There’s nothing quite as comforting (or easy) as a mid-week tray bake to get you through to Friday. With so many flavourful casseroles and one-pan dishes to try, simple home cooking doesn’t get better than this. All it takes to make any of these 21 tray bake recipes is a tiny bit of prep – then you can just pop it in the oven and wait for the magic to happen.
These one-dish wonders can provide a fuss-free dinner for the whole family, and most of them taste even better as leftovers the next day!
Our top 21 tray bake recipes
1. Ranch-style chicken macaroni bake
Make this delicious ranch-style chicken macaroni bake for an easy week-night meal. Pro tip: use a barbecue chook from the supermarket to make this recipe in record time! Click here for the recipe.
2. Green vegetable bake
With layers of fresh autumnal produce, like capsicum, zucchini, sage, parsley, rosemary, potato and spinach – this amazing green vegetable bake will thrill the table and make the whole house smell amazing. Check out the recipe.
3. Vertical potato bake
With a crispy top and creamy base, this bake is the ultimate balance of cheese and herb flavours. Need we say more? Here’s the recipe.
4. Roasted pumpkin, spinach and feta slice
Delicious the night you make it, even better as leftovers for lunch the next day. Here’s the recipe.
5. Tuna and veg pasta mornay
Everyone loves an easy tray bake, and this tuna and veg pasta mornay is an old-fashioned favourite that keeps everyone happy! Here’s the recipe.
6. Oven-baked chicken divan
It’s not just outdated homes that need makeovers, there are plenty of recipes that do, too! With chicken and broccoli smothered in mornay sauce topped with cheesy breadcrumbs, there’s plenty to love about the ’70s classic, chicken divan. Here’s the recipe.
7. Parmesan meatballs with roasted sweet potato
Packed with healthy ingredients, flavour and a few cheat items, the whole family will love this comforting meal. Here’s the recipe.
8. Easy sausage and vegetable casserole
Forget the cereal and get a load of this gourmet brekkie bake instead. Layer the ingredients in the pan, pop it in the oven, and then get back in bed while it bakes (just don’t forget the timer)! Here’s the recipe.
9. Red lamb and vegetable tray bake
This classic Portuguese dish of lamb flavoured with red wine and smoked paprika, has everything you need and requires minimal effort. Here’s the recipe.
10. Spaghetti and meatballs tray bake
With pasta as the core ingredient in this one-pot wonder, it’s sure to be a show-stopper. It’s fuss-free and will save on dishes, but more importantly it’s delicious. Here’s the recipe.
11. Baked cauliflower cheese with breadcrumbs and walnuts
Swap your usual roast spuds for this creamy, crunchy beauty. It takes just 10 minutes to assemble in a single oven dish, and is perfect for fussy eaters or as a healthy roast potato alternative. Here’s the recipe.
12. Bacon, potato and leek bake
It’s the side dish that you won’t be able to get enough of. Crispy bacon, cream, wine and thyme take potato bake from side dish to superstar. Here’s the recipe.
13. Roasted chicken sausages and capsicum tray bake
This low-carb Italian fare roast is simple to make and diabetic-friendly. Filled with chicken sausages and capsicum, this dish is best when caramelised to perfection. Here’s the recipe.
14. Tray-bake tomato sauce
Roast whole tomatoes to create your own sauce and use it as the perfect addition to other dishes, or as a base to bake fish or sausages. Here’s the recipe.
15. Mediterranean vegetable and haloumi tray bake
You can serve this dish for meat-free Monday or with your best roast – it’s epically tasty either way. Here’s the recipe.
16. Roasted fish and spiced rice pilaf tray bake
Karen’s making roasted fish with rice, but adding some yummy spices and a zingy olive paste for extra flavour. It’s the perfect midweek meal. Here’s the recipe.
17. Meatball and risoni bake
This meatball and pasta combo will impress the whole fam and is best served with flaked almonds (or any nuts/seeds of your choice) on top and a mixed green side salad. Here’s the recipe.
18. Potato bake with sour cream, brie cheese and chives
It doesn’t get much better (or tastier) than this creamy potato bake. Make a batch to take to your next family barbecue and it’s sure to win everyone over. Here’s the recipe.
19. Maple-roasted oven baked chicken thighs
Maple syrup brings out the sweet notes in this classic oven-baked chicken thigh recipe with sweet potato wedges and Brussels Sprouts dish. Here’s the recipe.
20. Crunchy potato-topped tuna mac and cheese
Satisfying and filling, pantry and fridge staples are the base of this fam fave. Top your cheesy pasta bake with salt and vinegar chips for an instant ‘potato’ topping. Here’s the recipe.
21. Apple berry pie tray bake
This is hands down the easiest apple pie you will ever make, just toss your filling ingredients in the roasting tray, pop squares of short crust pastry on top, bake, dish it up and accept all the compliments! Here’s the recipe.
Frequently asked questions
What size tray should I use?
The size of the tray will depend on the recipe, but most recipes will specify the size of the tray needed. If it’s not specified, a general rule of thumb is to use a tray that’s around 9 x 13 inches (22 x 33 cm).
Can I use baking paper or aluminium foil to line the tray?
Yes, you can use baking paper or aluminium foil to line the tray, which will make cleaning up much easier. Make sure to grease the paper or foil with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Can I prepare the tray bake recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare most tray bake recipes ahead of time. You can make the recipe the day before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Alternatively, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the recipe right before baking.
Can I freeze the tray bake?
Yes, most tray bake recipes can be frozen. Make sure to wrap the tray tightly in plastic wrap and aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the tray bake in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.
Best baking trays to shop
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