When it comes to feeding a crowd, having a few go-to recipes up your sleeve can be a lifesaver. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a potluck at work, or a casual get-together with friends, these hearty dishes are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. From comforting classics like mac and cheese to flavorful twists on familiar favorites, we’ve rounded up 18 recipes that are perfect for feeding a crowd.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, featuring recipes that range from creamy pasta dishes to spicy tacos and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy option or something more elaborate, we’ve got you covered with these tried-and-true recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese: A comforting, indulgent twist on a classic favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In the slow cooker, combine milk, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, butter, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
3. Add cooked macaroni to the slow cooker and stir until coated with the creamy sauce.
4. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Spicy Pulled Pork Tacos with Slaw
Get ready to spice up your taco game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines tender pulled pork, crunchy slaw, and a kick of heat.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup chili flakes
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 8 tacos shells
– Slaw (see below)
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, cilantro, queso fresco
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix chili flakes and brown sugar.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
4. Place the pork in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a lid.
5. Roast for 6-8 hours or until tender.
6. Shred the pork with two forks and stir in lime juice and olive oil.
Slaw:
– 2 cups shredded red cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
Combine slaw ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker) or 3-4 hours (instant pot)
Classic Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
Classic Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage: A hearty, comforting pasta dish that combines tender ziti noodles, flavorful Italian sausage, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 8 oz ziti pasta
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
5. In a separate pot, cook ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked sausage mixture, cooked ziti, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Homestyle Beef and Barley Stew
A hearty and comforting stew that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a family gathering. This classic recipe combines tender beef, creamy barley, and rich flavors to create a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the barley, broth, tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until the barley is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken and Veggies
This sheet pan recipe is a delicious and easy way to prepare chicken and vegetables with a sweet and tangy flavor profile. The honey mustard glaze adds a sticky and caramelized coating to the chicken, while the roasted veggies provide a nice contrast in texture.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 small red onion, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, and olive oil.
3. Place the chicken breasts on one half of a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the honey mustard glaze all over the chicken.
5. Arrange the bell peppers and onion slices on the other half of the sheet pan.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Easy Vegetable Lasagna with Ricotta
A classic Italian-inspired dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor! This lasagna is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal with friends.
Ingredients:
– 8 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions)
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 jar marinara sauce (14.5 oz)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, sauté the mixed vegetables until tender. Season with salt, pepper, and basil.
4. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Assemble the lasagna by spreading marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange 4 noodles on top, followed by half of the vegetables, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers. Top with Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
A classic backyard BBQ favorite, these tender pulled chicken sandwiches are smothered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, perfect for casual gatherings or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to 350°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and brush with the BBQ mixture.
4. Grill or bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Shred chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
6. Split hamburger buns and top with pulled chicken, coleslaw (if using), and additional BBQ sauce if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pot Jambalaya with Shrimp and Sausage
This classic Louisiana dish is a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines juicy shrimp, savory sausage, and spicy rice. With just one pot to clean, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup diced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the rice, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return the sausage to the pot and add the shrimp. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This recipe combines succulent shrimp with garlic butter sauce and pasta for a flavorful and satisfying meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti or linguine)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
5. Pour in white wine (if using) and stir to combine. Let simmer for 1 minute.
6. Add reserved pasta water to the sauce and stir until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Combine cooked shrimp, pasta, and garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Savory Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
This hearty chili recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory flavor of black beans, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch. With its rich, slightly smoky taste and comforting texture, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the sweet potatoes, black beans, red bell pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let chili cook for 20-25 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
Baked Meatballs with Marinara Sauce: A Classic Combination
Elevate your dinner game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of meatballs with the tanginess of homemade marinara sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion, these baked meatballs are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 jar marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While meatballs are baking, heat marinara sauce over medium-low heat.
6. Remove meatballs from oven and place in the marinara sauce. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to coat.
7. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Gravy
Elevate your holiday feast with this aromatic herb-roasted turkey breast recipe, served with a rich and savory gravy. Perfect for a smaller gathering or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 onion, peeled and quartered
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and salt.
3. Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan with the quartered onion.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. While the turkey is cooking, make the gravy by whisking together chicken broth and flour. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.
7. Serve the roasted turkey breast with the warm gravy spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes
Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells
This recipe combines the classic flavors of spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta cheese with the convenience of store-bought pasta shells. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, these stuffed shells are sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
3. In a skillet, sauté mushrooms and garlic until tender. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir in mushroom-spinach mixture.
5. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese filling.
6. Place shells in a baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Loaded Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar
This rich and comforting soup combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese to create a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
2. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
3. Stir in milk and crumbled bacon.
4. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Crowd-Pleasing Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
A classic combination that’s sure to please a crowd! This simple and flavorful stir fry is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party-pleasing main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic, broccoli, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Return the beef to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Carnitas with Corn Salsa
Transform pork shoulder into tender, flavorful carnitas with minimal effort using your slow cooker. Serve it with a fresh and vibrant corn salsa for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 hours cooking time
Instructions:
1. Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. Place the pork in a slow cooker and add orange and lime juice, and garlic.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
4. Shred the pork with two forks and serve with corn salsa.
Corn Salsa:
– 1 cup fresh corn kernels
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and serve with carnitas.
Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Stew
This hearty stew combines the creamy richness of cannellini beans with the savory flavor of Italian sausage, all slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a comforting lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onions and garlic; cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the cannellini beans, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: About 30 minutes
Easy Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
Easy Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This easy chicken pot pie is filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, corn, and green beans)
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the chicken, carrots, celery, and frozen vegetables in butter until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
3. Add flour, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
5. Roll out the pie crust to fit a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Fill the pie crust with the chicken mixture and top with additional pastry if desired.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Summary
Get ready to feed a crowd with these hearty recipes! From comforting classics like creamy mac and cheese and baked ziti, to flavorful twists like spicy pulled pork tacos and savory sweet potato chili, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick dinner solution, these 18 recipes are sure to satisfy your guests. And the best part? Many of them can be made in one pot or with minimal prep time, making them perfect for busy home cooks.