There's nothing quite like getting paid while you sleep — and dividend-paying ASX 200 shares are one of the most effective ways to make that happen.

Whether you're building a portfolio from scratch or looking to top up your income in retirement, the right dividend shares can deliver reliable cash flow quarter after quarter.

But not all dividend shares are created equal. The best ones combine strong yields with dependable earnings and the potential for long-term growth.

With that in mind, here are three buy-rated ASX 200 dividend shares that tick those boxes and could help supercharge your passive income stream.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Coles is a staple of many Australian households — and it's also a staple in many income-focused portfolios. As one of the country's leading supermarket chains, Coles delivers consistent earnings and has a strong track record of returning capital to shareholders via fully franked dividends.

While growth may be modest, the defensive nature of the business makes it appealing in uncertain times. It generates strong cash flow, maintains a solid balance sheet, and regularly returns surplus capital to shareholders. For long-term investors, it could be a solid foundation for building passive income.

Macquarie is bullish and recently put an outperform rating and $22.00 price target on its shares.

In respect to dividends, it is forecasting payouts of 67 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 74 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $19.41, this would mean dividend yields of 3.5% and 3.8%, respectively.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

Harvey Norman may not be the most glamorous name on the market, but it's been a consistent dividend payer for years. As well as its leadership position in household goods and electronics, the company owns a large portfolio of valuable retail property, which supports its earnings and allows it to pay out generous, fully franked dividends — even during periods of retail weakness.

With more interest rate cuts on the horizon, housing activity expected to lift, and artificial intelligence driving a new wave of mobile and computer upgrades, Harvey Norman is well placed to benefit.

Bell Potter expects this to be the case and has put a buy rating and $6.00 price target on its shares.

As for income, its analysts are forecasting fully franked dividends per share of 25.4 cents in FY 2025 and then 28.1 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $5.10, this equates to dividend yields of 5% and 5.5%, respectively.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban is one of the most dependable ASX dividend shares on the local share market. The toll road operator owns and operates major assets in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and North America, with long-duration concessions and inflation-linked revenue.

It offers a stable and growing dividend stream, underpinned by predictable cash flows and essential infrastructure. For passive income seekers who value reliability, Transurban could be a core holding.

UBS is positive and has put a buy rating and $14.85 price target on its shares.

In respect to dividends, the broker is forecasting payouts of 65 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 69 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $13.17, this equates to dividend yields of 4.9% and 5.2%, respectively.