Find the best cheap recipes for feeding large groups, as well as more recommendations in this short read.
Feeding groups on for cheap
When it comes to feeding a large group, it can often be a challenge to find meals that are both delicious and budget-friendly.
But, with a bit of creativity and smart ingredient choices, you can create the best cheap recipes for large groups that are guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s appetites.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a bring-a-plate, or a big dinner party, these cost-effective meals are perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. From classic chilli to baked ziti and stir-fry, you’re covered with a variety of delicious and easy-to-make recipes that will leave everyone feeling full and satisfied.
10 Best Cheap Recipes for Large Groups
1. Chili
Chili is a classic and hearty dish that is often a staple in Aussie households. Its combination of filling ingredients, rich flavours, and versatility make it a great choice for feeding a large group.
It’s great for entertaining because it’s so versatile.
Whether you prefer your chili with ground beef, chicken, or tofu, the options are endless when it comes to creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
One of the best things about chili is that it can be easily scaled up to feed a crowd, making it a budget-friendly option for large gatherings.
You can also adjust the spiciness level to suit your guests’ tastes, and serve it with a variety of toppings such as cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños for added flavour and texture.
So, whether you’re feeding a crowd on a budget, or simply looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, chili is an excellent choice that’s sure to be a hit.
2. Pasta bake
Pasta bake is a simple, delicious, and filling dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd.
It’s timeless, and one of the best recipes for budgets.
And, like chilli, it can be shuffled around a bit with different sauces and types of pasta to fit your guests’ preferences.
To make a pasta bake, simply cook a large pot of pasta, mix in your sauce, and bake in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly. The result is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Some of the best pasta bake recipes that can be adjusted to groups include:
Another easy benefit of a pasta bake is that the ingredients are almost always available at Australian supermarkets. Whether you shop at Coles, Woolworths, IGA, or ALDI, you’ll be able to put together a delicious meal regardless of stock levels and availability (which have been testing shoppers for the past couple of years).
3. Tacos
Tacos are a great way to feed a crowd for little money. Plus, if you’re entertaining, they can be a whole lot of fun!
Tacos are quick and easy. Just cook up your protein (mince, tofu, or other), and prepare your sides in the meantime (cheese, lettuce, tomato etc). Then, once your protein is spiced and ready, serve and enjoy!
It’s always safest to make too much, and it’s a great idea as well. Tacos make great leftovers to enjoy for lunch or tomorrow night’s dinner.
4. Stir fry
Stir fry is a simple and versatile dish that is perfect for feeding a large group of people. It’s quick, easy, and you can prep most of your ingredients ahead of time.
And, if you’re a fan of Kenji Lopez-Alt’s recipes, you’ll likely know that they’re a staple for fast, easy, and delicious meals.
A stir fry can be made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and sauces, allowing you to create a unique and flavourful meal that suits your guests’ tastes.
The most filling part of a stir fry is often the rice, noodles, or another base, and these are almost always cheap!
To make a stir fry, simply cook everything up in a large wok or pan, and serve over rice. The result is a filling and satisfying meal that is sure to be a hit with everyone.
If you’re cooking for a larger group, using a wok can help to cook in bigger batches.
One of the best things about stir fry is that it is a highly customisable dish. You can use your favourite meats, such as chicken, beef, pork, or tofu, and pair them with a variety of fresh or frozen vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms. You can also choose from a wide range of sauces, such as teriyaki, soy, hoisin, or sweet and sour, to add extra flavour and depth to your stir fry.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, or simply looking for a quick and easy meal, stir fry is an excellent choice. It is a budget-friendly option that is both delicious and filling, making it the perfect option for any occasion.
5. Sushi
Despite local sushi stops being surprisingly expensive, homemade sushi is a delicious and one of the best cheap recipes for feeding a large group of people.
With its combination of rice, seaweed, and a variety of fillings, such as fish, vegetables, and egg, it offers a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Making sushi at home is easier than you might think, and it is a cost-effective alternative to ordering takeout or eating at a restaurant.
To make sushi one of the best cheap recipes to feed large groups; you can grab sushi rice, seaweed sheets, and fillings at Australian supermarkets and stores, and the process of rolling the sushi is simple and straightforward. A bamboo roll is usually only a few dollars, but you can always grab a bazooka if you’re not a fan of getting your hands sticky!
You can also make a variety of different types of sushi, such as maki rolls, nigiri, and temaki, giving your guests a variety of options to choose from.
Another one of the best things about making sushi at home is that it allows you to control the ingredients and the portion sizes, making it a healthier and more affordable option. You can use fresh, high-quality ingredients, and you can make as much or as little as you need, depending on the size of your group.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, or simply looking for a delicious and affordable meal, sushi is an excellent option. With its combination of flavors and textures, it is sure to be a hit with everyone.
6. Smash burgers
Smash burgers are a good and cheap recipe to feed large groups because they are quick to prepare and packed with flavour.
The biggest benefit of the smashed patties (other than the amazing taste), is that the mince goes a really long way. A 500-gram packet from your local butcher or supermarket will be able to comfortably stretch to 5-10 burgers.
The technique of smashing the beef patty onto a hot griddle creates a rich brown crust and greatly increases the flavour. The
This recipe is ideal for fast-casual dining, so you can enjoy time eating with your guests. It cuts down on cooking time, making it a popular choice for those looking for the best cheap recipes for a large group.
7. Fried rice
Fried rice is a fantastic and cheap recipe for feeding a large group.
It’s a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients and can easily be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary requirements.
The best part is that fried rice can be made with leftover rice, making it a great way to use up any surplus and reduce food waste.
All you need is a wok or large, flat frying pan, some oil, and your choice of vegetables, meats, and seasonings.
Simply stir-fry everything together, and you have a delicious and filling meal that can feed a crowd. This dish is easy to prepare, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone, making it a great option for feeding a large group on a budget.
More cheap recipes for large groups
If you’re interested in finding more of the best cheap recipes for large groups, or cooking tips and advice, feel free to stop and look around this site.
You’ll find cooking tips and advice, recipes, and recommendations on places to eat and places to shop.
