Put your favorite pan to work! These make-ahead recipes fit perfectly in a 13x9 baking dish.
41 Make-Ahead Recipes for Your 13×9
Updated on Oct. 01, 2024
Italian Stuffed Shells
A dear friend first brought over this stuffed shells recipe. Now I take it to other friends’ homes and to potlucks, because it’s always a big hit! —Beverly Austin, Fulton, Missouri
1/41
2/41
Sausage-Rice Phyllo Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe to use up the ingredients I had stocked in my cupboards. You can mix up the herbs and spices to fit any taste. Add rosemary or cayenne to give it a little more kick. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 451 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 1085mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein.
3/41
Shrimp & Crab Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick, easy recipe is truly delicious. The succulent, melt-in-your-mouth seafood flavors and textures make for elegant comfort food. To make ahead, just assemble, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. —Jan Bartley, Evergreen, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 376 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 195mg cholesterol, 1127mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
4/41
Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 315 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 855mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
5/41
Herbed Oatmeal Pan Bread
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 107 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
6/41
Chicken Cornbread Casserole
Total Time
3 hours 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this super easy chicken slow-cooker recipe because it tastes like Thanksgiving, but without all the hassle. It's such a hearty and delicious meal for the fall or winter season. —Nancy Barker, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 500 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 1657mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 27g protein.
7/41
White Chocolate Cranberry-Orange Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my take on my mother's recipe for chocolate chunk bars, which she made every Christmas Eve. Our family is scattered across the country now; making these reminds me of home. If you don't have a pastry cutter, you can use two sharp knifes or a potato masher. My mom makes this with semisweet chocolate chunks. —Erin Powell, Amarillo, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 214 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
8/41
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 428 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
9/41
Italian Pasta Bake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 489 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 702mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein.
10/41
Broccoli Tuna Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was in the Navy, a co-worker's wife shared this recipe with me. I’ve tweaked it over the years, but it still brings back memories of my family away from home. —Yvonne Cook, Haskins, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 271 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
11/41
Make-Ahead Cabbage Rolls
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
12 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
I've relied on this recipe for years, and my cabbage rolls never fail to impress. As the host of a number of holiday parties, my guests have come to expect this main entree. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 cabbage rolls: 492 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 176mg cholesterol, 1376mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
12/41
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, cheesy casserole is so hearty that second helpings are a must! —Lynne German, Buford, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 549 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 957mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
13/41
Texas-Style Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With its spicy flavor, this dish is a real crowd-pleaser. It's wonderful with side servings of picante sauce, guacamole and tortilla chips.— Effie Gish, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 349 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 1041mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.
14/41
Sausage Manicotti
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic Italian entree comes together in a snap but tastes as if it took hours. It's so tasty and easy to fix. My family always enjoys it. —Carolyn Henderson, Maple Plain, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 489 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1232mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
15/41
Microwave Fudge
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 2-1/3 pounds (81 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
You’re moments away from a pan of creamy fudge. Just microwave, stir and spread. This easy homemade fudge recipe is the best. —Sue Tucker, Edgemoor, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 59 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
16/41
Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 pizzas (8 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I tried to duplicate the deep-dish pizza recipe from a popular restaurant, and I think our Chicago-style deep-dish pizza turned out even better. The secret is baking it in a cast-iron skillet! —Lynn Hamilton, Naperville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 407 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 872mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
17/41
Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this dish to fill two pans because these sliders disappear fast. Cut the recipe in half if you want one batch. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 380 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
18/41
Chicken Broccoli Shells
Total Time
45 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy entree is a make-ahead dream. Just assemble it ahead of time and put it in the oven when company arrives. I round out the meal with a tossed salad and warm bread. —Karen Jagger, Columbia City, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3 shells: 355 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
19/41
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Garlic lovers will savor every bite of this skillet chicken breast dish. If there are leftovers, note that the flavor intensifies as it sits. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/3 cup sauce: 589 calories, 41g fat (21g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
20/41
Pizza Noodle Bake
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a family-pleasing casserole that comes together in a snap, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Double the recipe and freeze one for later! —Bernice Knutson, Soldier, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 644 calories, 33g fat (15g saturated fat), 160mg cholesterol, 913mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 43g protein.
21/41
Smoky Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My hearty, delicious and nutrient-packed vegetarian dish is amazingly healthy. Everyone I've made it for has loved it—even carnivores! I always make two batches and freeze one. You'll want to eat this every week! —Elizabeth Lindemann, Salem, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 399 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 18g protein.
22/41
Layered Lemon Dessert Squares
Total Time
30 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this recipe in an old cookbook and changed it to be extra citrusy. If you’re a fan of Key lime pie, try lime flavors instead of lemon. —Dawn E. Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 676 calories, 42g fat (25g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
23/41
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Biscuits and gravy are usually prepared separately but served together. I created a way to bake them all at once in this scrumptious casserole. —Nancy Mcinnis, Olympia, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 373 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 640mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
24/41
Ham and Noodle Bake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe when I had leftover ham to use up. You’ll find it’s the perfect little casserole for any night of the week! —Laura Burgess, Mount Vernon, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 326 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 1086mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
25/41
Simple Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 casseroles (5 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken enchilada recipe is one of the first dishes I created and cooked for my husband right after we got married. He was so impressed! We fix these creamy enchiladas for friends regularly. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 828 calories, 40g fat (17g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 1738mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 42g protein.
26/41
Peachy Dutch Pancake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After my daughter attended a slumber party, she raved about a Dutch pancake they had for breakfast. She asked her friend’s mom for the recipe so we could make it at home. This is my version.—Carol Rogers, Tipton, IA
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 235 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 319mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
27/41
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish always gets rave reviews! Using rotisserie chicken makes it super easy to assemble and gives it an extra boost in flavor. Sometimes I like to add smoked paprika to the sauce and a little seasoned salt to the bread crumbs. —Mary Brehm, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 489 calories, 29g fat (15g saturated fat), 156mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
28/41
Deluxe Hash Brown Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son-in-law gave me the recipe for this hash brown casserole, which my kids say is addictive. It's an amazing make-ahead dish.—Amy Oswalt, Burr, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 273 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 838mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
29/41
Spaghetti Pie Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family adores this spaghetti casserole. It's old-timey comfort food. This is how to make baked spaghetti with cream cheese. —Patricia Lavell, Islamorada, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 396 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
30/41
Cauliflower Gratin
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It's so creamy and delicious! If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top for the last five minutes in the oven. — Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 196 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
31/41
Fiesta Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chili powder and picante sauce add just the right dash to this hearty main dish. It's a snap to assemble since it uses convenience foods. —Teresa Peterson, Kasson, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 324 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
32/41
Chicken Biscuit Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Golden biscuits cover this homespun dish laden with chicken, broccoli and cheese. It's then topped with a celery seed mixture. My family requests this all-in-one dinner once a month. —Karen Weirick, Bourbon, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 527 calories, 31g fat (9g saturated fat), 150mg cholesterol, 1245mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
33/41
Red Velvet Cake Balls
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone loves red velvet, but any cake mix can work here. I've even rolled chopped macadamia nuts into pineapple cake and dipped them into white chocolate. Whatever you do, have fun! —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 cake ball: 206 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 79mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
34/41
Cheesy Potatoes
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a four-generation Idaho family, we love our potatoes and cook with them in every way possible. I have served these cheesy potatoes for weddings, family dinners and special occasions. They've become a favorite of many. —Karla Kimball, Emmett, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 358 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 764mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
35/41
Artichoke Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rosemary, mushrooms and artichokes combine to give chicken a wonderful savory flavor. I've served this dish for a large group by doubling the recipe. It's always a big hit with everyone—especially my family! —Ruth Stenson, Santa Ana, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 235 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 773mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
36/41
Mushroom Sausage Strata
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This flavorful casserole is a hearty mainstay for our family's Christmas Day brunch menu. Being able to assemble the recipe ahead of time is a real plus! —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 296 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 170mg cholesterol, 491mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
37/41
Golden Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When there's no gravy with the meat, this dish is fabulous to serve in place of regular mashed potatoes. I make it often to take to picnics and church socials. My husband even made it for his family's reunion one year when I couldn't go! —Cindy Stith, Wickliffe, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 370 calories, 13g fat (9g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
38/41
Sausage and Apple Quinoa Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves the variety this casserole offers. It’s unlike anything else I’ve made. —Brenna Norby, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 443 calories, 29g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.
39/41
Three-Cheese Turkey Manicotti
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my husband’s favorite dish. He always requests it, even for holidays! You’ll love the variety of cheeses and spices that jazz it up. It’s restaurant-quality, but at a quarter of the price! —LuAnne Wallace Bennett, Powder Springs, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed shells: 647 calories, 34g fat (18g saturated fat), 158mg cholesterol, 937mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 5g fiber), 40g protein.
40/41
Fruit & Nut Baked Oatmeal
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In my part of the Midwest, baked oatmeal is a Mennonite specialty. My daughters are always delighted if we have leftovers for them to take home.—Fancheon Resler, Albion, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 816 calories, 41g fat (5g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 319mg sodium, 106g carbohydrate (61g sugars, 8g fiber), 15g protein.
41/41
Penne and Smoked Sausage
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pasta is a must-try smoked sausage recipe. It just tastes so good when it’s hot and bubbly from the oven. The cheddar french-fried onions lend a cheesy, crunchy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 553 calories, 35g fat (14g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1425mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
