When cooking for a large family, it's helpful to have quick and easy recipes that can be prepared in larger quantities. Here are some ideas for quick recipes that can feed a large family:
One-Pot Pasta: Prepare a hearty pasta dish in a single pot by combining pasta, sauce, vegetables, and protein. Choose ingredients like spaghetti, marinara sauce, ground meat or sausage, and vegetables of your choice. Cook them all together in a large pot until the pasta is al dente and the flavors have melded.
Sheet Pan Meals: Sheet pan meals are convenient and can be customized to suit your family's preferences. Simply arrange protein (such as chicken, fish, or tofu) and a variety of vegetables on a baking sheet, season with herbs and spices, and roast in the oven. It's a low-effort way to prepare a balanced meal.
Tacos or Burritos: Set up a taco or burrito bar where everyone can assemble their own. Prepare a large batch of protein (such as seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option), provide a variety of toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, guacamole), and warm tortillas. This interactive meal allows each family member to customize their plate.
Stir-Fry: Stir-fries are quick, versatile, and can accommodate a large family. Choose a mix of vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas, along with your choice of protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu). Stir-fry them together in a wok or large skillet with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and any other desired seasonings. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Casseroles: Casseroles are excellent for feeding a crowd. Prepare a large baking dish with layers of ingredients like pasta or rice, protein (such as cooked chicken, ground meat, or beans), vegetables, cheese, and sauce. Bake until everything is hot and bubbly.
Slow Cooker/Instant Pot Meals: Utilize the convenience of slow cookers or Instant Pots for hands-off cooking. Prepare dishes like chili, stew, pulled pork, or soups that can cook for hours without requiring much attention. These appliances allow you to prepare large quantities of food with minimal effort.
Pizza Night: Make homemade pizza dough or use pre-made crusts, and let everyone in the family personalize their own pizza with various toppings. Provide a selection of vegetables, meats, cheeses, and sauces. Pop them in the oven, and you'll have a fun and delicious meal.
Breakfast-for-Dinner: Prepare a hearty breakfast meal for dinner. Whip up a large batch of pancakes, waffles, or French toast, along with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, and a side of fresh fruit. It's a crowd-pleasing option that is quick to make.
Remember to adjust the quantities of ingredients based on your family's size, and feel free to modify the recipes to suit your preferences and dietary restrictions.