The 15 Best 9x13 Summer Recipes Worth Turning Your Oven on For

We're willing to make some exceptions.

<p>DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS </p>

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

We get it. When it's hot out, the last thing you want to do is heat your house even further by turning on the oven. However, certain dishes are worth the extra heat, especially when they can be conveniently prepared in a simple 9x13-inch casserole dish. That's why we curated 15 extra stellar (and easy) recipes that we're willing to make an exception for, including lemon bars, pan pizza, and tater tot casserole. Keep reading for these great picks, and more.

Easy Mexican Casserole

<p>Dotdash Meredith Food Studios</p>

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"We thought this recipe was awesome! I used bite-size tortilla chips and they worked out perfectly. This recipe is going to be on repeat!" — Jennifer

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Strawberry Pretzel Salad

<p>Dotdash Meredith Food Studios</p>

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"I've been making this for years. It's become a family favorite. Anytime we're invited to a family dinner they ask me to bring this." — Jim Templin

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Easy Pan Pizza

<p>Dotdash Meredith Food Studios</p>

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"So easy and fun to have pizza and not have to go out and get it." — Elaine

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The Best Lemon Bars

<p>Dotdash Meredith Food Studios</p>

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"I make this with fresh lemons from my lemon tree in the spring and summer and have so many raving fans! It's so easy and simple to make. They are so much better than store-bought lemon bars!" — Kellyc

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Ice Cream Cake

<p>Dotdash Meredith Food Studios</p>

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Thank you for the wonderful recipe and all the useful tips! I made this for my nephew and it was a huge hit!" — A5

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Super Easy Egg Casserole

<p>Dotdash Meredith Food Studios</p>

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"If I could give this 10 stars I would. Made this and everyone Loved it, no leftovers! Everyone came back for a second helping. This is a very easy recipe and I will make it again." — Josette

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Squash Casserole

<p>DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS </p>

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

"This squash casserole is my go-to for a side dish anytime. It’s fairly easy, and I can make it in my cast iron so I don’t use too many dishes. Makes leftovers for several days! Thanks for the recipe!" — Rtolbert

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Breakfast Sausage Casserole

<p>DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS </p>

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

"My most requested dish by the family! I use Italian sausage and sourdough bread, equal parts half and half and milk plus I add two more eggs. Absolutely the best breakfast bake!" — Peg Bronish Nicholls

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King Ranch Chicken Casserole

<p>DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS </p>

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

"This casserole is delicious! The soup and sour cream give it a nice creamy taste. I added a bit more chipotle seasoning because everyone here loves spice. My family loved it." — Sandy Scott

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Tater Tot Casserole

<p>ALLRECIPES/VICTORIA JEMPTY</p>

ALLRECIPES/VICTORIA JEMPTY

"Absolutely delicious and filling! I added green pepper, onion, fresh garlic, & portabella mushrooms to my burger for extra flavor and also added frozen peas for an extra filler. Will make this again and again." — Sweet Treats

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Brookies (Brownie Cookies)

<p>Dotdash Meredith Food Studios</p>

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"I thought it was an interesting combination and the result was excellent. Brought it to the office and it was gobbled up in no time! This is definitely joining my stack of favorite recipes!" — Princesslyka

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Rainbow Sheet Cake

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

According to recipe developer Nicole Hopper, "The base of this rainbow sheet cake is a super simple vanilla cake that is topped with cream cheese frosting. Feel free to adjust the color palette to your preference! Perfect for a kid's birthday party or a fun weekend activity to bake with kids."

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Jello Poke Cake

<p>ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA</p>

ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA

"This has been my birthday cake since I was a child. They were common in the 70s but are rare now. It's my favorite. I love the simplicity of pairing whatever cake and Jello flavor you wish together. Super easy and not too sweet. As a kid, I was jealous of others who could afford store-bought cakes, now I realize this cake is better." — Jane Suprise

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Best Ever Layered Mexican Dip

<p>ALLRECIPES / DIANA CHISTRUGA</p>

ALLRECIPES / DIANA CHISTRUGA

"WONDERFUL WONDERFUL WONDERFUL!! I love this dip and my family loves it too!" — Noelle C

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Broccoli Chicken Casserole

<p>DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS </p>

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

"I made this tonight and was pleased with it. Even my super picky 5-year-old cleaned his plate! My husband who usually hates casseroles liked it as well. This is a good, quick meal." — Slparish2

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More Inspiration

Read the original article on All Recipes.