Inexpensive Meals for Large Groups

Key Takeaways

• Inexpensive meals for large groups can be filling, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
• These affordable meals for a crowd use cost-effective ingredients without sacrificing taste.
• Whether feeding a large family or hosting a group of 50, these recipes ensure everyone is satisfied on a budget.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Feeding Large Groups

✅ Use Affordable Ingredients: Focus on rice, pasta, beans, and seasonal vegetables.
✅ Batch Cooking: Prepare meals in bulk to save time and money.
✅ Plan Buffet-Style Meals: Serve dishes that guests can customize, like tacos or pasta bars.
✅ Minimize Meat Costs: Use beans, eggs, and lentils to stretch meals without relying on costly meat.

Best Inexpensive Meals for Large Groups

1. Hearty Chili with Cornbread

Best for: Feeding a crowd with warm, comforting flavors

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
• 2 cans kidney beans (drained)
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 packet chili seasoning
• 1 box cornbread mix

Instructions:

1. Cook ground beef in a large pot until browned.
2. Add beans, diced tomatoes, and chili seasoning. Simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Prepare cornbread mix according to package instructions.
4. Serve chili with cornbread for a filling meal.

✅ Cost Tip: Beans and tomatoes are inexpensive staples that provide bulk and flavor.

2. Baked Ziti with Garlic Bread

Best for: Italian-inspired meal that’s easy to prepare in bulk

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ziti pasta
• 2 jars marinara sauce
• 1 pound ground sausage (optional)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 loaf garlic bread

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Cook sausage in a skillet until browned (if using).
3. Mix pasta, marinara sauce, and sausage in a baking dish.
4. Top with mozzarella and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
5. Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.

✅ Cost Tip: Skip the sausage for an even more budget-friendly option.

3. Taco Bar Buffet

Best for: Customizable and affordable crowd-pleaser

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds ground beef or turkey
• 2 taco seasoning packets
• 24 taco shells or tortillas
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, salsa, cheese, sour cream

Instructions:

1. Cook ground beef with taco seasoning.
2. Set up a buffet with taco shells and toppings so guests can build their own tacos.

✅ Cost Tip: Offer inexpensive toppings like shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and rice to fill out plates.

4. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Best for: Feeding 20+ guests with minimal effort

Ingredients:

• 5 pounds pork shoulder
• 2 cups BBQ sauce
• 24 hamburger buns
• Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place pork shoulder in a slow cooker and cover with BBQ sauce.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
3. Shred pork and serve on buns with coleslaw.

✅ Cost Tip: Pork shoulder is an affordable cut of meat ideal for feeding large groups.

5. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Best for: Simple yet filling family dinner

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds spaghetti
• 2 jars marinara sauce
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet; drain excess fat.
3. Mix beef with marinara sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Toss with spaghetti and sprinkle Parmesan on top.

✅ Cost Tip: Spaghetti is an affordable staple that’s easy to scale up.

6. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Best for: Comfort food packed with protein

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked rice
• 4 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix cooked rice, chicken, soups, and cheese in a baking dish.
3. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

✅ Cost Tip: Using leftover chicken helps reduce food waste.

7. Breakfast Casserole

Best for: Brunch gatherings or breakfast-for-dinner nights

Ingredients:

• 1 dozen eggs
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook sausage in a skillet and drain excess fat.
3. In a baking dish, layer potatoes, sausage, and cheese.
4. Pour beaten eggs over the top.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.

✅ Cost Tip: Eggs are inexpensive and highly versatile for bulk cooking.

Sample Weekly Plan for Large Group Meals

Day	Meal Idea
Monday	Chili with Cornbread
Tuesday	Taco Bar
Wednesday	Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Thursday	Baked Ziti with Garlic Bread
Friday	Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Saturday	Chicken and Rice Casserole
Sunday	Breakfast Casserole

Conclusion

Feeding a crowd doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. By focusing on inexpensive meals for large groups, you can prepare delicious and satisfying dishes that fit your budget. Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner or feeding a group of 50, these cheap dinner ideas for big families will keep everyone full and happy.

FAQ

What are the most affordable ingredients for bulk meals?

Rice, pasta, beans, potatoes, eggs, and canned tomatoes are cost-effective staples perfect for feeding large groups.

How can I stretch meat in recipes?

Add beans, lentils, or extra vegetables to stretch meat and create filling meals at a lower cost.

What’s a great make-ahead meal for a large family gathering?

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork and Baked Ziti are both easy to prepare in advance and reheat well for gatherings.