36 Tried-and-True 13x9 Recipes for Casseroles, Strata and Bakes (2024)

Home Gear Bakeware 13x9

36 Tried-and-True 13x9 Recipes for Casseroles, Strata and Bakes (1)Sue StetzelUpdated: Feb. 01, 2024

    These trustworthy 13x9 recipes will cook perfectly. From traditional classics to kid-friendly favorites, bank on these comforting casseroles to please everyone in your crew.

    Zucchini Pizza Casserole

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    My husband has a hearty appetite, our two kids never tire of pizza and I grow lots of zucchini, so this tasty tomato casserole is absolutely tops with us throughout the entire year. Once you’ve tried the recipe, you may even decide to grow more zucchini in your own garden next summer! —Lynn Bernstetter, White Bear Lake, Minnesota

    Fold-Over Tortilla Bake

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    Here’s something a little different to shake up taco night. But don’t reserve this zippy dish for a weeknight—it’s perfect for potlucks and serving company, too. something a little different from the usual tacos. It's special enough for potlucks or dinner guests. —Deborah Smith, DeWitt, Nebraska

    Ultimate Scalloped Potatoes

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    Taste of Home

    My husband found this recipe when I called and informed him we were going to have guests for dinner. This tasty variation on traditional scalloped potatoes is dressed up with garlic, Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese.
    —Glenda Malan, Lake Forest, California

    Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells

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    When chicken Parmesan meets stuffed shells, it's love at first bite. The texture of the chicken holds up in the deliciously creamy and cheesy mixture. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida

    Best Shepherd’s Pie

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    This is the best shepherd’s pie recipe I’ve ever had, and it comes from a friend who was a whiz at pinching pennies without sacrificing hearty flavor. —Valerie Merrill, Topeka, Kansas

    Baked Feta Pasta

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    TMB Studio

    There’s a reason this recipe went viral on TikTok! Baked Feta Pasta is about to become a new household favorite. It’s simple to throw together and incredibly creamy and delicious. —Sarah Tramonte, Taste of Home Associate Culinary Producer

    Chicken and Rice Dinner

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    My family lines up seconds of this hearty main dish from my mother-in-law, Mary Lou Baumert—a great cook! In this easy tasty recipe, the chicken bakes to a beautiful golden brown.—Denise Baumert, Dalhart, Texas

    Broccoli-Mushroom Bubble Bake

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    I got bored with the same old breakfast casseroles I’d see at our monthly moms’ meetings, so I decided to create something new. Judging by the reactions of the other moms, I think I have a winner. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia

    Perfect Four-Cheese Lasagna

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    Taste of Home

    Lasagna is one of my favorites, and this is the recipe I’ve been making since I was a teenager. It’s a tantalizing combo of pasta, meat sauce, cheese and more cheese that really lives up to its name! —Lauren Delaney-Wallace, Glen Carbon, Illinois

    Tex-Mex Bean Bake with Cornbread Topping

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    Taste of Home

    I frequently cooked this dish when I was on the cross-country team in college. We loved this veggie-packed bake so much I would have to make two! For a meaty version, substitute shredded chicken for half of the potato. —Samantha Westveer, Kentwood, Michigan

    Ranch Pasta

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    Taste of Home

    I came up with this ranch pasta after making recipes for a bridal shower. It was party day and I needed to take some shortcuts! Everyone loves the simple Parmesan ranch white sauce, and it’s easy to throw in veggies you have on hand. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California

    Farmers Market Enchiladas

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    Taste of Home

    These vegetarian enchiladas use a lot of garden favorites in a quick weeknight meal. Feel free to substitute with whatever vegetables you have from your garden: yellow summer squash, eggplant and corn—all taste great! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grv, Utah

    Chicken Divan

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    This tasty chicken divan recipe was given to me by a friend years ago, and it's been a family favorite ever since. My daughters enjoy making this dish in their own homes and get the same enthusiastic compliments I always do! —Mary Pat Lucia, North East, Pennsylvania

    Baked Chicken Parmigiana

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    Spaghetti sauce mix is the secret to the flavorful breading in this chicken parmigiana recipe. Just top juicy chicken breasts with prepared sauce and mozzarella cheese. —Trisha Lange, Appleton, Wisconsin

    Southwestern Turkey Bake

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    I make this turkey bake as a way to get my husband and nieces to eat their vegetables. It's also perfect if you're wondering what to do with leftover turkey. This creamy entree will fill you up fast. —Crystal Kolady, Henrietta, New York

    New England Lamb Bake

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    Taste of Home

    This dish is hearty and perfect for warming up on a chilly winter evening. The aroma is almost as delightful as the dish itself. —Frank Grady, Fort Kent, Maine

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    This classic, savory casserole is one of my husband's favorites. He loves the fluffy dumplings with plenty of gravy. The basil adds just the right flavor and makes the whole house smell so good while this dish bakes. —Sue Mackey, Jackson, Wisconsin

    Chili Mac Casserole

    Taste of Home

    This cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota

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    Taste of Home

    On chilly days, I doctor up grits and top them with shrimp for a comfy meal. If you’re not a seafood lover, use chicken, ham or both. —Jerri Gradert, Lincoln, Nebraska

    Reuben Strata

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    Taste of Home

    Sure, you could turn last night’s corned beef into a Reuben sandwich, but strata is more fun—and just as simple. —Patterson Watkins, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    Sloppy Joe Veggie Casserole

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    Taste of Home

    Sloppy joe flavor meets veggie lasagna wholesomeness. My family loves this dynamic duo, and you’ll love how simple it is to prepare. —Sue Schmidtke, Oro Valley, Arizona

    Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells

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    Taste of Home

    I created this comforting stuffed shells dish to serve on Christmas Eve, but it’s so good we enjoy it all year long. It can easily be assembled and frozen to bake at a later date. If you have any leftover cheese mixture, it can be served as a dip, either cold or spooned into ramekins and baked until browned. If you don’t like roasted red peppers, feel free to substitute chopped sun-dried tomatoes in the filling and any other pasta sauce. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO

    Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake

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    This bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole is the perfect dish to bribe your kids; homework, chores, piano practice—consider them done! —Deanna Zewen, Union Grove, Wisconsin

    White Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

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    Taste of Home

    This recipe has evolved over the past eight years. After I added the thyme, ham and sour cream, my husband declared, “This is it!” I like to serve this rich, saucy entree with a salad and homemade French bread. —Hope Toole, Muscle Shoals, Alabama

    Burrito Bake

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    Taste of Home

    Back when I was in college, my roommate would frequently make this economical baked burrito casserole. It's so easy to put together, and one serving goes a long way. —Cindee Ness, Horace, North Dakota

    Deluxe Pizza Casserole

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    This is the family favorite dish for special occasions, and we always make it for my granddaughter's birthday. Mushrooms are a wonderful addition if you like them. —Vickie Oldham, Dubuque, Iowa

    Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

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    Kids love this cheeseburger french fry casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just four ingredients. —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana

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    This recipe was inspired by a mushroom mac and cheese I had at a local restaurant. I incorporated the fall flavor of a pumpkin ale, and it turned out better than the original. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia

    Sausage Lasagna

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    The idea for this sausage lasagna recipe comes from my mother-in-law, who always makes it for my three boys on special holidays. I've put an easy twist on Carole's classic dish, and it's become one of my go-to dinners as well! —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, VA

    Best Ever Beans and Sausage

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    Taste of Home

    When my wife asks what she should make for a gathering, she's always told to bring this—and a couple of copies of the recipe! — Robert Saulnier, Clarksburg, Massachusetts

    Curried Chicken and Grits Casserole

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    Southern-style cheesy grits meet curry and loads of vegetables to make a satisfying casserole that blankets the house with an inviting aroma. —Lori Shamszadeh, Fairhope, Alabama

    Italian Pasta Bake

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    I love to make this pasta bake whenever I need to bring a dish to pass. Fresh tomatoes add a nice touch that’s missing from most other meat, pasta and tomato casseroles. —Karla Johnson, East Helena, Montana

    Chicken Chiles Rellenos Strata

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    Taste of Home

    This versatile bake can be made as an entree, a brunch option or a potluck dish. It’s one of the easiest meals to assemble on a busy weeknight. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

    Mashed Cauliflower au Gratin

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    Unless someone tells you, you might not know you’re eating cauliflower. Even my grandchildren love this buttery, cheesy, creamy dish that tastes like mashed potatoes. —Sandie Parker, Elk Rapids, Michigan

    Sausage Spaghetti Spirals

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    Taste of Home

    My family loves this flavorful casserole with hearty chunks of sausage and green pepper. The recipe makes a big pan, so it's nicely sized for a potluck. —Carol Carolton, Wheaton, Illinois

    Originally Published: March 14, 2022

    36 Tried-and-True 13x9 Recipes for Casseroles, Strata and Bakes (36)

    Sue Stetzel

    Sue has been working with Taste of Home since 2011. When she isn’t writing, she’s answering your burning cooking questions and working with our team of Community Cooks. She spends her free time cooking, crafting, and volunteering for various organizations in her home town.

    36 Tried-and-True 13x9 Recipes for Casseroles, Strata and Bakes (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the key to making a good casserole? ›

    1. Choose the right baking dish. If you're all about the crunchy topping, use a shallow dish. ...
    2. Undercook your pasta. ...
    3. Drain your meat. ...
    4. Beware of mushy vegetables. ...
    5. Know your cheeses. ...
    6. Master the art of casserole assembly. ...
    7. Don't skip the topping. ...
    8. Make it now, but bake it later.

    What was the original casserole? ›

    Apparently, casseroles originated as communal pots that people shared for meals. The oldest recipe for a casserole, around 1250, consisted of pasta sheets cooked in water, layered with grated cheese and spices. In 1787, returning from Italy, Thomas Jefferson brought home a pasta machine.

    What serves as a binder in casseroles? ›

    A perfect casserole needs one or more binders: cheese, eggs, condensed soup, Greek yogurt or noodles, for example. Next up are good seasonings; you need herbs and spices to make it all sing.

    What is the most popular casserole dish size? ›

    "The standard size of a casserole dish is 9 by 13 inches. However, due to varying shapes, they are often measured by volume, with three quarts being average,” says Contrino. “It is important to note that if a recipe calls only for a 'casserole dish,' it is most likely asking for a 9- by 13-inch rectangular size.

    How can I improve my casserole flavor? ›

    Casseroles can really shine when they achieve a harmonious balance of flavors. Sweet, salty, spicy, and acidic elements should blend well and complement each other. Add ingredients like caramelized onions, olives, or lemon zest to give your casserole a depth of flavor.

    Do you bake casseroles covered or uncovered? ›

    Generally, casseroles with grains, rice or pasta that will cook during the baking process are usually covered, for at least part of the time. Casseroles made of cooked ingredients are usually baked uncovered. If you like a crisper, browner top, be sure the casserole is uncovered for at least part of the bake time.

    What are the 5 components of a casserole? ›

    Not every single casserole has all of them, but as a rule of thumb, here's what to look for: a starch, a binding agent or sauce, and a protein or vegetable. Many casseroles also have both vegetables and proteins, as well as a crunchy element to give some textural contrast, and cheese.

    Why is it called a John Wayne casserole? ›

    John Wayne Casserole is a crustless, vegetarian, cheese and egg casserole recipe. Its origins are traced back as far as John Wayne, the American actor (26 May 1907 – 11 June 1979.) Wayne directly contributed the recipe to a 1979 cookbook titled, “Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends”, compiled by a Cara Connery.

    What makes a casserole a casserole? ›

    Casseroles Are Largely Defined by Their Baking Dish

    agrees, telling us that "a casserole is baked in a casserole dish—a deep baking dish. The word casserole comes from a French word meaning 'saucepan. '"

    What liquid to use in casserole? ›

    Liquid for casseroles

    Bone stock is good for beef casseroles, but failing that plain hot water enriched with a few drops of Worcestershire sauce and mushroom ketchup makes a handy instant stock. Red or white wine will add extra flavour of its own, and its acidity will actually help to tenderise the meat as it cooks.

    Is peanut butter a binder for baking? ›

    Peanut butter makes an excellent binder for homemade snack bars, such as our No-Cook Peanut Butter Protein Bars, made with quick oats, bananas, protein powder, and chia and hemp seeds.

    What adds and brings out flavor? ›

    These elements: salt, fat, acid, and heat all add a unique layer of flavor to a dish. Salt not only makes foods taste saltier, which we humans enjoy because it's essential to our diet, but also enhances the flavors of other elements in a dish (i.e., adding salt to cookie dough enriches the overall cookie).

    How many casserole servings in a 9x13 pan? ›

    Starchy side dishes and casseroles: a 9 X 13 pan makes about 12 one cup servings. A 2 quart casserole will make 6 to 8 cups. A typical serving size for potatoes, stuffing, and yams is 1 cup.

    How many cups does a 9x13 casserole dish hold? ›

    A 13×9 pan measures 117 square inches of surface area, which will hold about 14 cups of food. The 8×8 pan's 64 inches of surface area can contain up to 8 cups.

    What is the oldest known casserole? ›

    Macaroni and cheese is the oldest written casserole recipe found in 1250.

    What are the key components of a casserole? ›

    In the United States, a casserole or hot dish is typically a baked food with three main components: pieces of meat (such as chicken or ground meat) or fish (such as tuna) or other protein (such as beans or tofu), various chopped or canned vegetables (such as green beans or peas), and a starchy binder (such as flour, ...

    What are the characteristics of a casserole? ›

    A casserole can have layers, as in the case of an Italian lasagna or a deep-dish pizza, or composed of some evenly distributed combination of veggies, a protein, and a starchy binder. A casserole is often a one-pot meal that involves combining the ingredients in an oven-safe dish and baking them.

    What dictates a casserole? ›

    They're often defined by the vessel they're baked and served in, which is called a casserole dish. The ingredients in a casserole can be layered or simply mixed together. And although oven-baked pasta dishes like lasagna and baked ziti are technically casseroles they're not known as such; those are called baked pastas.

    How do you keep a casserole moist? ›

    Pro Tip: Avoid Dry Casserole.

    The best way to prevent it from drying out is to add a little bit of water, around ¼ cup, to the top of it. Allow the water to seep between the food and the sides of the baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil to seal in the moisture.

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