instant favorites at your table. Whether you’re craving something hearty or looking for a simple go-to dish, these recipes have you covered.

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked butter fish on a plate with green beans. — Baked Lemon Butter Fish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Simple yet sensational! This dish highlights flaky fish coated in a buttery lemon sauce for an easy, delightful option that feels indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

This baked pasta favorite layers creamy cheese, robust Italian sausage, and flavorful marinara for a dish that will win everyone over.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Baked Ham with Honey, Bourbon, and Orange Glaze

This dish brings together sweet, citrus, and smoky bourbon notes to bathe your ham in a luscious glaze. Every bite is pure comfort with an upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ham with Honey, Bourbon, and Orange Glaze

Baked Pesto Salmon

Salmon with spinach sauce on a white plate. — Baked Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Basil pesto lends its rich, herby goodness to tender salmon, making this effortless dish a crowd-pleaser. You’ll savor every bite of this flavorful baked creation.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon

Baked Chicken and Orzo

A plate with baked chicken thigh and orzo pasta mixed with tomatoes, garnished with herbs, with a fork and knife beside. — Baked Chicken and Orzo. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This one-pan wonder combines juicy baked chicken with tender orzo for a meal that is hearty and satisfying. Packed with flavor and simple to prepare, it’s a go-to for effortless dinners.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken and Orzo

Mediterranean Baked Fish

This recipe delivers the sunshine of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen! With flavors of olives, cherry tomatoes, and herbs, this baked fish is a delightful balance of savory and fresh notes.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Baked Fish

#REF!

Easy Baked Walleye Recipe with Lemons and Almonds

A plate of almond-crusted walleye or pickerel fish fillets with a fork and lemon. — Easy Baked Walleye Recipe with Lemons and Almonds. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

This dish highlights delicate walleye with a fresh hint of citrus and nutty crunch from almonds. It’s a light, flavorful recipe you’ll enjoy every time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Walleye Recipe with Lemons and Almonds

Oven Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

A plate with parmesan chicken on it with a side of rice. — Oven Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly golden, this Parmesan-crusted chicken brings a crunchy, flavorful twist to classic baked chicken.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Baked Salmon with Chile-Caper Vinaigrette

This baked salmon gets a savory kick from a zesty chile caper vinaigrette, layering bold flavors with every forkful. It’s high on taste yet easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Baked Salmon with Chile-Caper Vinaigrette

Baked Fish with Fennel and Tomatoes

This vibrant dish pairs tender baked fish with the aromatic freshness of fennel and the brightness of juicy tomatoes. It’s a fresh and flavorful way to elevate mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Baked Fish with Fennel and Tomatoes

Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut

Smoky sausage bakes alongside tangy sauerkraut, creating a dish that’s bursting with rich, comforting flavors. It’s a delicious nod to hearty, home-cooked meals.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut

Oven Baked Fish with Summer Vegetables

Light, healthy, and full of seasonal flavors, this Oven Baked Fish with Summer Vegetables is a must-try. Perfectly cooked fish and vibrant veggies make this a meal you’ll love on a warm evening.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Fish with Summer Vegetables

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Bursting with Tex-Mex flavors, cheesy fajita baked chicken is simple to make and deliciously melty. It’s sure to spice up your mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Baked Shrimp Scampi

Tender shrimp coated in garlic, butter, and lemon is baked to perfection in this take on classic shrimp scampi. It’s luxurious yet oh-so-easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Baked Shrimp Scampi

Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks

A serving spoon lifting Salisbury steak with mushrooms and onions from a baking dish with sauce. — Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This comforting dish combines juicy hamburger patties and a flavorful gravy that bakes together for a meal that’s nostalgic and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks

Gluten Free Honey Baked Chicken Thighs

Honey and lemon baked chicken thighs with parsley on top in a baking dish. — Gluten Free Honey Baked Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Sweetened with honey and baked to juicy perfection, these gluten-free chicken thighs are as flavorful as they are wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Honey Baked Chicken Thighs

Baked Firecracker Salmon

Get ready for a burst of bold flavor! This spicy and tangy salmon dish is all about adding zing to your dinner table while keeping it light and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Firecracker Salmon