20 Easy Recipes You Can Throw Together In A 9×13 Pan
Ever found yourself staring into the kitchen, wondering what on earth to make for dinner? It’s time to dust off that trusty 9×13 pan hiding in your cupboard.
This underrated kitchen hero makes it easy to turn basic ingredients into hearty, crowd-pleasing meals with hardly any fuss.
From bubbling casseroles to indulgent desserts, these 20 recipes are here to rescue your weeknights and cut down on cleanup, too.
1. Classic Tater Tot Casserole
Nothing beats the nostalgic comfort of a bubbling tater tot casserole! Ground beef forms the hearty base, mixed with cream of mushroom soup and corn for a satisfying texture contrast.
I remember making this for my nephew’s birthday when the oven broke halfway through cooking. We finished it on the grill and everyone declared it the best version ever!
The golden tots on top create a crispy crown that kids and adults equally fight over.
2. Banana Bread Breakfast Bake
Morning rushes become manageable with this make-ahead banana bread breakfast bake. Cubed bread soaks overnight in a mixture of mashed bananas, eggs, milk, and cinnamon, creating a pudding-like texture when baked.
A sprinkle of brown sugar on top caramelizes beautifully. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup for an indulgent start to your day that tastes like dessert but packs the staying power of a proper breakfast.
3. No-Fuss Enchilada Casserole
Skip the rolling and still enjoy all those enchilada flavors! Layers of tortillas, seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce create a Mexican-inspired feast without the fuss.
This became my go-to potluck dish after bringing it to a neighborhood cookout where three people asked for the recipe.
The best part? Customize with whatever toppings your family loves – avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or extra hot sauce all work beautifully.
4. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Fajita night without the stovetop splatter! Colorful bell peppers, onions, and chicken breast strips tossed with fajita seasoning roast together to perfection in your trusty 9×13.
The high heat caramelizes the vegetables while keeping the chicken juicy. I started making these during a kitchen renovation when my stovetop was out of commission, and now we prefer this method.
Serve with warm tortillas and all your favorite toppings for a hands-on dinner that brings everyone to the table.
5. Cheesy Garlic Bread Pull-Apart
Grab-and-go garlic bread reaches new heights with this interactive version. A loaf of sourdough bread gets crosshatched, stuffed with garlic butter and cheese, then baked until golden and gooey.
The 9×13 pan catches all the buttery goodness while keeping the bread perfectly crisp outside and tender inside. My family practically arm-wrestles for the middle pieces where the cheese concentration hits maximum levels!
Pro tip: add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the butter mixture for an elevated flavor profile.
6. Overnight French Toast Bake
Breakfast magic happens while you sleep with this cinnamon-scented creation. Thick bread slices soak up a vanilla-infused egg mixture overnight, resulting in custardy centers and caramelized edges when baked.
The genius lies in the preparation – assemble before bed, and pop it in the oven while brewing your morning coffee. A drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar transform this humble breakfast into something worthy of a fancy brunch.
7. Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Bake
Two comfort food favorites collide in this crowd-pleasing mashup. Zesty sloppy joe meat forms the base layer, topped with corn and cheese, then crowned with crispy tater tots.
The tots soak up the savory sauce while developing golden, crunchy tops. Last summer, I brought this to our family reunion and watched it disappear faster than any other dish on the table!
Even the pickiest eaters clean their plates when this appears for dinner, making it perfect for families with children.
8. Easy Peach Cobbler
Summer sweetness shines in this ridiculously simple dessert. Fresh or frozen peaches tossed with sugar create a jammy base, while a simple batter poured on top rises through the fruit to form a golden, cakey topping.
The 9×13 format ensures plenty of crispy edges – the best part! Vanilla ice cream melting into the warm cobbler creates a heavenly contrast of temperatures and textures.
Quick enough for weeknights but special enough for company, this dessert never fails to impress.
9. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Spicy game day flavors meet weeknight convenience in this creamy, cheesy pasta casserole. Al dente pasta tossed with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch creates a tangy base that’s irresistible when baked with a blanket of cheese on top.
Blue cheese crumbles add punchy flavor pockets throughout. My husband requested this three weeks in a row during football season last year!
The 9×13 format creates the perfect ratio of crispy top to creamy center that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
10. Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake
Chocolate cake reaches its pinnacle in this ultra-moist, fudgy version that feeds a crowd. The secret lies in pouring warm chocolate frosting over the hot cake, creating an almost ganache-like topping that sets to perfection.
Sprinkle with chopped nuts for textural contrast if desired. This recipe saved me when I forgot about a school bake sale – mixed, baked and frosted in under an hour!
The 9×13 size makes it perfect for potlucks, and leftovers (if any exist) taste even better the next day.
11. Loaded Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole
Weekend brunch champions will love this hearty, all-in-one morning meal. Frozen hashbrowns form the base, topped with scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon, sausage, and plenty of cheese for a protein-packed start to your day.
Bell peppers and onions add color and nutrition. The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility – add whatever veggies, meats, or cheeses your family enjoys.
Make it on Sunday and enjoy breakfast-for-dinner options throughout the busy week ahead.
12. Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake
Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this creamy, hearty casserole. Tender chicken chunks and rice cook together in a velvety sauce enhanced with cream of chicken soup, creating a one-dish meal that satisfies soul and stomach alike.
Frozen mixed vegetables add color and nutrition without extra prep. The first time I made this was during a blizzard when we couldn’t leave the house for groceries – it’s now our official snow day dinner!
13. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars
Breakfast, snack, or dessert? These versatile bars work for all three! A chewy oatmeal crust and topping sandwich a layer of cinnamon-spiced apples for a portable treat that tastes like apple pie.
The 9×13 format creates perfect portions that hold together for lunchboxes or on-the-go breakfasts. My son’s soccer team demolished these after a rainy practice last fall, with kids and parents alike asking for the recipe.
A drizzle of simple glaze adds sweetness without overwhelming the apple flavor.
14. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Vegetables
Vegetable skeptics convert with one bite of these caramelized, savory veggies. Cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts tossed with olive oil, garlic, and herbs roast to perfection in a 9×13 pan.
A shower of Parmesan cheese in the last few minutes creates an irresistible crusty topping. The shallow depth of the pan ensures maximum surface area for browning – the secret to vegetable deliciousness.
I’ve converted many veggie-haters with this simple preparation that brings out natural sweetness.
15. S’mores Cookie Bars
Campfire flavors come indoors with these irresistible layered treats. A graham cracker cookie base gets topped with chocolate chips and marshmallows that puff and brown in the oven, creating that authentic s’mores experience without the bonfire.
The 9×13 format means plenty to share. These bars saved my daughter’s indoor birthday party when rain cancelled our backyard plans – the kids were thrilled with this surprise alternative to traditional cake!
16. Spinach and Feta Egg Bake
Brunch elegance meets weekday practicality in this Mediterranean-inspired egg casserole. Whisked eggs combined with spinach, feta, and cherry tomatoes create a protein-packed meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
The 9×13 size makes enough for a crowd or meal prep for the week ahead. Cold leftovers tucked into pita bread make fantastic lunch sandwiches!
Fresh herbs like dill or oregano brighten the flavors and add a gourmet touch to this simple preparation.
17. Hawaiian Roll Ham Sliders
Party food reaches its pinnacle with these addictive mini sandwiches. Sweet Hawaiian rolls filled with ham and Swiss cheese get bathed in a buttery, mustard-infused sauce before baking to golden perfection.
The 9×13 pan keeps everything snug while baking, allowing the rolls to absorb all that savory goodness. I’ve never seen food disappear faster at gatherings!
The contrast between the sweet rolls, savory ham, and tangy sauce creates an irresistible flavor bomb that keeps everyone coming back for “just one more.”
18. Blueberry Lemon Bread Pudding
Stale bread transforms into a spectacular dessert with minimal effort in this bright, fruity creation. Cubes of bread soak up a lemon-infused custard studded with juicy blueberries for a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
The 9×13 format ensures plenty of crispy top pieces alongside the custardy interior. During berry season last year, I made this weekly with our farmers market haul, experimenting with different bread types.
Challah or brioche creates the most decadent version, but even regular sandwich bread works beautifully!
19. Homemade Mac and Cheese
Boxed versions pale in comparison to this creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Al dente pasta smothered in a velvety cheese sauce gets topped with buttery breadcrumbs for the ultimate comfort food experience.
The 9×13 pan creates the perfect ratio of crispy top to creamy interior. My grandmother’s recipe calls for three different cheeses – sharp cheddar, monterey jack, and a touch of parmesan – creating layers of flavor that elevate this beyond basic mac and cheese.
20. Classic Lasagna
Sunday dinner traditions center around this layered pasta masterpiece. Sheets of lasagna noodles alternate with savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella for an Italian-American classic that feeds a crowd.
The 9×13 size creates perfect portions with those coveted crispy edges. My Italian grandmother would spend hours crafting her sauce, but my weeknight version using jarred marinara still earns family praise.
The key is letting it rest 15 minutes after baking so the layers set properly before cutting.