A 9×13 casserole dish is a very common baking dish size used for making hearty casserole recipes that feed a crowd. But exactly how much food can you fit in a 9×13 casserole pan? Here we’ll take a look at the capacity of a standard 9×13 casserole dish, how that translates to cups of liquid or food, and how much food you can expect a 9×13 casserole recipe to yield.
Dimensions of a 9×13 Casserole Dish
A standard 9×13 casserole baking dish measures 9 inches wide by 13 inches long. The depth of a typical 9×13 casserole pan is around 2.5 inches.
So the interior dimensions of a 9×13 casserole dish are:
- Width: 9 inches
- Length: 13 inches
- Depth: 2.5 inches
Volume and Capacity of a 9×13 Casserole Dish
Using those interior dimension measurements of a 9×13 casserole pan, we can calculate the total volume and capacity.
To find the volume, we use the formula:
Volume = Width x Length x Height
Plugging in the dimensions of a 9×13 pan:
Volume = 9 inches x 13 inches x 2.5 inches
= 292.5 cubic inches
Now to calculate the liquid capacity, we convert that volume to cups:
1 cup = 14.4375 cubic inches
292.5 cubic inches ÷ 14.4375 cubic inches per cup = 20.25 cups
So a standard 9×13 casserole dish holds about 20.25 cups of liquid.
Yield of Food in a 9×13 Pan
When making casserole recipes in a 9×13 dish, you won’t actually be able to fit 20.25 cups of food in the pan. Food takes up more space than pure liquid.
As a general rule of thumb, you can expect a 9×13 casserole dish to hold:
- 12 – 15 cups of cooked grains or noodles
- 10 – 12 cups chopped or diced vegetables
- 8 – 12 cups of shredded meat or protein
So you can comfortably fit around 10-15 cups of most casserole ingredients into a 9×13 baking dish depending on the density of the ingredients.
Typical Yields for 9×13 Casserole Recipes
Based on the capacity of a 9×13 pan, here is how much a typical 9×13 casserole recipe will yield:
- 12 – 24 servings for sides or vegetables
- 8 – 12 servings for main dish casseroles
- 24 – 36 servings for dessert bars
The exact yield will depend on the recipe itself and how large you cut each portion. But in general, a 9×13 casserole dish can feed anywhere from 8 to 36 people depending on the recipe.
Common Uses for a 9×13 Casserole Dish
Some of the most common uses for a 9×13 baking pan include:
- Baking casserole recipes
- Making lasagna or baked pasta
- Baking meatloaf
- Roasting vegetables
- Making sheet pan dinners
- Baking dessert bars and brownies
A 9×13 casserole dish is also handy for re-heating leftovers. You can reheat individual portions on a plate or bake the whole pan of leftovers to serve a crowd.
Tips for Baking in a 9×13 Pan
Here are some tips to ensure your recipes turn out perfectly when baking in a 9×13 casserole pan:
- Grease the pan – Coat the inside of the dish with butter, oil, or non-stick cooking spray before adding your batter or food. This prevents sticking.
- Use middle rack position – Place the 9×13 pan in the center of your oven for optimal heat circulation.
- Follow recipe baking times – Recipes designed for a 9×13 pan will have the proper baking time. Check for doneness early.
- Let it rest before serving – Allow casseroles, dessert bars, etc. to cool and set up at least 15 minutes before cutting.
- Avoid overcrowding – Don’t overfill the pan with too much food or batter to prevent boil overs.
9×13 Casserole Dish Options
9×13 casserole pans are available in various materials including:
- Glass – Heats evenly and allows you to monitor browning on the bottom. But may break if dropped.
- Metal – Such as aluminum or stainless steel. Affordable but may warp over time.
- Ceramic – Attractive option that provides even heating. But heavier than other materials.
- Stoneware – Excellent heat retention and very durable. But requires extra care not to crack it.
Glass and metal 9×13 pans are the most common. Glass lets you keep an eye on the bottom but can break. Metal is lightweight but may discolor or warp.
Other Pan Sizes Similar to 9×13
In addition to the standard 9×13 size, some other casserole pans comparable to a 9×13 include:
| Pan Size | Dimensions | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 8×12 | 8″ x 12″ x 2″ | 12-15 cups |
| 8×8 | 8″ x 8″ x 2″ | 6 cups |
| 9×9 | 9″ x 9″ x 2″ | 10 cups |
The 8×12 size is very close to a 9×13 and can be used the same way. The 8×8 and 9×9 sizes are good for smaller batches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a 9×13 pan and a 13×9 pan?
A 9×13 pan and a 13×9 pan have reversed dimensions but are the same size pan. Both pans have an interior width of 9 inches and a length of 13 inches. So there is no practical difference between a 9×13 casserole dish and a 13×9 baking dish.
Can I use a 9×13 pan instead of a 13×9 pan?
Yes, a 9×13 pan can be used interchangeably with a 13×9 pan in any recipe. The interior dimensions are identical so they can be substituted for each other.
What size is a 9×13 pan in inches?
A standard 9×13 baking pan measures 9 inches wide x 13 inches long. Most 9×13 casserole dishes are around 2 to 3 inches deep.
What is half of a 9×13 pan?
Half of a 9×13 pan is approximately an 8×8 inch baking pan. An 8×8 pan has close to half the capacity of a 9×13 pan.
Can I substitute a 9×13 for a 15×10 pan?
It is not recommended to substitute a 9×13 pan in place of a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan. A 15×10 pan has significantly larger dimensions and over twice the capacity of a 9×13 casserole dish. Recipes would not work the same in a much smaller 9×13 pan.
Conclusion
A 9×13 casserole pan is one of the most versatile baking dishes for making hearty casserole recipes, baked pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, and dessert bars. The typical capacity of a 9×13 pan is around 20 cups of liquid or 12-15 cups of food.
Standard casserole recipes made in a 9×13 dish will yield 12-24 servings as a side, or 8-12 servings for a main dish casserole. With a variety of materials to choose from, a 9×13 pan is a useful addition to any kitchen.
