48 Simple 9×13 Pan Dinner Recipes for Easy Family Meals
These one-pan dinner recipes make weeknight cooking simple and cleanup easy. From hearty casseroles to baked chicken dishes, everything fits perfectly in your trusty 9×13 pan.
Each recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy families who want delicious homemade meals without the fuss.
01. Seasoned Chicken Enchiladas
This version uses shredded chicken, flour tortillas, enchilada sauce, and a special blend of seasonings. The chicken gets mixed with cheese and spices before rolling.
The secret lies in the homemade seasoning mix that creates incredible flavor. Shredding the chicken takes time but makes all the difference.
Perfect for Mexican food lovers who want restaurant-quality enchiladas at home. The extra seasoning step creates amazing results.
02. Store-Bought Pan Pizza
Busy cooks love this shortcut version using pre-made pizza dough, sauce, and toppings. The store does most of the work for you.
This method works great for customizing with your family’s favorite toppings. Just assemble everything and let the oven do the rest.
You can have homemade pizza ready in minutes with minimal prep. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
03. Sweet Roll Beef Sliders
These bite-sized sandwiches use Hawaiian rolls, sliced roast beef, cheese, and a buttery topping. The rolls stay connected for easy serving.
The butter mixture brushed on top creates a golden, flavorful crust. These sliders bake together as one large batch.
Great for make-ahead meals and feeding crowds. You can prep these hours early and bake when ready.
04. Big Mac Inspired Casserole
This fun dinner uses ground beef, pasta, pickles, and a special sauce that mimics the famous burger. Kids absolutely love this creative twist.
The signature sauce combines mayo, ketchup, and pickle juice for authentic flavor. Lettuce and cheese go on top after baking.
Perfect for families who want comfort food with a playful twist. Everyone enjoys this hearty, familiar-tasting casserole.
05. Layered Crunchwrap Bake
This hearty casserole layers ground beef, beans, cheese, and tostadas for perfect texture contrast. Each bite has something crunchy and creamy.
The tostadas stay crispy inside while the exterior gets lightly golden. This method creates the perfect crunchwrap experience in casserole form.
Great for feeding large groups who love Mexican-inspired comfort food. Takes more time but delivers incredible satisfying results.
06. Mixed Bean and Beef Bake
This thick, hearty dish combines kidney beans, baked beans, butter beans with ground beef and bacon. The mixture creates incredible depth of flavor.
This version works in the oven or slow cooker for convenience. The beans and meat create a rich, satisfying texture.
Perfect for potluck dinners and cold weather meals. You can also make this in a crockpot for hands-off cooking.
07. Crispy Ranch Chicken Strips
These baked chicken tenders use dry ranch seasoning in the breading for incredible flavor. The coating gets golden and crispy without frying.
This method creates restaurant-quality tenders in your home oven. Serve with extra ranch dressing for even more intense flavor.
Kids love these crispy, flavorful tenders for dinner or lunch. Much healthier than fried versions with better taste.
08. Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan
This lighter version skips pan-frying and bakes breaded chicken breasts instead. Marinara sauce and cheese get added during the final minutes.
The baking method reduces oil while still creating crispy, golden chicken. This approach makes the dish much healthier.
Perfect for families wanting classic Italian flavors without heavy frying. You get all the taste with less mess.
09. Rich Ricotta Bechamel Lasagna
This elevated lasagna uses traditional ricotta plus creamy bechamel sauce for incredible richness. The white sauce puts this version over the top.
The bechamel creates a luxurious texture that makes this lasagna restaurant-quality. Some cooks add burrata for extra decadence.
Takes more time but creates absolutely amazing results. This version impresses guests and becomes a definite keeper recipe.
10. Mac and Cheese Pizza Combo
This creative dish combines macaroni and cheese with pizza flavors in one bake. Kids love this fun combination of two favorite foods.
The pasta base gets topped with pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. This method creates something completely unique and delicious.
Great for families with picky eaters who love both mac and cheese and pizza. Adults enjoy this creative comfort food too.
11. Layered Beef and Potato Bake
This comfort food layers seasoned ground beef over thinly sliced buttery potatoes. Using a mandoline creates perfectly even potato slices.
The cheese melts between layers while the potatoes get tender and flavorful. This method creates incredible texture in every bite.
Perfect for cold weather comfort food cravings. The layered approach makes this dish both beautiful and delicious.
12. Turkey Tater Tot Hotdish
This Midwest comfort food uses ground turkey, vegetables, and crispy tater tots on top. The contrast between creamy bottom and crunchy top is irresistible.
The savory turkey mixture gets topped with frozen tater tots and cheese. This creates the perfect hotdish texture and flavor.
Great for families who love upper-Midwest comfort food traditions. The crispy, cheesy top makes this absolutely satisfying.
13. Biscuit Bubble Pizza
This fun pizza uses refrigerated biscuit dough pieces mixed with sauce and cheese. The biscuits create bubbles of dough throughout the dish.
This method works great for experimenting with different pizza toppings. Kids love the unique texture and familiar pizza flavors.
Perfect for casual family dinners and kid-friendly meals. You can customize with any favorite pizza toppings you prefer.
14. Greek Eggplant Moussaka
This classic Greek dish layers sliced eggplant with seasoned ground beef and creamy bechamel sauce. Each layer adds incredible Mediterranean flavor.
The white bechamel sauce on top creates a golden, creamy finish. This traditional method produces authentic Greek restaurant results.
Takes more time but creates impressive, authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect for dinner parties and special family occasions.
15. Italian Sausage Ziti Bake
This hearty pasta bake combines Italian sausage, spinach, ziti pasta with ricotta and Parmesan cheese. The sausage adds incredible flavor throughout.
This method gets extra flavor from quality Italian sausage and fresh spinach. The cheese mixture creates perfect creamy texture.
Great with garden salad and garlic bread for complete dinner. Easy to put together for busy weeknight family meals.
16. Classic Hamburger Noodle Bake
This 1940s recipe combines ground beef, egg noodles, and creamy cheese sauce for timeless comfort food. The recipe dates back generations.
This traditional method creates the ultimate comfort food experience. The creamy sauce binds everything together perfectly.
Perfect for families who love classic, simple comfort food. This recipe has stood the test of time for good reason.
17. Mexican Rice and Beef Casserole
This easy family dinner combines seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and Mexican spices. Garnish with lettuce, cilantro, and extra cheese.
This method works great for customizing with your favorite Mexican toppings. The rice absorbs all the delicious flavors while baking.
Perfect for busy weeknights when you want satisfying Mexican-inspired comfort food. Kids and adults both love this hearty combination.
18. Meatball Sub Casserole
This quick dinner combines frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, and cheese in casserole form. All the flavors of meatball subs without the mess.
This method works great for busy families who want Italian comfort food fast. The cheese melts perfectly over everything.
Boys especially love this hearty, satisfying casserole. Quick and simple preparation makes this perfect for hectic weeknights.
19. Three-Cheese Spinach Lasagna
This vegetarian lasagna uses fresh spinach with ricotta, Romano, and mozzarella cheese. You can also make this version without the spinach.
The three different cheeses create incredible flavor depth and creamy texture. Fresh spinach adds nutrition and beautiful green color.
Perfect for vegetarian families or anyone wanting cheesy, hearty Italian comfort food. The cheese combination makes this absolutely delicious.
20. Simple Salsa Chicken
This easy recipe uses chicken breasts and your favorite salsa for incredibly simple preparation. The salsa creates all the flavor and moisture.
This method works great for busy cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal ingredients. The chicken stays tender and flavorful.
Perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something quick and delicious. This household favorite never gets old or boring.
21. Sweet Butternut Squash Mac
This creative mac and cheese incorporates cooked butternut squash for natural sweetness and nutrition. The squash makes the sauce incredibly creamy.
This method creates a great way to sneak vegetables into a family favorite. The sweet, creamy texture is absolutely delicious.
Perfect for families wanting healthier versions of comfort food classics. Kids often don’t even notice the hidden vegetables.
22. Spicy Korean Chicken Rice Noodles
This dish uses gochujang marinade on chicken thighs with dry rice vermicelli cooked directly in the pan. Everything bakes together perfectly.
The rice noodles cook in the chicken juices and marinade for incredible flavor. This method creates perfectly tender noodles and spicy chicken.
Great for adventurous families who love spicy, Asian-inspired flavors. The technique makes this both easy and absolutely delicious.
23. Rich Spaghetti Casserole
This hearty casserole combines spaghetti, seasoned ground beef, and plenty of cheese for ultimate comfort food. The dish is deliciously rich and satisfying.
This method creates a cross between spaghetti and lasagna with incredible cheesy goodness. The pasta absorbs all the meat sauce flavors.
Perfect for feeding large families or groups who love Italian-inspired comfort food. Easy to make and always a crowd pleaser.
24. Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells
These large pasta shells get stuffed with seasoned Italian sausage instead of traditional ricotta filling. Perfect for people who prefer less cheese.
This method creates a compromise between cheese-heavy dishes and Italian flavors. The sausage provides incredible flavor and protein.
Great for families where some people avoid heavy cheese dishes. You still get authentic Italian taste with different textures.
25. Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake
This spicy casserole combines shredded buffalo chicken with plenty of melted cheese for heat lovers. The buffalo sauce creates incredible tangy flavor.
This method works great for using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. The cheese helps balance the spicy buffalo heat perfectly.
Perfect for families who love buffalo chicken wings and cheesy comfort food. You get both favorite flavors in one satisfying dish.
26. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This rich, creamy casserole combines chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese in an easy-to-make format. Perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken.
The creamy sauce creates a decadent, restaurant-quality dish that pleases even picky eaters. This version comes together quickly with pre-cooked chicken.
Great for special family dinners when you want something impressive but manageable. The rich, comforting flavors make this a keeper recipe.
27. Beef and Mushroom Shells
This wholesome version replaces half the ground beef with mushrooms for lighter, healthier stuffed shells. The mushrooms add incredible earthy flavor.
This method reduces meat while maintaining hearty, satisfying texture. The mushrooms blend seamlessly with the beef for amazing taste.
Perfect for families wanting healthier versions of classic comfort food. You get more vegetables without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
28. Veggie Mexican Tortilla Lasagna
This meatless lasagna uses corn tortillas instead of pasta with beans, vegetables, and plenty of cheese. Garnish with cilantro and sour cream.
The corn tortillas create authentic Tex-Mex flavor while the vegetables provide nutrition and color. This method works great for vegetarian families.
Perfect for Meatless Monday or families wanting more plant-based meals. You can customize with any favorite Mexican toppings.
29. One-Pan Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
This complete dinner combines chicken thighs, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and bacon in one pan. The bacon flavors everything while cooking.
The vegetables cook underneath the bacon, absorbing incredible smoky flavor. This method creates a complete, balanced meal with minimal cleanup.
Great for families wanting healthy, complete dinners without multiple pans. The bacon makes even Brussels sprouts taste absolutely delicious.
30. Southern Chicken and Dressing
This traditional Southern casserole combines chicken with cornbread dressing in one comforting dish. The recipe comes from generations of family cooking.
This method creates classic Southern comfort food that’s both easy and delicious. The cornbread dressing absorbs all the chicken flavors.
Perfect for families who love traditional Southern cuisine and comfort food. This handed-down recipe delivers authentic regional flavors.
31. Chili Cornbread Combo Bake
This clever dish combines chili and cornbread in the same pan for perfect flavor pairing. The cornbread bakes right on top of the chili.
This method works great for families who always serve chili with cornbread. Kids love this creative combination of two favorite foods.
Perfect for cold weather comfort food that’s both filling and satisfying. You get both main dish and bread in one easy pan.
32. Viral Chicken Cobbler
This TikTok-famous dish uses Red Lobster biscuit mix over seasoned chicken for incredible comfort food. The viral recipe is surprisingly easy to make.
The biscuit topping creates a cobbler-like texture over savory chicken filling. This method went viral for good reason – it’s absolutely delicious.
Perfect for families wanting to try trendy recipes that actually taste amazing. Incredibly easy to put together with impressive results.
33. Sweet Honey Mustard Chicken
This simple chicken dish uses honey mustard sauce for sweet and tangy flavor that kids absolutely love. The preparation is incredibly quick and easy.
The honey mustard creates a beautiful glaze while keeping the chicken moist. This method works great for busy weeknight family dinners.
Perfect for families with children who love sweet and savory combinations. Quick preparation makes this ideal for hectic school nights.
34. Tender Oven BBQ Ribs
These country-style ribs get boiled first, then finished in the oven with barbecue sauce. This unique method creates incredibly tender results.
The boiling step ensures super tender meat before the oven caramelizes the sauce. This approach might seem different but produces amazing ribs.
Perfect for families wanting tender ribs without grilling or smoking. The two-step method takes time but creates restaurant-quality results.
35. Savory Chicken and Mushrooms
This popular chicken dish combines tender chicken pieces with mushrooms in a flavorful sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for complete meals.
This method has been requested many times because the results are consistently amazing. The mushrooms add incredible earthy, savory flavor.
Perfect for families who love classic, simple chicken dinners. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with home cooking comfort.
36. Creamy Chicken Broccoli Bake
This comforting casserole combines chicken and broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Very little prep makes this perfect for busy weeknights.
This method creates the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. You can eat as-is or serve over rice for heartier meals.
Great for families craving creamy, comforting dinners without complicated preparation. The cheese sauce makes even broccoli irresistible to kids.
37. Chicken Spinach Alfredo Lasagna
This white sauce lasagna uses chicken, spinach, and creamy alfredo instead of traditional red sauce. The combination creates wonderful Italian flavors.
This method offers a different yet delicious twist on regular lasagna. The alfredo sauce makes everything incredibly rich and satisfying.
Perfect for families wanting Italian comfort food with a creative change. The white sauce version is just as satisfying as traditional lasagna.
38. Crispy Parmesan Chicken
This baked chicken gets coated in Parmesan cheese for incredible flavor and crispy texture. Kids love this cheesy, crunchy coating.
This method creates restaurant-quality chicken that’s completely kid-friendly. Any leftovers taste amazing sliced over fresh garden salads.
Perfect for families wanting crispy chicken without frying. The Parmesan coating adds incredible flavor while staying healthier than fried versions.
39. Comforting Ham Casserole
This creamy casserole uses leftover ham with noodles and cheese sauce for ultimate comfort food. Kids absolutely love this hearty combination.
This method works perfectly for using up ham after big holiday dinners. The creamy sauce makes everything incredibly satisfying and delicious.
Great for families wanting to transform holiday leftovers into completely new meals. Perfect comfort food for cold winter days.
40. Sloppy Joe Casserole
This comfort food casserole transforms classic Sloppy Joes into baked format. Perfect for cold winter days and potluck dinner contributions.
This method creates all the Sloppy Joe flavors without the mess. The casserole format makes serving and cleanup much easier.
Perfect for families who love Sloppy Joes but want less messy serving. Always a hit at community dinners and family gatherings.
41. Seasoned Shake and Bake Chicken
This homemade version uses flour and seasonings to coat chicken, then bakes in butter until golden. Creates very enjoyable, crispy family dinner.
The seasoning blend creates incredible flavor while the butter makes everything golden and delicious. Much better than store-bought coating mixes.
Perfect for families wanting crispy chicken that’s easy to make. This homemade approach tastes much better than packaged alternatives.
42. Million Dollar Spaghetti
This rich dish combines spaghetti, ground beef sauce, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream. The combination is absolutely unbelievably good.
The multiple cheese layers create incredible richness and flavor depth. This method produces restaurant-quality results that justify the fancy name.
Perfect for special family dinners when you want something impressive. The rich, satisfying flavors make this worth every indulgent calorie.
43. Easy Crescent Roll Chicken Pot Pie
This shortcut version uses rotisserie chicken and crescent rolls for quick, hearty pot pie. Open to many variations depending on family tastes.
The crescent rolls create perfect flaky topping without making pastry from scratch. This method saves time while delivering comfort food satisfaction.
Perfect for busy families wanting homemade pot pie without complicated preparation. Quick, hearty, and completely customizable for different preferences.
44. Bean and Cheese Enchiladas
These vegetarian enchiladas use refried beans and cheese for simple, satisfying Mexican comfort food. You can add chicken or cilantro if desired.
This method creates incredibly tempting enchiladas that are easy to make. The bean filling is both hearty and budget-friendly.
Perfect for Meatless Monday or families wanting simple Mexican food. Pair with Mexican rice for complete, satisfying dinner.
45. Creamy Chicken and Rice
This casserole combines chicken and rice in creamy sauce with crunchy topping. The dish tastes even better when reheated as leftovers.
The creamy base contrasts perfectly with the crunchy topping for ideal texture. This method creates comfort food that improves over time.
Perfect for families wanting make-ahead meals that taste better the next day. The creamy, crunchy combination satisfies everyone.
46. Ultimate Baked Ziti
This pasta bake uses ziti, meat sauce, and cheese for classic Italian-American comfort food. The recipe consistently produces the best baked ziti results.
This method creates perfectly balanced flavors with ideal cheese-to-pasta ratio. The technique has been tested and perfected over time.
Perfect for families who love traditional Italian-American comfort food. This version really is the best baked ziti you’ll ever taste.
47. Flavorful Pork Spare Ribs
These tender spare ribs use fajita seasoning for incredible flavor that doesn’t require BBQ sauce. The meat becomes incredibly flavorful and tender.
The fajita seasoning creates amazing flavor that stands alone beautifully. This method produces ribs so good you won’t need additional sauce.
Perfect for families wanting flavorful ribs with unique seasoning. The fajita seasoning tip creates absolutely delicious, restaurant-quality results.
48. Classic Shepherd’s Pie
This traditional recipe uses ground beef, mixed vegetables, and mashed potato topping for ultimate comfort food. Much easier than expected to make.
This method creates perfect layers with seasoned meat, vegetables, and creamy potatoes. Using all ground beef with peas and carrots works perfectly.
Perfect for families wanting traditional British comfort food that’s surprisingly simple. The classic combination never goes out of style.
Final Thoughts
These 9×13 pan recipes prove that delicious family dinners don’t need complicated techniques or multiple dishes. From quick weeknight solutions to special occasion meals, your trusty baking pan handles everything beautifully.
Start with the simpler recipes and work toward more elaborate dishes as your confidence grows. Happy cooking and enjoy these satisfying family meals!
