Feeding A Crowd: Delicious, Inexpensive Meals For Large Groups
11/28/2023
5 min. reading
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In the world of hosting, feeding a large crowd can be a culinary puzzle. Our article on meals for large crowds unveils the solutions, offering budget-friendly, delectable ideas that are perfect for gatherings and vacations. From savoury to sweet, discover strategies for simplifying group dining and leaving your guests satisfied.
Planning meals for large groups can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to break the bank. Got a birthday celebration coming up or a holiday gathering? Do not fret. When searching for the best meals for large groups, consider inexpensive options that won't compromise on taste or quality. Even on a family vacation, easy meals for large groups can save you time and effort.
Opt for crowd-pleasers like pasta dishes, hearty chilli, or a taco bar, which are not only budget-friendly but also simple to prepare. Versatility is key – accommodate dietary preferences, and don't forget appetisers and desserts. By striking the right balance between cost-effective and delectable, you can host a memorable gathering without culinary complexities.
Check out our recipes below for easy meals to cook for large groups:
Pasta dishes for large groups
Pasta dishes for large groups are a culinary lifesaver, combining ease of preparation with crowd-pleasing flavours. Whether it's a classic spaghetti and meatballs, a hearty baked ziti, or a creamy fettuccine Alfredo, these recipes are versatile, cost-effective, and perfect for feeding a multitude without sacrificing taste.
Easiest, and fastest salmon pasta recipe
A delightful combination of flaky salmon and pasta in a creamy or zesty sauce, offering a fusion of seafood and Italian flavours.
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The most delicious, easiest, and fastest salmon pasta recipe
One of the most nutritious and delicious recipes that can be made with pasta. In Italy, it's typical to combine salmon with fresh pasta. A cheese and dairy-free recipe, ideal for a balanced, low-calorie diet.
Easy homemade sausage pasta recipe
A savoury pasta dish featuring homemade sausage, creating a hearty and flavorful meal.
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Easy homemade sausage pasta recipe
This easy recipe teaches how to make the best homemade sausage pasta recipe. Don't miss it!
Easy homemade taco spaghetti recipe
A Tex-Mex twist on spaghetti, blending classic Italian and Mexican flavours in one delightful dish.
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Easy homemade taco spaghetti recipe
This easy recipe teaches how to make the best homemade taco spaghetti. Don't miss one of the best fast-food dishes!
Creamy Mushroom Pasta Bake
A luscious pasta bake enriched with creamy mushroom sauce and baked to golden perfection, a comfort food favourite.
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Creamy Mushroom Pasta Bake
A classic creamy mushroom pasta bake recipe, with penne, cremini mushrooms, fresh thyme, homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup, and melted cheese.
Tagliolini Pasta with Mushrooms and Garlic
A simple yet flavourful pasta dish combining tagliolini with sautéed mushrooms and garlic for an earthy taste.
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Tagliolini Pasta with Mushrooms and Garlic
In this recipe, learn how to make a light and flavorful sauce that complements the Italian pasta tagliolini perfectly!
The Best Easy Vegetarian Lasagna
A meatless lasagna layered with vegetables, cheese, and rich tomato sauce, offering a satisfying and hearty Italian classic.
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The Best Easy Vegetarian Lasagna
This delicious vegetarian lasagna is a perfect meal to satisfy your cravings for comfort food while providing all the essential nutrients your body needs. The blend fresh vegetables and cheese creates a scrumptious and creamy flavor in each bite.
Vegetarian Roasted Pumpkin, Spinach and Ricotta Lasagne
A delightful vegetarian lasagna featuring roasted pumpkin, spinach, and creamy ricotta for a wholesome and flavorful spin on traditional lasagna.
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Vegetarian Roasted Pumpkin, Spinach and Ricotta Lasagne
This delightful vegetarian-friendly dish marries the sweet and savory flavors of pumpkin and spinach with ricotta cheese and lasagna noodles. Topped with a creamy cheese sauce, this meal is the perfect comfort food for cold days.
Casseroles to feed large groups
Casseroles are a culinary gem, combining simplicity and flavour. With options like lasagna, or a hearty shepherd's pie, they're a convenient and comforting choice. These one-dish wonders make serving a breeze and offer a delightful blend of ingredients that satisfy a multitude.
Baked Cheesy Gnocchi Casserole Dinner
A comforting Italian-inspired casserole that combines fluffy gnocchi with a cheesy, baked goodness.
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Baked Cheesy Gnocchi Casserole Dinner
A hearty dinner meal packed with flavor and fresh ingredients, this Baked Gnocchi Casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family. It combines tender Gnocchi, zesty tomato sauce, and creamy cheese, baked in the oven to crispy, bubbly perfection.
Italian Cheesy Meatball Casserole Bake
A hearty dish featuring Italian meatballs smothered in cheese, a delicious and comforting meal.
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Italian Cheesy Meatball Casserole Bake
A hearty, warm, and comfort dish, the Cheesy Meatball Bake is a perfect dish for family dinners, gatherings, or just simple everyday meals. It comes packed with succulent meatballs smothered in rich marinara sauce, drowned with gooey, melted cheeses. One bite of this meal will transport your taste buds to Italy.
Easy Pasta Bake Vegetarian in Oven
A vegetarian pasta bake, effortlessly prepared in the oven, marrying pasta with savory flavors in a comforting casserole.
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Easy Pasta Bake Vegetarian in Oven
Pasta Bake Vegetarian is a delicious and hearty dish that combines pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese. This satisfying bake is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for entertaining guests.
Tuna Casserole with Crispy Parmesan Topping
A delightful casserole with tender tuna, enhanced by a crispy Parmesan topping, creating a satisfying and flavourful dish.
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Tuna Casserole with Crispy Parmesan Topping
This Tuna Casserole with Crispy Parmesan Topping is the perfect comfort food that can be cooked in under an hour. It's simple, delicious, and will warm you right up with its creamy and crispy topping.
Best Slow Cooked Rich Beef Casserole
A slow-cooked beef casserole filled with rich, savoury flavours, a comforting classic.
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Best Slow Cooked Rich Beef Casserole
This Slow Cooked Beef Casserole is the perfect comfort food for those cooler months! Tender beef pieces are cooked slowly in a rich and flavorsome sauce, with hearty vegetables added for extra nutritional value. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a cozy dinner.
Simple Grandma's Chicken Casserole Recipe
A traditional chicken casserole, reminiscent of home-cooked family meals, offering simplicity and warmth.
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Simple Grandma's Chicken Casserole Recipe
This delicious Chicken Casserole recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables and a creamy sauce, this dish will surely become a favorite.
Delicious keto chicken casserole recipe
A keto-friendly chicken casserole, brimming with delicious low-carb ingredients, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
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Hash Brown Casserole
A comforting and crowd-pleasing dish featuring crispy hash browns, often baked with cheese and other savoury additions.
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Hash Brown Casserole
A cheesy, potato, bacon casserole is what you crave when you crave comfort food. While bacon is the best, you can use other types of meat, such as sausage or ground beef, if you have those on hand. No worries. This can part of dinner, or even better, a great breakfast or brunch. Game Plan: Assemble the night before, store in the fridge, and then bake off in the morning. Wash this down with this orangey treat, like this Orange Julius recipe, and maybe have a fruit salad on the side.
Pizzas big enough for large groups
Pizzas for large groups are a universally loved choice for gatherings. They also make such easy meals for large groups on vacation. Their customisation options allow you to cater to diverse tastes, from classic Margherita to loaded supreme. Making sheet pan pizzas simplifies serving, making it a convenient and delicious solution for feeding a crowd while fostering a sense of togetherness. See our easy pizza recipes below.
Sicilian pizza
A thick-crust pizza, Sicilian pizza is known for its rectangular shape and generous toppings, offering a hearty and satisfying slice.
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How to prepare the original Sicilian pizza?
A nice thick doughy pizza with a golden crust. This pizza makes for a great party dish as you can make several quite easily.
Easy homemade Carbonara Pizza recipe
A creative twist on pizza, this recipe combines the creamy flavours of carbonara with traditional pizza ingredients, delivering a unique and delicious pie.
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Easy homemade Carbonara Pizza recipe
Preparing a quick, homemade pizza and dough without resting is quite rewarding, satisfying and very easy. This is a version with carbonara sauce, a widespread and popular flavour that kids and many people like. Of course, on a pizza it is spectacular!
Homemade Healthy Whole Wheat Pizza
A nutritious alternative to traditional pizza, whole wheat crust is paired with wholesome toppings for a guilt-free and delicious option.
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Homemade Healthy Whole Wheat Pizza
This Healthy Pizza recipe is a guiltless pleasure that everyone will love. Loaded with fresh veggies, lean proteins, and whole wheat dough, this healthy version of a timeless favorite is just as delightful and flavorful. Slice up some goodness for your family today!
Best Fresh Garlic Mushroom Pizza
This pizza features an aromatic blend of fresh garlic and mushrooms, creating a flavourful and earthy combination.
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Best Fresh Garlic Mushroom Pizza
This deliciously savory mushroom pizza is a comforting classic that could be enjoyed any time of the day. Made using simple ingredients like pizza dough, mozzarella cheese, and a savory mushroom and garlic mix, this homemade pizza is sure to leave your tastebuds feeling delighted. Perfect for a weekend dinner or a cozy night with friends.
The most popular and easiest pepperoni pizza
A classic favourite, pepperoni pizza is renowned for its simplicity and widespread appeal, making it one of the easiest and most beloved pizza choices.
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