15 Simple Oven Meals That Avoid the Usual Prep Steps
Getting started feels easier with 15 simple oven meals that leave out extra prep steps. Life gets busy, and recipes that keep things minimal can be a real lifesaver. Something is comforting about food that doesn’t come with a long to-do list before cooking. Try swapping your routine for dishes that focus on convenience.

Crack Chicken Casserole

Big flavor meets easy cleanup with this Crack Chicken Casserole, turning hectic nights into comfort-filled ones. Digging into creamy layers and a golden, crispy top always leaves people smiling. I stash away an extra square for later, since leftovers rarely make it through the next day. Less fuss, more enjoyment every single time.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole
Million Dollar Casserole

Nothing says comfort quite like this Million Dollar Casserole, known for its rich layers and inviting aroma. Each serving keeps people happy, whether it’s dinner tonight or tomorrow’s lunch. I rely on this recipe when time is short but great food is still a must. Don’t be surprised if it vanishes halfway through the meal.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole
Chicken Casserole

Simple comfort comes together in this Chicken Casserole without lots of chopping or complicated steps. Creamy bites and a warming finish make it a frequent request at my table. I love pulling it from the oven after a busy day, knowing dinner is taken care of. Everyone grabs seconds before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Casserole
Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Veggies

Individual servings rule with this Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Veggies, where cleanup is as quick as the prep. Each juicy mini loaf pairs with vegetables for a complete meal. I pack leftovers for easy lunches and enjoy how the flavors melt together overnight. Guests always notice the homemade touch.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Veggies
Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Hearty, colorful, and full of familiar flavors, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole makes dinner feel easy and inviting. Everything bakes in one pan without lots of extra mess. I reach for this recipe when I need a wholesome meal on a busy evening. Everyone raves about how every spoonful feels like home.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Chicken and Rice Casserole

Comfort food doesn’t need a long list of steps, and this Chicken and Rice Casserole proves it. Creamy sauce and filling bites make it a hero on busy nights. I love having leftovers for next day lunches. Each scoop feels like a warm hug at the end of the day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole
Hamburger Casserole

Mealtime feels a whole lot easier with this Hamburger Casserole, bringing homey flavors with minimal effort. Bubbling cheese and savory bites hit the spot for even the pickiest eaters. I often make extra so nobody has to fight over the leftovers. Less prep means more time for relaxing after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole
Potato Casserole

Layers of tender potato and a golden crust make this Potato Casserole an instant favorite. No need for fancy techniques or multiple pots. I save a portion for a quick breakfast later, since it’s good any time of day. Simple comfort meals like this never go out of style.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole
Tuna Casserole

Easy to prepare and loved by many, this Tuna Casserole answers last-minute dinner worries with creamy goodness. There is always someone going back for another spoonful. I put together a double batch for easy grab-and-go lunches. A dish this simple turns out crowd-pleasing every time.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Casserole
Tender Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Stress slips away with this Tender Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken, where the slow cooker does all the work. A flavorful dish greets you at the end of a busy day, no oven-watching needed. I store leftovers for those nights when dinner needs to be extra easy. A home-cooked meal never felt so simple.
Get the Recipe: Tender Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
French Onion Casserole

Bubbling cheese, a savory base, and just a single dish define this French Onion Casserole. Comfort pours out of every serving, while the kitchen fills with an aroma that draws people in. I like saving a slice for an after-dinner snack. Fewer steps never tasted so good.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole
Cheesy Taco Casserole

Dinner gets a flavorful upgrade with this Cheesy Taco Casserole, baked without lots of fuss. Scoops of spiced meat and bubbly cheese win over even the pickiest eaters. I stash away extras for taco-inspired lunches all week long. One bite always leads to grabbing seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Taco Casserole
Cowboy Casserole

Those craving big, bold comfort will love how this Cowboy Casserole makes dinnertime a breeze. Everything bakes up hearty in one dish, so cleanup is hardly needed at all. I often make enough for leftovers, since it holds up well for lunches. No one complains about one-pan meals like this.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole
Sushi Bake

Rolling sushi gets replaced by this Sushi Bake, filled with layers of flavor but not the hassle. It’s served warm and scooped out of a single dish, bringing fun to the table. I enjoy sharing portions for a playful lunch the day after. Less mess, more flavor—everyone’s happy.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake
Sloppy Joe Casserole

Classic sandwiches get an oven twist in this Sloppy Joe Casserole, making dinner fun and easy. Saucy, hearty flavors come together with hardly any prep. I like baking extra to stash in the fridge for later cravings. People dig in before you can even find a spatula.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
