Home » Trending » 21 One-Dish Dinners That Buy You Just Enough Time to Finish Laundry or Question Everything

21 One-Dish Dinners That Buy You Just Enough Time to Finish Laundry or Question Everything

If your day’s already off the rails, these 21 one-dish dinners are the backup plan that won’t ask questions. They’re low-fuss, high-payoff meals that let you throw one thing in the oven and pretend you’ve got it all together. While they cook, you might even fold laundry or just stare into space for a bit. Either way, dinner still gets done.

A slice of layered cabbage roll casserole served on a dark plate.
Cabbage Roll Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Vintage Chicken Divan

Two cast-iron skillets filled with vintage chicken divan and a fork dishing up one serving.
Vintage Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Sometimes, you need something easy but still comforting, and Vintage Chicken Divan is just that. This dish is all about a classic combination that hits the spot. You can focus on other things while it bakes, making it a true multitasker. It’s a throwback meal that’s always reliable.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Chicken Divan

Shipwreck Casserole

Shipwreck Casserole in a black dish with a spoon.
Shipwreck Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Shipwreck Casserole brings together all the elements you need for a meal, with minimal effort on your part. It’s one of those dishes that doesn’t require much attention, letting you take care of other things. Whether you’re tackling laundry or finishing up a to-do list, it keeps you covered. It’s simple but does the job every time.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole

The Backyard Table

An e-book titled "The Backyard Table: Recipes for Summer Cookouts" by Chef Jenn Allen is displayed on a tablet, featuring a bowl of potato salad on the cover.

Get it NOW and level up your outdoor dining! The Backyard Table - Recipes for Summer Cookouts features 34 of Chef Jenn's BEST recipes for outdoor eating and entertaining.

You'll get ad-free recipes like:

  • Grilled Corn Guacamole
  • Grilled French Onion Burgers
  • Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
  • Blueberry Grunt
  • and so many more!

Every recipe is created, tested and loved by Chef Jenn and her family - there's no AI here!

Get it now, at a special introductory price of $7.99. That's over 50 pages of foodie love at your fingertips!

Buy Now!

Pastitsio

A square piece of pastitsio served on a stack of black plates with three forks and a rectangular baking tray filled with the same pasta on the side.
Pastitsio. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

If you want a hearty meal that’s easy to manage, Pastitsio is a great choice. It combines layers of comfort in one dish, perfect for when you need a break from the kitchen. It’s a solid option to make ahead and can be left in the oven while you do other things. This dish definitely gives you a little extra time for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box

Close-up of a cheesy broccoli and rice casserole in a baking dish, with a serving removed, showing melted cheese, rice, broccoli, and garnished parsley.
Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

The name says it all: Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box is a tried-and-true classic. It’s the kind of meal that takes little effort but still feels like a hug in a bowl. Once it’s in the oven, you’re free to tackle other tasks without worrying. It’s comfort food that’s never a hassle.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box

John Wayne Casserole

A slice of John Wayne casserole on a black plate beside a baking dish of the same casserole.
John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

When you need a hearty meal in one dish, John Wayne Casserole delivers. This is the kind of casserole that’s both easy and filling, leaving you with time to focus on your day. With everything cooked together in one pan, cleanup is a breeze too. It’s a no-fuss option for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Top-down shot of Tuna Noodle Casserole on a dish with a small portion on a black plate.
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole is a perfect go-to when you’re craving something easy and familiar. With everything baked together, it’s the kind of dish that doesn’t demand much attention. Once it’s in the oven, you can shift your focus elsewhere, knowing dinner is in the works. A simple solution for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Squash Casserole

A serving of squash casserole with a crumb topping is plated on a white dish.
Squash Casserole. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

This casserole is a great choice when you want a quick and filling meal that doesn’t take up much of your time. It’s a no-fuss casserole that’s perfect for any day of the week. Once it’s in the oven, you’ve got time to knock out a few tasks while dinner cooks itself. Squash Casserole is one of those easy options you’ll turn to often.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole

Turkey Divan

A serving of Turkey Divan from a baking dish onto a black plate.
Turkey Divan. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

When you need a cozy meal with minimal prep, Turkey Divan is here for you. This casserole is perfect for when you’ve got more important things to do but still want a fulfilling dinner. It’s simple, straightforward, and never a hassle to make. Let it bake while you take care of other things.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Divan

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole in two serving dishes.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

With Pizza Casserole, you get the comfort of pizza in a casserole form that’s quick to prepare. It’s a great go-to for those days when you don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen. This dish can be easily customized to suit your preferences, and it’s filling enough to keep you going. Perfect for when you’re juggling other things but still want a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Two skillets filled with chicken and vegetables on a white background.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

When you’re craving something hearty and easy, Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is the answer. This dish has everything you need in one pan, saving you from washing too many dishes. It’s a nice way to enjoy a filling meal without too much effort. It’s fulfilling enough to keep you full through the evening, even after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Baked Spanish Rice

Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Baked Spanish Rice offers a simple yet filling meal when you’re craving something warm and comforting. The best part is, it takes very little time to prepare, so you can focus on other things. It pairs well with just about anything, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. With this casserole, you’ll be set with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole in a baking dish.
Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

A twist on a classic, Cheeseburger Casserole lets you enjoy all the deliciousness of a burger in a casserole form. It’s quick and easy, making it ideal for busy nights when time is tight. With a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time. This casserole is perfect for those evenings when you need something filling but don’t want to spend hours cooking.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken cordon bleu casserole on a black plate with a fork.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving something rich and satisfying? Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole offers all the flavors you love from the classic dish with way less effort. It’s a great option for those busy nights when you just need to throw something together. This casserole is perfect for when you need a hearty meal without the complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Sloppy Joe Casserole

A serving of Sloppy Joe Casserole pasta with meat on a plate with a fork.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sloppy Joe Casserole takes the messy sandwich and turns it into an easy-to-serve casserole. Perfect for nights when you need a filling meal that everyone will enjoy. It’s as easy to make as it is delicious, and clean-up is a breeze. You won’t have to worry about dinner stress when this dish is on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

King Ranch Casserole

King ranch casserole in a pan.
King Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you’re looking for comfort in a dish, King Ranch Casserole delivers. This casserole combines layers of flavor and is ready in no time, so you can move on to other things. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just keeping leftovers for the next day. With minimal prep time, it’s a win for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: King Ranch Casserole

Million Dollar spaghetti

Spaghetti with meat and cheese in a baking dish.
Million Dollar spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Million Dollar Spaghetti takes classic spaghetti to a whole new level. It’s cheesy, hearty, and doesn’t require a lot of time to prep, which is a win in any busy household. This dish is perfect when you need something comforting without a lot of work. With just one pan to clean, it’s practical and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar spaghetti

Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits

A casserole dish of Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuit.
Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This dish combines a hearty casserole with fluffy biscuits on top. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but doesn’t take much time to make. A simple yet satisfying meal that makes dinner feel like a treat without extra effort. Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits is great for when you want something easy but filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits

Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Shrimp and Grits Casserole in a black dish.
Shrimp and Grits Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Shrimp and Grits Casserole brings the flavors of the classic dish into a casserole form, perfect for a quick and filling meal. You won’t have to stand over a stove for too long, which is ideal for those busy evenings. It’s rich and comforting with just the right amount of seasoning. This casserole makes it easy to enjoy a hearty meal without all the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Taco Casserole

A Taco Casserole dish with black beans, cheese and jalapenos.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

When you’re in the mood for something a little more exciting, Taco Casserole hits the spot. It’s a quick dish to throw together, and it packs all the flavors you love about tacos in one pan. You won’t need to worry about assembling anything; it’s all done for you. This casserole is great for nights when you’re craving something flavorful with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Mexican Chicken Casserole

Mexican Chicken Casserole on a rectangular pan.
Mexican Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Mexican Chicken Casserole offers a little spice with a whole lot of comfort. It’s an easy dish that doesn’t take much to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights. You can throw everything into the pan and let it bake, leaving you time to focus on other things. It’s a filling dish that won’t keep you in the kitchen for long.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken Casserole

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Two servings of Cowboy Cornbread Casserole on plates.
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something comforting about a hearty meal, especially when it involves Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. With this one-dish wonder, you’ll appreciate the combination of flavors that come together to fill you up while getting laundry done. As you put this dish in the oven, get ready to multitask efficiently. By the time dinner is ready, a completed to-do list will seem within reach.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

By

Leave a Comment