Cooking for a crowd doesn’t have to be stressful! I know how hectic it gets when preparing meals for a big family or hosting friends—someone’s a picky eater, someone’s extra hungry, and somehow, there are never enough leftovers.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! These recipes for 7 people are easy, delicious, and won’t leave you stuck in the kitchen all night. Get ready for ten simple dinners that’ll keep everyone happy.
1. Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies
One pan, no stress! That’s the magic of a sheet pan meal. I use bone-in chicken thighs because they stay juicy. A mix of potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers surrounds them.
This quick family meal is a lifesaver on busy nights. It cuts down on dishes and keeps dinner simple. Swap the chicken for salmon or add sweet potatoes.
2. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Pasta is always a great choice for feeding a crowd. I start by cooking fettuccine until just al dente. Meanwhile, I melt butter in a pan, add minced garlic, and pour in heavy cream.
It’s creamy, comforting, and tastes like a fancy restaurant meal. But it’s cheaper and ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, no one complains when there’s cheese involved!
3. Slow Cooker Beef Tacos
Taco night is always a hit, and using a slow cooker makes it even easier. I throw in a beef roast, a jar of salsa, taco seasoning, and let it cook low and slow until it practically falls apart.
By dinnertime, the beef is so tender it shreds with a fork. I serve it up with tortillas and a spread of toppings—cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and fresh lime.
4. Baked Ziti with Extra Cheese
Baked ziti is a lifesaver when you need a hearty meal without too much hassle. Cook the pasta, mix it with marinara, and layer it with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.
Pop it in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden. It’s always a hit! Plus, you can make it ahead—just assemble, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
5. BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
Sliders are perfect for parties and family dinners. I use boneless chicken breasts, slow-cooked with BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar. The meat turns fall-apart tender.
Once shredded, I load it onto soft slider buns and top it with coleslaw. These sliders feel special but take little effort—great for feeding a crowd!
6. Classic Chili & Cornbread
Nothing is more comforting than a pot of chili. I cook ground beef with onions and garlic. Then, I add canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and spices. A long simmer makes it thick and tasty.
To make it better, I bake cornbread. It’s simple, soft, and great for dipping. This meal is filling and cheap. It’s good for a big group. Plus, it tastes even better the next day!
7. One-Pot Sausage & Rice
One-pot meals help me keep things simple in the kitchen. I brown sausage with onions and peppers, then add rice, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning.
The rice soaks up all the flavors, making a tasty and satisfying dish. Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is easy. Add a side salad, and dinner is ready!
8. Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
Salmon always feels special, but this recipe is really simple. I make a quick glaze with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a little lemon, then brush it over the salmon before baking.
I usually serve it with roasted veggies and rice, making it a light but filling meal. It’s great for guests or just as a nice treat for myself.
9. Hearty Baked Potatoes Bar
If I want a fun and easy dinner, I make a baked potato bar. I bake big potatoes and set out toppings like cheese, sour cream, bacon, green onions, and chili.
Everyone makes their own, so I don’t have to worry about picky eaters. It’s simple, filling, and always a hit.
10. Stir-Fry Noodles with Chicken & Veggies
When I need a quick dinner, I make stir-fry. I cook small chicken pieces with broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, then mix in noodles and a simple garlic soy sauce.
It’s fast, tasty, and better than takeout. Plus, it’s a good way to use up leftover veggies. Perfect for busy nights!
Final Thoughts
Feeding a crowd doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these easy recipes for 7 people, you can prepare delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
From a hearty bowl of chili to cheesy baked ziti or a fun taco night, these dishes are perfect for keeping everyone satisfied.
So next time you’re cooking for a group, skip the stress and try one of these simple, crowd-pleasing recipes.