When faced with the task of planning meals for large groups, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when the number reaches 50 people. However, with some creative problem-solving and strategic planning, even the most daunting meal prep challenges can be tamed.
One of the primary hurdles is coming up with a diverse range of dishes that are not only tasty but also simple to prepare and serve efficiently. But fear not, for we’ve compiled 42 easy-to-execute meal ideas that will cater to a crowd’s cravings without putting too much pressure on your wallet or back.
42 Easy Meals for 50 People
Build-Your-Own Taco Bar
When it comes to feeding a crowd, there’s no better option than setting up a taco bar. This interactive dining experience allows each guest to create their own perfect combination of flavors and textures, making for a truly memorable meal. To get started, you’ll need the essentials: crunchy taco shells, savory seasoned beef or chicken, melted cheese, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, pungent onions, and a tangy salsa to tie it all together.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
One staple that’s sure to please a large gathering is the humble spaghetti with meat sauce. This crowd-pleaser has the added advantage of being incredibly straightforward to prepare. By making the sauce ahead of schedule, you’re left with minimal last-minute tasks, allowing you to focus on cooking the pasta to perfection just before serving.
Baked Potato Bar
Just like the taco bar, you can create an exciting experience with a baked potato bar. Imagine a spread of delectable toppings to complement your potatoes, including rich butters, tangy sour creams, melted cheeses, crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, and nutritious broccoli florets.
BBQ Pulled Chicken
Indulge in the rich flavors of slow-cooked chicken smothered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, an ideal accompaniment to your favorite sandwiches or sliders, offering a delightful twist on traditional comfort food.
Veggie Stir-Fry
Savoring a vibrant culinary experience, this dish delivers a harmonious blend of nutrient-dense vegetables, complemented by the savory essence of tofu or meat, providing a satisfying source of protein.
Chicken Alfredo
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, perfectly paired with tender grilled chicken and smooth fettuccine noodles, creating a warm and inviting culinary escape.
Baked Ziti
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful pasta experience, where rich cheese and savory sauce meld together in perfect harmony.
Beef Chili
When it comes to satisfying the appetites of a large group, few dishes are more reliable than a rich and hearty stew. This particular recipe is a masterclass in comfort food, featuring generous helpings of tender ground beef and creamy beans that will leave even the most discerning eaters feeling full and content.
Chicken Fajitas
A vibrant spread of sizzling grilled chicken and colorful vegetables takes center stage, accompanied by a bounty of warm tortillas. Guests are encouraged to craft their own perfect fusion of flavors and textures, assembling the ingredients into a satisfying meal that’s as personalized as it is delicious.
Pasta Salad
This culinary delight combines the comfort of pasta with the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables, all tied together by your preferred dressing – offering a diverse range of possibilities to suit any palate.
Taco Soup
Indulge in a warm and satisfying taco-inspired soup that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. This hearty concoction brings together all the delicious flavors of tacos in a single, comforting pot, making it easy to prepare in bulk and serve with crusty bread or over rice.
Vegetarian Lasagna
A delectable vegetarian delight awaits those who savor the harmonious union of layered pasta, vibrant vegetables, and melted cheese. This satisfying dish is a culinary haven for plant-based enthusiasts.
Stuffed Peppers
A staple comfort food, stuffed peppers offer endless possibilities for creative fillings. While traditionally crafted with bell peppers that are hollowed out and filled with a harmonious blend of cooked meat, rice, vegetables, and cheese, this beloved dish can be easily adapted to suit individual tastes. Once the peppers are prepared, they’re then baked in the oven until tender and the filling is fully cooked.
Homemade Pizza
Transform your dining experience into an interactive culinary adventure by establishing a pizza-making station that’s stocked with an assortment of tasty toppings, savory sauces, and pliable dough. This unique setup allows everyone to get creative and craft their own personalized pies, making it an engaging and memorable meal option.
Mediterranean Platter
Offer a vibrant and flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired spread by serving a selection of savory delights, including creamy hummus, crispy and aromatic falafel, refreshing tabbouleh salad, and warm, crumbly pita bread.
Hot Dogs and Hamburgers
A timeless favorite, outdoor gatherings simply wouldn’t be the same without a well-loved classic that brings people together – an idea that never goes out of style.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Indulge in the tender, slow-cooked goodness of pulled pork, carefully piled onto soft buns and accompanied by a refreshing crunch of crispy coleslaw – a match made in culinary heaven.
Baked Tacos
To prepare a large quantity of tacos, baking them in the oven offers an efficient and stress-free approach. This method allows for simultaneous cooking of multiple taco shells, eliminating the need for frequent microwave or stove-based reheating.
Macaroni and Cheese
Steeped in nostalgia, creamy desserts are a beloved treat for people of all ages. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, there’s something undeniably charming about indulging in a rich, velvety delight that never fails to put a smile on your face.
Beef and Vegetable Skewers
Indulge your senses with an array of flavors and textures as you savor grilled skewers, carefully assembled with a medley of fresh vegetables and tender marinated beef.
DIY Sushi Rolls
Transform your dining experience into an immersive culinary adventure by introducing a DIY sushi-making station that combines the essentials: Japanese short-grain rice, crispy nori seaweed sheets, a medley of fresh seafood options, and an assortment of colorful vegetables. This interactive concept allows guests to take an active role in crafting their own delectable sushi creations, making for a truly one-of-a-kind and memorable meal.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
For gatherings of all sizes, this one-pot wonder featuring chicken, rice, and an array of colorful vegetables is a crowd-pleasing solution. With its ease of preparation and generous yield, it’s the ideal choice when you need to feed a large group with minimal fuss.
Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Indulge in the comforting simplicity of seasoned and baked chicken drumsticks, perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.
Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers
Imagine a warm summer evening, the smell of sizzling seafood and fresh vegetables wafting through the air as you gather around the grill. A perfect culinary delight is born with the combination of succulent grilled skewers featuring plump shrimp alongside a vibrant medley of colorful vegetables. The sweet and savory flavors meld together in harmony, creating an unforgettable dining experience that’s sure to leave you craving more.
Eggplant Parmesan
A culinary masterpiece comes together as tender slices of eggplant are wrapped in a crispy layer of breadcrumbs, then baked to perfection. The harmonious union is further elevated by the rich flavors of marinara sauce and melted cheese, which complement each other beautifully.
Vegan Chili
Savoring a rich and savory meatless dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates, this option is an excellent alternative for those seeking a satisfying meal without the need for animal-based ingredients.
Pancake Bar
Create an interactive breakfast or brunch experience by setting up a pancake station with a diverse array of toppings, fillings, and mix-ins. This unique setup allows guests to craft their own pancakes, adding a playful twist to the traditional meal.
French Dip Sandwiches
Indulge in the rich flavors of sliced roast beef, perfectly placed on soft rolls and paired with a savory au jus for an unforgettable dipping experience.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of a rich, creamy soup that beautifully complements the gooey goodness of a well-grilled cheese sandwich.
Beef Stew
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, comforting bowl of slow-cooked goodness, where chunks of succulent beef meld harmoniously with an assortment of colorful vegetables, all infused with the deep flavors that only a rich and hearty stew can provide.
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Savoring a rich and velvety Alfredo pasta dish, infused with the tender flavors of chicken and steamed broccoli, is an indulgent treat that never fails to satisfy.
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Boil
Indulge in a mouthwatering culinary creation that harmoniously combines succulent shrimp, savory sausage, and a vibrant medley of colorful vegetables, delivering a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Caprese Salad
Imagine a dish that embodies the essence of summer – a harmonious blend of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic glaze, all coming together in perfect harmony to create a fresh and delectable salad.
Baked Ham
Indulge in a mouthwatering glazed ham that effortlessly elevates your holiday meal to new heights, boasting a tender texture and sweetly caramelized surface.
Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
Indulge in a delectable culinary experience with our mouthwatering teriyaki chicken, perfectly cooked to tender perfection and served atop a bed of fluffy rice, harmoniously balanced by the sweet and savory flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Vegan Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
In a culinary twist that honors the rich flavors of Italy while accommodating modern dietary preferences, this vegan take on a classic pasta dish combines the simplicity of garlic and olive oil with the plant-based power of today’s food scene.
Chicken Quesadillas
Indulge in the simplicity of crafting mouthwatering quesadillas, filled to the brim with juicy chicken, melted cheese, and a medley of savory ingredients. From classic combinations to bold experimentation, the possibilities are endless in this culinary canvas, where every bite is a delightful surprise.
Shepherd’s Pie
For a meal that’s both satisfying and familiar, look no further than a hearty casserole featuring ground meat and a creamy mashed potato topping. The combination of tender meat and fluffy potatoes is sure to hit the spot on even the chilliest of days.
Egg Fried Rice
Savor the simplicity and satisfying flavor of a homemade fried rice recipe, elevated by the addition of crunchy vegetables and fluffy scrambled eggs.
Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Savory delights unfold with the harmonious union of seasoned and grilled chicken, expertly wrapped within crispy flatbreads. The rich, velvety smoothness of tahini sauce perfectly complements the flavorful combination, elevating the dining experience to new heights.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Indulge your taste buds in the delightful combination of tangy meatballs, perfectly balanced by a rich and zesty sweet and sour sauce that will leave you craving for more.
Potato Pancakes
When it comes to cooking for a crowd, the thought of serving up crispy potato pancakes alongside tangy sour cream or sweet applesauce can be a comforting guarantee. But what if you’re tasked with feeding 50 people? The pressure can be daunting. Fear not! With these 42 effortless meal ideas designed specifically for large groups, you’ll be able to simplify your cooking process while still pleasing even the pickiest eaters. From interactive taco bars to hearty spaghetti with meat sauce, these satisfying dishes are sure to leave your guests feeling content and satisfied.