18 Easy Baked Dinners That Start in the Oven

Baked dinners can be bold, cheesy, zesty, or cozy, all without much cleanup or effort. These recipes show how versatile baking can be, covering everything from fish and tofu to pork chops and pasta. Some dishes are layered and comforting, others fresh and straightforward, but all are made easier by letting the oven do the work. Here are 18 ways to bring flavor to your dinner table with minimal fuss.

Baked Chicken Ravioli

Plate of creamy ravioli topped with a sprinkling of browned cheese, garnished with basil, on a white dish with a fork nearby. — Baked Chicken Ravioli. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

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This meal uses ravioli layered with chicken, marinara, and cheese, baked until bubbly. It’s like lasagna without the effort of boiling noodles. The cheese melts over the top for a golden, gooey finish. A great way to use store-bought pasta with a homemade touch.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Ravioli

Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings (Fall Off the Bone)

Baked tender, sticky, and savory Asian chicken wings on a plate. — Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings (Fall Off the Bone). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

These wings bake until tender and get coated in a sticky glaze made from soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. The oven does the heavy lifting, creating fall-apart texture without frying. Finish under the broiler for crispy edges. Serve with sesame seeds or chopped scallions.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings (Fall Off the Bone)

Spicy Baked Tofu Noodles

Tofu is baked until golden, then tossed with noodles and a spicy sauce made from soy, garlic, and chili. It’s got crunch, heat, and plenty of umami. Add steamed veggies for a full meal. A good choice for meatless nights.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Baked Tofu Noodles

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.

Thick-cut pork chops are filled with a savory stuffing—think breadcrumbs, herbs, and maybe a bit of cheese. They’re baked until juicy inside with a crisp edge on the outside. Serve with roasted potatoes or green beans. Hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

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

White fish fillets are topped with lemon slices and melted butter, then baked until flaky. The butter soaks into the fish and creates a simple, rich sauce. It’s quick, bright, and full of flavor. Serve with a side of steamed veggies or rice.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

A wooden spoon scoops cheesy baked casserole topped with chopped green onions and bacon from a white dish. — Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole captures all the flavors of twice-baked potatoes—cheese, bacon, and green onions—in an easy-to-scoop dish. Creamy mashed potatoes are baked again for a crispy top layer. It works as a side or a main dish. Great for potlucks or Sunday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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.

Chicken and orzo pasta bake together in a broth with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The orzo absorbs the liquid and turns tender and flavorful. A few spoonfuls of cheese or lemon juice can brighten it up. One dish, no need to pre-cook the pasta.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken and Orzo

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.

Ground beef patties are shaped and baked in a savory onion gravy. It’s a classic comfort food that’s easy to throw together. Serve with mashed potatoes or rolls to soak up the sauce. The oven keeps it hands-off and evenly cooked.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks

Baked Rotini

This pasta dish bakes in a marinara sauce with melted cheese on top. Rotini’s shape holds the sauce well in every bite. Add ground meat or veggies for a heartier version. Quick to assemble and good for feeding a group.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rotini

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.

Walleye fillets are baked with lemon slices and toasted almonds for a light crunch. The nuts add texture while the lemon keeps things fresh. A simple recipe with just a few ingredients. Works well with roasted asparagus or potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Walleye Recipe with Lemons and Almonds

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

A cast iron skillet filled with baked chicken, cherry tomatoes, sausage slices, melted cheese, and fresh basil leaves on a white surface. — Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Chicken is layered with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, then baked until the cheese melts. The juices from the tomatoes help keep the chicken tender. Add a drizzle of balsamic for extra punch. It’s simple but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

Oven Baked Ranch Chicken

Ranch baked chicken next to a rocket salad. — Oven Baked Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

This chicken is coated in ranch seasoning and baked until golden and crispy. It’s juicy inside with a well-seasoned crust. Good with sides like roasted veggies or mac and cheese. No marinating or frying needed.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ranch Chicken

Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon

Baked sockeye salmon with herb caper crust and lemon slices on a sheet pan. — Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sockeye salmon fillets bake quickly with olive oil, lemon, and garlic. The vibrant color and firm texture hold up well in the oven. A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end adds brightness. Serve with couscous or sautéed greens.
Get the Recipe: Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon

Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

Baked palmini with feta in a light blue casserole. — Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This pasta bake uses palmini noodles, baked feta, and cherry tomatoes. Once baked, everything is stirred into a creamy, tangy mix. It’s low-carb and easy to customize with extra olives or herbs. A riff on the viral baked feta dish.
Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta