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

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36 Tried-and-True 13x9 Recipes for Casseroles, Strata and Bakes (1)

BySue Stetzel

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated: 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.

    1/35

    Zucchini Pizza Casserole

    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

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    2/35

    Fold-Over Tortilla Bake

    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

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    3/35

    Taste of Home

    Ultimate Scalloped Potatoes

    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

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    4/35

    Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells

    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

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    5/35

    Best Shepherd’s Pie Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Best Shepherd’s Pie

    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

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    6/35

    TMB Studio

    Baked Feta Pasta

    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

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    7/35

    Chicken and Rice Dinner Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Chicken and Rice Dinner

    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

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    8/35

    Broccoli-Mushroom Bubble Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Broccoli-Mushroom Bubble Bake

    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

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    9/35

    Perfect Four-Cheese Lasagna

    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

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    10/35

    Taste of Home

    Tex-Mex Bean Bake with Cornbread Topping

    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

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    11/35

    Taste of Home

    Ranch Pasta

    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

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    12/35

    Taste of Home

    Farmers Market Enchiladas

    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

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    13/35

    Chicken Divan

    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

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    14/35

    Baked Chicken Parmigiana Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Baked Chicken Parmigiana

    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

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    15/35

    Southwestern Turkey Bake

    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

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    16/35

    Taste of Home

    New England Lamb Bake

    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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    17/35

    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

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    18/35

    Taste of Home

    Chili Mac Casserole

    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

    19/35

    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

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    20/35

    Taste of Home

    Reuben Strata

    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

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    21/35

    Taste of Home

    Sloppy Joe Veggie Casserole

    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

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    22/35

    Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells

    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

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    23/35

    Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake

    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

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    24/35

    Taste of Home

    White Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

    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

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    25/35

    Taste of Home

    Burrito Bake

    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

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    26/35

    Deluxe Pizza Casserole

    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

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    27/35

    Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

    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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    28/35

    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

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    29/35

    Sausage Lasagna

    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

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    30/35

    Taste of Home

    Best Ever Beans and Sausage

    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

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    31/35

    Curried Chicken and Grits Casserole

    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

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    32/35

    Italian Pasta Bake

    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

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    33/35

    Taste of Home

    Chicken Chiles Rellenos Strata

    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

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    34/35

    Mashed Cauliflower au Gratin

    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

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    35/35

    Taste of Home

    Sausage Spaghetti Spirals

    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

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    Originally Published: March 14, 2022

    Author

    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.

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

    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.

    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.

    Should casseroles be cooked covered or uncovered? ›

    In general, you'll want to bake a casserole covered with aluminum foil for most of the cooking time. Covering the casserole helps lock in moisture and prevents it from drying out.

    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 temperature do you bake a casserole? ›

    Again, any recipe will give you the oven temperature and baking time, but if you are making up your own casserole, don't cook it lower than 300 or higher than 400 degrees F. Casseroles generally do best at a moderately hot heat, especially if the ingredients are already cooked.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    What thickens a casserole? ›

    The three main thickening agents for gravies are flour, cornflour and arrowroot. The first two are normally used in savoury dishes while arrowroot tends to be used in sweet dishes – that said, arrowroot will work in a savoury dish as it has no flavour.

    What rack should you bake a casserole on? ›

    The middle zone is a go-to for many of your baking needs, and is typically a safe bet for casseroles and baked goods. The bottom zone of the oven is often good for roasting and baking crusty bread or pizza, while the top is ideal for broiling and toasting.

    Do you have to brown meat before casserole? ›

    Browning meat for stews or braises adds a great deal of flavor especially given the Maillard reaction which is a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned food its distinctive flavor.

    Is it better to cook casserole the day before or? ›

    Make-ahead meals (especially baked casseroles) are terrific because you can completely assemble them in advance and bake them just before serving. They're the ultimate comfort food as they come bubbling hot and delicious straight from the oven to the table to the delight of family and friends.

    Why is it called John Wayne casserole? ›

    In her pitch, she asked the stars to provide the recipe for their favorite dish. Wayne offered a simple concoction of egg souffle, cheese, green chiles, and tomatoes. His basic recipe became known as John Wayne Casserole, and it's now adored as a breakfast classic in many households.

    What is the Midwest term for casserole? ›

    The term hot dish is typically utilized in the upper parts of Minnesota and North Dakota because people up there like to coin their own verbiage, much like “uff da” or “you betcha.” You probably called it a casserole, like this one, and, not to sound like a hot dish snob, but the parameters of hot dish are a bit more ...

    What is casserole called in USA? ›

    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 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.

    Should you stir a casserole? ›

    Preparing a casserole is easy – all you need to do is brown the meat on the stovetop, combine all the ingredients in the casserole dish then cover and pop it in the oven. There's no stirring required either, so you have more time to relax.

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