Cooking for a crowd doesn’t have to be daunting. No matter how big or small the group may be, finding the perfect dinner option that satisfies everyone can be a challenge.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Whether it’s a potluck dinner, a holiday feast, a family gathering, or a game night with your friends, this list of 38 easy dinner options will surely leave your guests satisfied and happy.
38 Easy Dinner Main Dishes for a Crowd
1. Slow Cooker Lasagna
A classic Italian dish that is sure to please everyone. This easy slow cooker lasagna is made up of layers of pasta, ground beef, marinara sauce, and cheese.
2. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
A creamy pasta dish that is easy to make and will leave your guests impressed. Chicken and pasta cooked in a white Alfredo sauce is perfect for a crowd.
3. Baked Ziti
This comfort food is a crowd-pleaser. Baked ziti consists of pasta, tomato sauce, cheese, meat, and herbs all baked in one dish.
4. Beef Stir Fry
This dish is loaded with veggies, thinly sliced beef, and a savory sauce. It can be served over rice or noodles.
5. Veggie Lasagna
Pasta layered with sautéed vegetables, cheese, and tomato sauce is a perfect vegetarian option to please the crowd.
6. Taco Salad
This dish is a great option for those who love Mexican flavors. Seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and tortilla chips make this dish a perfect meal for a group.
7. Classic Chili
This hearty dish is easy to make and perfect for a crowd. Top it with cheese, sour cream, and green onions for a mouth-watering experience.
8. Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells
These pasta shells are stuffed with a creamy filling made up of cheese, spinach, and herbs. This dish is perfect for vegetarians as it doesn’t have meat.
9. Meatballs and Spaghetti
This classic recipe is the one that everyone is familiar with and loves. Serve the meatballs and spaghetti with garlic bread to complete the meal.
10. Chicken Fajitas
This Tex-Mex favorite is made with chicken, onions, peppers, and seasoned with spices. Serve it with tortillas, cheese, and sour cream for a perfect dish.
11. Herb Roasted Chicken
This dish is a perfect option for those who have a taste for simple flavors. The herb-roasted chicken is juicy, flavorful, and easy to make.
12. Baked Chicken Parmesan
The pan-fried chicken breast is cooked in tomato sauce and topped with cheese and herbs. Bake it in the oven for the perfect dish.
13. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This classic comfort food is made with pasta and homemade cheese sauce. Top it with breadcrumbs before baking in the oven.
14. Shrimp Scampi
This dish is made with shrimp, garlic, butter, and lemon juice. Serve it with pasta or crusty bread.
15. Lemon Garlic Roasted Pork Tenderloin
This recipe is the perfect choice for those who prefer pork meat. It’s roasted with garlic, lemon juice, and a blend of herbs for a flavorful dish.
16. Stuffed Bell Peppers
This dish features colorful bell peppers stuffed with a mix of ground beef, rice, and cheese baked in tomato sauce.
17. Baked Salmon
This dish is loaded with Omega-3 fats and is easy to make. Serve it with lemon wedges and a side salad.
18. Ravioli Lasagna
This spin on lasagna is made with cheese ravioli, marinara sauce, and a cheese blend. It’s baked for a hearty and filling dish.
19. Chicken Enchiladas
This baked dish is made with chicken, cheese, and tomato sauce. Serve it with sour cream and guacamole for extra flavor.
20. Grilled Sausage and Peppers
This dish is perfect for outdoor gatherings. Thinly sliced sausage and colorful bell peppers are grilled for the perfect combination of flavors.
21. Vegetable Fried Rice
This dish is perfect for vegetarians. It’s made with rice, veggies, and soy sauce.
22. Steak Fajitas
Seasoned and grilled steak, peppers, and onions are served in tortillas. It’s a perfect meal for game night.
23. Pulled Pork Sliders
Slow-cooked and tender pulled pork served on small slider buns, perfect for a casual and satisfying meal.
24. Baked Teriyaki Chicken
Chicken thighs baked in a homemade teriyaki sauce, creating a flavorful and sticky dish served with rice and vegetables.
25. Veggie Stir-Fry
A vegetarian-friendly option with an array of colorful vegetables stir-fried in a savory sauce and served over rice or noodles.
26. Baked Potato Bar
Set up a baked potato bar with a variety of toppings like cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and chives for a customizable and crowd-pleasing meal.
27. Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta
Succulent shrimp cooked in a lemon-butter sauce and served over pasta, creating a light and refreshing dish.
28. BBQ Pulled Chicken
Shredded chicken simmered in barbecue sauce, served in sandwiches or sliders, perfect for barbecue lovers.
29. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Large portobello mushrooms stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, baked for a hearty vegetarian option.
30. Tandoori Chicken
Marinated and grilled chicken with a blend of Indian spices, served with naan bread and yogurt sauce.
31. Honey Mustard Glazed Ham
A sweet and savory ham glaze made with honey and mustard, perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings.
32. Shrimp and Grits
A Southern classic featuring creamy, cheesy grits topped with sautéed shrimp and a flavorful sauce.
33. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Sliced beef and broccoli florets stir-fried in a savory sauce, served over rice or noodles.
34. Sausage and Mushroom Alfredo
A hearty pasta dish with Italian sausage and mushrooms in a creamy Alfredo sauce.
35. BBQ Ribs
Slow-cooked and tender ribs coated in barbecue sauce, perfect for a barbecue or outdoor gathering.
36. Chicken Pot Pie
A comforting dish with tender chicken, vegetables, and a flaky pastry crust, ideal for cooler evenings.
37. Chicken Marsala
Chicken breasts cooked in a Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms, creating a flavorful Italian-inspired main course.
38. Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Slices of eggplant breaded, baked, and topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, creating a vegetarian-friendly option.
Final Thoughts,
Cooking dinner for a crowd can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The above-listed recipes are simple, delicious, and easy to make.
From classic dishes like spaghetti and meatballs to fusion dishes like steak fajitas, these recipes can feed a crowd with ease.
Try out these 38 easy dinner options for the next gathering, and watch your guests leave impressed and satisfied.
