What's your best cheap dinner recipe for a large crowd?

Hearty Chili for a Crowd

One of my go-to cheap dinner recipes for a large crowd is a big pot of hearty chili. It's not only budget-friendly, but it's also filling and can easily be customized to accommodate different dietary preferences. To save even more money, I use dried beans instead of canned, and I buy my ground beef or turkey in bulk when it's on sale.

To make my chili, I start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a large pot. I then add the ground meat and cook until it's browned. After that, I stir in the beans, canned tomatoes, and spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano. I let it simmer for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to soften. To serve, I put out a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions, so everyone can customize their bowl.

Taco Bar Fiesta

Another great cheap dinner option for a large crowd is a taco bar. With this idea, your guests can mix and match their favorite toppings to create their perfect taco, and it's easy on your wallet. I usually start by making a big batch of seasoned ground beef, chicken, or beans as the main protein, and then I set out a variety of toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and salsa.

For a fun twist, you can also offer alternative taco shells, like soft flour tortillas, corn tortillas, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. To make sure there's something for everyone, I like to include a few different salsas, ranging from mild to spicy, and some guacamole or sliced avocado. Finish off the taco bar with some tortilla chips and a side of Spanish rice or refried beans, and you've got a crowd-pleasing meal that won't break the bank.

Easy Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce

When it comes to feeding a large crowd on a budget, you can't go wrong with a big pot of spaghetti with marinara sauce. Pasta is an inexpensive staple that can easily be dressed up with a flavorful homemade sauce. I like to make a large batch of marinara by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil, then adding crushed tomatoes, herbs like basil and oregano, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.

After letting the sauce simmer for about half an hour, I cook a large pot of spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. To serve, I toss the pasta with the sauce and top it off with some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. You can also add some garlic bread and a simple salad on the side for a complete, budget-friendly meal that's sure to please everyone.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

For a casual and affordable dinner for a large crowd, consider making BBQ pulled pork sandwiches. Pork shoulder is often an inexpensive cut of meat that can feed a lot of people. To make the pulled pork, I rub the pork shoulder with a mixture of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and other spices, then slow cook it in the oven or a slow cooker with some BBQ sauce.

Once the pork is tender and falling apart, I shred it and toss it with more BBQ sauce. To serve, I pile the pulled pork on soft hamburger buns and top with a scoop of coleslaw for some added crunch. You can also serve it with a side of baked beans, potato salad, or cornbread to round out the meal. The best part about this recipe is that it's easy to make in large quantities, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day.

Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Rice

For a budget-friendly and meatless option, consider making a large batch of vegetarian stir-fry with rice. This recipe is not only affordable but also versatile, as you can use any combination of your favorite vegetables. I like to use a mix of bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas, but you can easily swap in other veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn.

To make the stir-fry, I heat some oil in a large wok or skillet and add the vegetables, cooking them until they're tender-crisp. I then add a simple sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a bit of cornstarch to thicken it up. To serve, I spoon the stir-fry over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. If you want to add some extra protein, you can also include tofu, tempeh, or even some scrambled eggs. This filling and flavorful meal is sure to be a hit with both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.