When it comes to feeding a crowd, there’s nothing quite like a hearty recipe that can satisfy everyone’s appetite. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a potluck at work, or a casual get-together with friends, having delicious and satisfying dishes on hand is key to a successful event. In this article, we’ll share 20 mouth-watering recipes that are perfect for feeding a crowd. From classic comfort foods to international twists, these recipes are sure to become new favorites in your household.
From slow-cooked pulled pork sandwiches to one-pot jambalaya with shrimp and sausage, there’s something for everyone on this list. And don’t worry if you’re short on time – many of these recipes can be prepared ahead of time or cooked in under an hour. So go ahead, gather your gang around the table, and get ready to dig in!
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe
This recipe is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. With tender, flavorful pork and easy-to-make barbecue sauce, you’ll be enjoying delicious sandwiches in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw or pickles for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the pork shoulder with salt, black pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Place the pork in a slow cooker and pour in the barbecue sauce.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
5. Split the hamburger buns and pile with the pulled pork.
6. Add coleslaw or pickles for extra flavor, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Classic Beef Chili with Beans
A hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening, this classic beef chili with beans is a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 30 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the chili has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
A classic comfort food dish that combines the flavors of Italy and America, this baked ziti recipe features juicy Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and creamy melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12-16 ounces ziti pasta
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions, then set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking apart with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti pasta, Italian sausage and tomato sauce mixture, and grated mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Homemade Mac and Cheese
Get ready for a comforting classic that’s easy to make and sure to please! This recipe yields a creamy, cheesy macaroni dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Add flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
9. Top with additional grated cheese (optional) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas: A Quick and Delicious Meal!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 small flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add chicken, onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the bowl; toss to coat.
5. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared sheet pan.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
7. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
8. Assemble fajitas with your desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
BBQ Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce
These meatballs combine the classic flavors of BBQ and grape jelly for a unique twist on a comfort food favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup grape jelly
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While meatballs are baking, mix grape jelly and BBQ sauce in a bowl.
7. Remove meatballs from oven and brush with grape jelly sauce mixture.
8. Return to oven for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
One-Pot Jambalaya with Shrimp and Sausage
A classic Louisiana-inspired dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this one-pot jambalaya combines succulent shrimp and spicy sausage with aromatic rice and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup diced bell peppers
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onion, garlic, bell peppers, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add rice, shrimp, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
5. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid has been absorbed.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Transform a weeknight into a culinary delight with this delectable Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe.
Ingredients:
• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz pasta of your choice (linguine or fettuccine work well)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic; sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp; cook for 2-3 minutes or until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.
4. Reduce heat to medium; add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk in white wine (if using); bring to a simmer.
5. Pour in chicken broth; whisk until smooth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add cooked pasta, tossing to combine with the garlic butter sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This classic Chinese-inspired dish is a staple for a reason – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be ready in no time. This recipe serves 2-3 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 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 wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic, and broccoli to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Return the beef to the pan, stirring in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
A comforting twist on traditional baked potatoes, this casserole combines the best of both worlds with a crispy potato crust and gooey toppings.
Ingredients:
– 4 large baking potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine potato slices and olive oil; toss to coat.
3. Arrange potato slices in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese over potatoes.
5. Top with sour cream, scallions, and bacon.
6. Cover casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until potato crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
Vegetable Lasagna with Spinach and Mushrooms
This classic Italian dish gets a boost of nutrition and flavor from the addition of spinach and mushrooms. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this lasagna is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 8 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 lb mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
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 mushrooms and garlic until tender. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
4. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Assemble lasagna by spreading marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange noodles, then top with mushroom mixture, followed by ricotta mixture. Repeat layers two more times, finishing with mozzarella cheese.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
This recipe yields a deliciously sweet and savory chicken dish with a hint of garlic, perfect for a busy day when you need a quick yet flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the chicken, honey, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Taco Bar with All the Fixings
Get ready to build your own tacos with this ultimate taco bar recipe! With a variety of fixings, you’ll be able to customize your tacos to your heart’s content.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for alternative options)
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Taco seasoning
– Shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– Chopped tomatoes
– Shredded lettuce
– Diced onions
– Sliced black olives
– Sour cream
– Salsa
– Cilantro
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add taco seasoning to the beef and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble tacos by spooning meat onto a tortilla, followed by your desired fixings.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Classic Beef Stroganoff
Classic Beef Stroganoff Recipe
A hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender beef strips with a rich mushroom and sour cream sauce, served over egg noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 oz egg noodles
Instructions:
1. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and mushrooms; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Stir in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Return beef strips to skillet; cook until heated through.
6. Stir in sour cream and cook until sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve beef mixture over cooked egg noodles.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
A comforting and flavorful casserole that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, onion, and garlic until the chicken is cooked through.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add cooked rice and stir until well combined.
4. Combine cooked chicken mixture with rice mixture. Stir in shredded cheese and milk.
5. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle additional cheese on top (optional).
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spaghetti with Homemade Meat Sauce
A classic Italian dish that never goes out of style, this spaghetti recipe pairs perfectly cooked noodles with a rich and flavorful homemade meat sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 12 oz spaghetti
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine the cooked spaghetti and meat sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pulled Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw
Get ready to sink your teeth into tender and juicy pulled chicken, served on soft buns with a refreshing side of coleslaw. This recipe is perfect for game day gatherings or casual dinner parties.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Optional toppings: cheddar cheese, pickle slices, and/or bacon bits
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a large Dutch oven or slow cooker, combine chicken breasts and barbecue sauce.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
4. Shred the chicken with two forks and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Split hamburger buns in half and toast lightly.
6. Assemble sliders by spooning pulled chicken onto the buns, followed by a dollop of coleslaw and any desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker) or 2-3 hours (oven)
Beef and Cheese Enchiladas
Transform a weeknight dinner into a flavorful fiesta with these tender beef and cheese enchiladas, wrapped in a blanket of rich tomato sauce and melted cheddar.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Wrap tortillas in plastic wrap and microwave for 20-30 seconds to soften.
5. Assemble enchiladas by spooning beef mixture onto a tortilla, then rolling up and placing seam-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and beef.
6. Pour diced tomatoes over the top of the enchiladas and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
This classic comfort food recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a flaky crust to create a satisfying meal that’s sure to warm hearts and bellies.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, corn, and carrots)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook chicken, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in butter until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
3. Stir in flour, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Roll out one pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the chicken mixture and cover with the second pie crust.
5. Crimp edges and cut a few slits in the top for steam to escape.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
This recipe combines the bright flavors of lemon and garlic with the richness of butter to create a succulent salmon dish, paired with a colorful medley of roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
– Roasting vegetables of your choice (e.g., broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread the garlic-lemon butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast vegetables of your choice in a separate pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender.
7. Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to feed a crowd with these 20 delicious and hearty recipes! From slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches to classic beef chili, baked ziti with Italian sausage, and loaded baked potato casserole, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find one-pot jambalaya with shrimp and sausage, garlic butter shrimp pasta, and many more mouth-watering dishes that are perfect for large gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need to feed a big family, these recipes will satisfy your crowd without sacrificing flavor.
