17 Budget-Friendly Dinner Recipes Perfect for Feeding Large Families

You don’t have to break the bank to feed your family – especially if you have a large family.

I will show you how to creatively make delicious dinner meals that are budget-friendly, yet loved by everyone in your family. 

Feeding a big family doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or fun.

With the 17 dinner recipes I will disclose to you in this article, you will have MORE THAN ENOUGH creative ways to make meals that are simple, hearty, and satisfying.

1) The Best Chili By Serious Eats

This is a crowd-pleasing dinner recipe. If you want something large enough to feed a crowd, this is for you. Chili is comforting, warm, and a budget-friendly dinner option.

It fits perfectly for cold days and nights.

Check out the recipe here

2) Lemon Chicken Pasta by Eating Well

When I have a lot of people over, I like to make pasta. Why? Because pasta is cheap, tasty, and rarely goes bad. So, if you want to make something inexpensive and good, I recommend this recipe.

Check out the recipe here

3) Provençal Ratatouille by Serious Eats

Ratatouille is actually a very easy and inexpensive summer vegetable stew. It’s a different recipe that I like to use as a side dish. However, some people use it as a main course.

Check out the recipe here

4) Classic Shepherd’s Pie By Allrecipes

If you want something that is both filling and budget-friendly, try out this classic shepherd’s pie recipe. It is easy to make, yet offers satisfaction to a large crowd.

This is a great way to use what you have on hand to make something delicious and HUGE enough to feed a lot of people.

Check out the recipe here

5) Beef and Vegetable Stew By Serious Eats

The pressure cooker makes everything come together in less than 2 hours.

This recipe solved a major problem for me. It gave me a delicious meal that is budget-friendly and suitable for feeding my large family. You should try it out as well.

Check out the recipe here

6) Pasta With Vegan Chickpea Sauce by Serious Eats

This is another recipe you can make in large quantities without spending a lot of money. It’s a very simple pasta recipe coated in a creamy, dairy-free sauce made from puréed chickpeas. It’s a simple recipe, but it looks expensive.

Check out the recipe here

7) Veggie Stir-Fry By Inspired Taste

This is one of the best dinner recipes you can ever find. Veggie stir-fry is quick to make and a versatile meal option that everyone will love.

It has a unique flavor, which makes it distinct on the dinner table. 

Check out the recipe here

8) One-Pot Chicken and Rice By Simply Recipes

If you are looking for the perfect COMBO that your large family members will enjoy, then try making this one-pot chicken and rice recipe.

Since you are using one pot for all the cooking, it saves you enough time to spend with your loved ones.

Check out the recipe here

9) Beef Casserole By Simply Recipes

This has ALWAYS remained one of my favorite budget-friendly dinner recipes of all time.

The beef casserole has a hearty flavor that satisfies EVERYONE. 

Check out the recipe here

10) 3-Ingredient Chicken Salad Tostadas

If you want something cheap, quick, and that everyone loves, this chicken salad tostadas recipe is perfect for you! In just a few minutes you’ll have a recipe ready to serve in large quantities! The best part? Everyone loves it!

Check out the recipe here

11) Lentil Soup By Lil Luna

If you have not tried out this delicious meal before, then you are missing out on a whole lot.

I love the unique taste of this lentil soup because it is one of the best ways to keep things light but filling.

Check out the recipe here

12) Homemade Pepperoni Pizza By Chisel and Fork

Trust me, you cannot get this kind of pizza anywhere else. Even if you order, it won’t taste EXACTLY like this.

Homemade pepperoni pizza is a one-of-a-kind snack for dinner. 

Check out the recipe here

13) Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-fry By Allrecipes

This Chinese-inspired stir fry recipe is a must-try for every home.

If you have a large family (more than 4), increase the quantity of ingredients for it to go round. It is simple to make and suitable for feeding a crowd.

Check out the recipe here

14) Easy Spaghetti and Meat Sauce By Inspired Taste

Within 45 minutes, your classic weeknight meal will be ready.

Spaghetti and meat sauce is one of my favorite recipes when my large family is coming over for dinner.

Check out the recipe here

15) Broccoli Rice Casserole By Lil Luna

We are all going to have ONE PERSON in the family who is a picky eater. Sometimes, it can be quite difficult to make the PERFECT meal for such.

With broccoli rice casserole, you can solve the problem. This special delicacy pleases EVERYONE and it is budget-friendly and quick to make.

Check out the recipe here

16) Tuna Pasta Bake By Allrecipes

If you want a family-friendly dinner recipe, look no further!

This tuna pasta bake recipe has got you covered. It doesn’t cost a fortune to prepare, but it is one of the most elegant-looking meals you will ever find.

Check out the recipe here

17) Potato Tacos By Chisel and Fork

This vegetarian option makes your dinner table MORE VERSATILE. It allows those who are vegetarians to enjoy a classic meal alongside others. Potato tacos are spicy, delicious and satisfying.

Check out the recipe here

So, did you like all my suggestions? Which one is your favorite?

I’m sure you found at least one recipe that you liked and will try!