Whether it’s a family gathering, a dinner party, or a potluck, cooking for a large crowd can be both exciting and overwhelming.
You want to make a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave everyone satisfied and asking for seconds. But the thought of preparing food for a lot of people can be daunting.
The good news is that there are plenty of easy large group meals that are sure to please everyone. From hearty pasta bakes to flavorful chili, here are 47 easy large-group meals that will keep everyone happy.
47 Easy Large Group Meals
1. Spaghetti and Meatballs
A classic dish that is always a crowd-pleaser. You can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them until you’re ready to cook. Then all you have to do is boil the spaghetti and heat up the sauce and meatballs.
2. Easy Tacos
Set up a taco bar and let your guests make their own. Provide a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and salsa.
3. Classic Chili
A great cold-weather dish that can be made in large quantities. Serve with cornbread or crackers.
4. Vegetable Lasagna
Another classic dish that can be made ahead of time and frozen until you’re ready to cook it. Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.
5. Baked Ziti
A great alternative to lasagna that is quick and easy to prepare. Serve with a garden salad and garlic bread.
6. Chicken Fajitas
Another great option for a taco bar. Slice chicken breasts and bell peppers and sauté with onions and Mexican seasoning.
7. Homemade Meatloaf
A hearty and comforting dish that is easy to make in large quantities. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.
8. Jambalaya
A spicy and flavorful one-pot dish that is perfect for a large group. Serve with cornbread or rice.
9. Beef Stroganoff
A delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please. Serve with egg noodles and steamed vegetables.
10. Shepherd’s Pie
A classic comfort dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. Serve with a side salad.
11. Baked Chicken Parmesan
A healthier version of the classic dish that is baked instead of fried. Serve with spaghetti and a side salad.
12. Chicken Alfredo
A rich and creamy pasta dish that is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve with garlic bread and steamed vegetables.
13. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
A healthy and flavorful option that can be made in large quantities. Serve with rice or noodles.
14. Baked Ham
A classic dish that is easy to prepare. Serve with mashed sweet potatoes and green beans.
15. Baked Potato Bar
Set up a potato bar and let your guests load up their potatoes with a variety of toppings such as bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and chives.
16. Meatballs and Gravy
A comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
17. Chicken and Dumplings
A hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for colder weather. Serve with a side salad.
18. Ground Beef Tacos
Similar to chicken tacos, but with ground beef. Provide a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and salsa.
19. Chicken Enchiladas
A flavorful and satisfying dish that can be made in large quantities. Serve with rice and beans.
20. Crispy Chicken Parmesan
Another classic dish that is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve with spaghetti and a side salad.
21. French Bread Pizza
A quick and easy meal that everyone will love. Set up a variety of toppings and let your guests make their own pizzas.
22. BBQ Pulled Pork
A delicious and easy dish that can be made in a slow cooker. Serve with coleslaw and baked beans.
23. Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya
A flavorful and hearty one-pot dish with a combination of shrimp, sausage, vegetables, and spices.
24. Vegetarian Chili
A meatless option for chili lovers, loaded with beans, vegetables, and your favorite chili seasonings.
25. Chicken Pot Pie
A comforting and filling dish with tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and a flaky pastry crust.
26. Vegetarian Lasagna
An alternative to traditional lasagna, featuring layers of pasta, ricotta cheese, spinach, and marinara sauce.
27. Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Marinated chicken skewers with pineapple and bell peppers, grilled to perfection.
28. Baked Ziti with Sausage
Add some Italian sausage to your baked ziti for a flavorful twist on this classic dish.
29. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill bell peppers with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce, then bake until tender.
30. Spinach and Mushroom Quiche
A savory, custardy pie filled with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and cheese.
31. Lemon Herb Roast Chicken
A whole roasted chicken seasoned with lemon and herbs, served with roasted vegetables.
32. Vegetarian Tacos
Offer a variety of vegetarian fillings like sautéed mushrooms, black beans, and roasted vegetables for a customizable taco bar.
33. Beef and Vegetable Skewers
Marinate beef and colorful vegetables, then grill them for a satisfying and healthy meal.
34. Gourmet Mac and Cheese
Elevate classic mac and cheese with ingredients like truffle oil, lobster, or multiple cheese varieties.
35. Vegetarian Stir-Fry
Prepare a colorful and flavorful stir-fry with an array of vegetables and tofu or tempeh.
36. Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy spinach and artichoke mixture.
37. Baked Zucchini Parmesan
A vegetarian twist on chicken Parmesan using sliced zucchini, marinara sauce, and melted cheese.
38. Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders
Slow-cooked pulled pork with a tropical twist, served on mini slider buns.
39. Caprese Pasta Salad
A fresh and vibrant pasta salad featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and balsamic vinaigrette.
40. Grilled Veggie Platter
Fire up the grill and cook a variety of marinated vegetables for a flavorful and colorful dish.
41. Chicken and Rice Casserole
A simple casserole made with chicken, rice, vegetables, and a creamy sauce.
42. Teriyaki Salmon
A delicious and healthy option featuring teriyaki-glazed salmon fillets served with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
43. Ned’s Special Pasta
An exquisite pasta dish made with a secret blend of ingredients and flavors.
44. Vegetarian Curry
A flavorful and aromatic curry made with assorted vegetables and spices.
45. BBQ Chicken Wings
Finger-licking good BBQ chicken wings, perfect for parties or game nights.
46. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Sweet and tender honey-glazed carrots, a delightful side dish.
47. Seafood Paella
A traditional Spanish dish made with a variety of seafood, rice, and aromatic spices.
Final thoughts,
Cooking for a large group doesn’t have to be stressful. By choosing easy large group meals that can be made ahead of time or in large quantities, you can ensure that everyone will leave the table happy and satisfied.
Whether it’s a classic dish like spaghetti and meatballs or a more modern option like a taco bar, these meals are sure to please everyone.
So the next time you’re cooking for a crowd, don’t stress. Just choose one of these easy large group meals and enjoy the company of your friends and family.
