Meal planning for a family can be difficult, but it takes on an entirely new meaning when you are cooking for a large group. You have to change your focus from what you like to make for your family to finding easy meals that will serve a large number of people. Even if you are a member of a large extended clan, you’ll need to prepare easy meals when you host large family gatherings.
You may not believe it, but the type of food you select can make the difference between a simple meal and one that is difficult. You can, for example, create a Taco Bar to ensure everyone gets a meal they like while also reducing the cleanup. How about prep time?
Taco Bar
A taco is a great inexpensive meal for large groups. Your bar can be customized to fit your budget and your guests’ tastes. Imagine crisp tacos on colorful plates surrounded by bowls filled with chopped onions, peppers and garlic, and sprinkled with shredded cheese. Add beef, fish or chicken to the tacos for a protein-rich meal. Do not forget the accompanying sour cream and salsa bowls to complete your meal.
Meatballs
You can easily prepare a group meal with pasta. If you add Meatballs, your guests will be satisfied and full. Because the pasta and sauce is inexpensive, the meatballs are not likely to break your budget. You can scale up the meatballs recipe according to how many people you are feeding.
If you are serving pasta to a big group, place the pasta and meatballs into a large bowl. Then give each guest a plate. Use tongs or an serving spoon to help them pile up the deliciousness on their plates. Include some bread with the meal to allow your guests to soak up the sauce.
Butter chicken
Cook a Butter Chicken for your guests who enjoy international cuisine. Even your most discerning guests will be satisfied by the delicious combination of curry and chicken. Don’t forget a refreshing drink like coconut water or mango-lassi after the spicy curry.
Lasagna
You’re looking for meals that are easy to prepare and will keep your group warm. The Lasagna will be the best option. The noodles, tomato sauce, and cheese will make your guests feel fuller. Your guests will love this unique and fun twist on the traditional lasagna.
Chili
You can easily cook large quantities of chili with minimal effort, whether you choose to make a meat-rich chili or a vegetarian bean chili. This is the perfect dish for large groups. Make cornbread to add some flavor and make your meal memorable. Serve it with butter that is at room temperature so the butter will easily spread over it.
Homemade Pizza
Pizza is a great option for large groups. You can start by making the dough in several batches, and then separating it into different pizzas. Build your own Pizza Station – everyone can help.
Mix up the toppings to ensure that everyone in your group has a favorite pizza. You can make pepperoni, ham, pineapple, cheese or vegetables.
Baked Pasta
baked spaghetti is another great dish to serve large groups. You can bake spaghetti, fettuccine, or other pasta types. Everyone loves macaroni and cheddar. Think pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese for the best results. Who doesn’t like that combination?
Skewers
skewers are a good option for outdoor events. It’s also easy to put together. You can cook meat, seafood, pineapple, onions, and peppers in a flash. Even other people can help you assemble the skewers.
Roasted Chicken
If you’re looking for a simple meat dish to serve with your meal, roast chicken will do the trick. You can either roast the chicken alone or add vegetables to a pan and roast everything together. This hearty meal can be served with rice, pasta or couscous. Be sure to follow safety guidelines when cooking chicken.
Enchiladas
What happens when you combine meat, cheese and tortillas with a tasty sauce? Enchiladas! This Mexican dish is great for serving a crowd. It will satisfy everyone. Add some margaritas to your meal to make it more fun.
Dumplings
Why not serve dumplings to your large group? You can also make dumplings to put in soups. Chicken soup with dumplings anyone? You can also make them Asian style and stir-fry them with lemongrass, peppers, and onions.
Sliders
Sliders can be a great option when you have to feed a lot of people. If you don’t want meat, you can stuff small buns with shredded chicken, pork or portabella mushroom. Blend some ricotta and spices, and spread a large portion on the bun. People will be begging you for more!
Stuffed Bell Peppers
stuffed peppers are a great way to impress large groups. Peppers can be stuffed with vegetables and rice or meat and vegetables. Add a special sauce or flavor to the filling to make it stand out and impress your guests.
Nachos
It’s no secret that everyone loves nachos. This is why you should choose this dish when you need to feed a big crowd. Fill a large plate with chips. Add cheese, tomato, onion, jalapenos and whatever else you like. You can make nachos your own by adding cheese, jalapenos, tomatoes and onions.
Chicken Pot Pie
Make Chicken Pot Pie to impress your large group. This pot pie can be made in one pot, saving you time. This homey, cozy meal will be a hit with your guests. They will be grateful for the time and effort you took to make sure they were well fed.
Dirty Rice
dirty Rice can be a good option for a Cajun meal. Add Cajun-style pork or beef to the rice, and any spices you like. You can serve this dish with any kind of meat, including seafood.
Cheeseburgers
Cheeseburgers are another great dish to serve large groups. Set up an outdoor grill station and cook the hamburgers as you order. Ask your guests for their meat patties and buns, then cook them as they wait. Then direct them to the table where they can add their favorite toppings.
Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese sandwiches
Tomato broth and grilled cheese sandwiches are a meal almost everyone enjoys. Anyone can enjoy the combination of hot cheese and tomatoes. Make sure you have enough sandwiches to serve your guests a second time.
Use your imagination to please the crowd
It’s important that you serve food to a large crowd that will satisfy their appetites and appeal to their senses. You can never go wrong when you put your own spin on a recipe.
