10+ Affordable and Simple Dinner For Large Family

Hosting an event is a big challenge, especially a dinner for large family. We all love gatherings, but they can be stressful, from the dining room decor to the food menu. You will thank me later because I have a full guide on decorating your dining room. Today’s article is about food, and it’s the important thing that your guests will remember.

Hosting a dinner party can be challenging and expensive, so keeping it simple with food and drinks like chicken soups and casseroles is important. The top tips are having portable snacks or appetizers, preparing ahead of time, and delegating the tasks of sides, toppings, and drinks. This will help reduce the stress of hosting and ensure everyone has a place to chat and enjoy the meal.

It might be difficult to host a big group, particularly if you have a limited budget. These 15 inexpensive and simple dinners for large families can feed a crowd without sacrificing flavor or cost. The recipes include step-by-step instructions and a list of all the ingredients.

14. Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 large chicken breasts, shredded
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups diced carrots
• 2 cups diced celery
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large pot, cook chicken breasts in the broth over medium heat until tender. Remove, shred, and set aside.
2. Add carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the broth.
3. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
5. Add shredded chicken back into the pot and cook for another 10 minutes.
6. Serve hot with crusty bread.

13. Spaghetti Bolognese Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella

Directions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic.
3. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
4. Combine cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish, and top with Parmesan and mozzarella.
6. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

12. Dinner For Large Family: Sloppy Joe Sliders

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 24 slider buns
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Directions:

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
2. Stir in ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Place slider bun bottoms in a baking dish.
4. Spoon beef mixture onto buns, then top with bun tops.
5. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds.
6. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

11. Baked Ziti with Sausage

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ziti pasta
• 1 lb. Italian sausage, crumbled
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Directions:

1. Cook ziti according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, brown sausage and drain fat.
3. Combine pasta, marinara sauce, and sausage.
4. Layer half the pasta mixture in a greased baking dish.
5. Spread ricotta over pasta, and top with half the mozzarella.
6. Add remaining pasta, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

10. Dinner For Large Family: Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 cup black beans
• 1 cup kidney beans
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add tomatoes, beans, corn, chili powder, and cumin.
3. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve with sour cream and shredded cheese.

9. Dinner For Large Family: Chicken Alfredo Penne

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. penne pasta
• 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

Directions:

1. Cook penne according to package instructions.
2. Warm Alfredo sauce over medium heat.
3. Toss pasta with sauce and sliced chicken.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley before serving.

8. Dinner For Large Family: Sheet Pan Nachos

Ingredients:

• 1 large bag of tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 lb ground beef or chicken, cooked
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Directions:

1. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
2. Layer cheese, meat, tomatoes, and jalapeños.
3. Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
4. Top with sour cream and green onions.

7. Dinner For Large Family: Taco Bar

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. ground beef or chicken
• 2 packets of taco seasoning
• 24 taco shells
• Assorted toppings: shredded lettuce, cheese, diced tomatoes, salsa, sour cream

Directions:

1. Cook meat with taco seasoning.
2. Arrange shells and toppings in separate bowls.
3. Let guests assemble their tacos.

6. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet.
2. Add garlic and vegetables, and stir-fry until tender.
3. Add soy sauce and mix well.
4. Serve over rice.

5. Dinner For Large Family: Mac and Cheese Bar

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Optional toppings: bacon bits, green onions, breadcrumbs, diced tomatoes

Directions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
2. In a pot, melt butter and stir in flour to form a roux.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly.
4. Stir in cheese until melted.
5. Mix cheese sauce with macaroni and serve with toppings.

4. Dinner For Large Family: Greek Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 lb rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon oregano

Directions:

1. Cook pasta and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, and feta.
3. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, and oregano together.
4. Pour dressing over salad and toss.

3. Dinner For Large Family: Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 6 large bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds.
2. In a skillet, brown ground beef is mixed with rice, tomato sauce, and seasoning.
3. Stuff peppers with beef mixture.
4. Place in a baking dish and top with cheese.
5. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.

2. Dinner For Large Family: Mini Pizzas

Ingredients:

• 12 English muffins, halves
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella
• Assorted toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives

Directions:

1. Spread marinara sauce on each muffin half.
2. Sprinkle with mozzarella and add toppings.
3. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.

1. Dinner For Large Family: Fruit Salad Platter

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strawberries, halved
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 2 bananas, sliced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine all fruits.
2. Whisk honey and lemon juice together.
3. Drizzle dressing over fruit and toss.

Conclusion

These recipes provide affordable, delicious options that are easy to scale for large groups. Proper planning will prepare you to host a memorable gathering without the stress or high cost.