15 Budget-Friendly Recipes for Feeding a Crowd

 

15 Budget-Friendly Recipes for Feeding a Crowd

15 Budget-Friendly Recipes for Feeding a Crowd

Let’s cut to the chase: feeding a bunch of hungry people without emptying your bank account feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. Whether it’s a last-minute potluck, a family reunion, a youth group dinner, or you just said “sure, everyone can crash here after the game!” (bless your generous heart), you need food that’s delicious, scalable, and won’t cost you a week’s groceries.

I’ve been there—staring into my half-empty pantry at 5 p.m., wondering how I’m going to feed 12 people with $20 and a sad-looking onion. But over the years, I’ve cracked the code. The secret? Smart ingredients, make-ahead magic, and recipes that stretch without sacrificing flavor.

So grab your biggest pot and your comfiest apron—because I’m sharing my 15 absolute best budget-friendly recipes for feeding a crowd, all tested, loved, and repeatedly requested at every gathering I host. And trust me, no one ever guesses they cost under $2 per serving.

1. Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese (Serves 10–12)

This isn’t your boxed kind—it’s rich, velvety, and feeds a small army for less than $10. The trick? Use sharp cheddar for flavor punch (so you need less) and bulk it up with pasta and a touch of evaporated milk for creaminess without heavy cream.

Why it works: Pasta is cheap. Cheese stretches further when melted into a sauce. Bake it in a roasting pan, and boom—you’ve got golden, bubbly comfort food that disappears fast.

Pro tip: Add a handful of frozen peas or chopped carrots if you’re feeling sneaky about veggies.

2. Hearty Lentil & Vegetable Soup

Lentils are the unsung heroes of budget cooking—high in protein, fiber, and dirt-cheap. One pound of dried lentils costs about $1.50 and makes 8–10 servings.

Simmer them with canned tomatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and a bay leaf in veggie broth (or water + bouillon). Season with cumin and smoked paprika for depth. Serve with crusty bread from the day-old bin—total cost? Under $8 for a giant pot.

Bonus: This soup tastes even better the next day, so make it ahead!

3. Taco Bar with DIY Fixings

Instead of pre-made taco kits (which cost a fortune), build your own bar with:

  • 2 lbs of ground beef or turkey (or black beans for veggie option)
  • Homemade taco seasoning (just chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder—skip the $4 packet!)
  • Warm corn tortillas or affordable taco shells
  • Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced onion, salsa from a jar, shredded cheese, lime wedges

Let everyone assemble their own. It’s interactive, fun, and feeds 10 for under $15 if you shop smart.

4. One-Pan Baked Ziti

Pasta + marinara + ricotta + mozzarella = crowd-pleasing magic. Use store-brand pasta and jarred sauce, and mix in an egg with the ricotta so it holds together better. Layer in a disposable aluminum pan for easy cleanup.

Cost hack: Double the pasta and sauce, keep the cheese the same—nobody will miss it, and your dish goes farther.

5. Giant Sheet Pan Nachos

Yes, really. Line a full sheet pan with sturdy tortilla chips, then layer on:

  • Refried beans (cheap and filling!)
  • Shredded cheese
  • Diced jalapeños
  • A sprinkle of cumin

Bake until melty, then top with chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and green onions after baking. Serves 8–10 as a main, and costs around $12. Perfect for game day or casual hangouts.

6. Homemade Pizza Party

Make dough from scratch (flour, yeast, water, salt, olive oil—less than $1 for a big batch). Roll it out on parchment paper, top with sauce, cheese, and whatever’s in your fridge (pepperoni? mushrooms? leftover roasted veggies?), and bake on sheet pans.

Why it wins: Kids love it, adults love it, and you control the toppings so costs stay low. Plus, making pizza together is half the fun!

7. Chicken & Rice Casserole

Use 2–3 bone-in chicken thighs (cheaper than breasts!) and simmer them in broth with rice, onion, garlic, and frozen peas. Remove bones before serving. The chicken flavors the whole dish, so you need less meat.

This one-pot wonder feeds 8 and costs under $10 if you buy store-brand rice and frozen veggies.

8. Big-Batch Chili (Beef or Bean)

Chili is the ultimate crowd-feeding champion. Brown 1 lb of ground beef (or skip it for a veggie version), then add:

  • 2 cans kidney beans
  • 1 can black beans
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • Chili powder, cumin, garlic

Simmer for an hour. Serves 10+ for under $12. Serve with cornbread (from a $1 box mix—no shame!).

9. Pasta Salad with Pantry Staples

Cook a big box of rotini. Toss with:

  • Italian dressing (homemade: oil, vinegar, oregano, garlic)
  • Canned olives
  • Shredded carrots
  • Frozen peas (thawed)
  • Cubed cheese or salami (optional)

Keeps for days, tastes better cold, and feeds 12 for under $10. Great for picnics or potlucks!

10. Baked Potato Bar

Buy 10–12 russet potatoes (often $0.50–$0.75 each). Bake them until tender. Set out toppings like:

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Chives
  • Cooked bacon bits (a little goes a long way)
  • Steamed broccoli

Cheap, filling, and endlessly customizable. Total cost? Around $10–$12.

11. Egg Fried Rice (Big Batch)

Use leftover rice or cook a big pot. Scramble 6–8 eggs, then stir in rice, frozen peas/carrots, soy sauce, and a splash of sesame oil. Add chopped green onions if you’ve got them.

Cost: Under $8 for 8 servings. Yes, really.

12. Sloppy Joes on Buns

Brown 1.5 lbs of ground beef, drain, then simmer with:

  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Onion & garlic

Pile onto soft buns. Feeds 10 for under $12. Bonus: kids adore it, and it reheats like a dream.

13. Hummus & Veggie Platter (Veggie Option)

Make a big batch of homemade hummus (canned chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic—way cheaper than store-bought). Surround with carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, cherry tomatoes, and pita bread or crackers.

Perfect for vegetarians and adds balance to a meat-heavy spread. Total cost: ~$10.

14. Cornbread Muffins (Dozen+)

A double batch of basic cornbread (cornmeal, flour, eggs, milk, oil) makes 18+ muffins for under $5. Serve warm with chili or soup.

Pro move: Add a can of creamed corn for extra moisture—still cheap!

15. Overnight Oats Bar (For Brunch Crowds)

Mix oats, milk (or water), chia seeds, and a touch of maple syrup in big jars. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, set out toppings:

  • Sliced bananas
  • Berries
  • Nuts
  • Shredded coconut

Grab-and-go, no cooking needed. Feeds 10 for under $12, and feels fancy.

Final Tips for Feeding a Crowd on a Budget

  • Shop store brands—they’re often identical to name brands.
  • Buy in bulk when it makes sense (rice, pasta, beans, oats).
  • Use frozen veggies—they’re just as nutritious and often cheaper than fresh.
  • Plan for leftovers—most of these dishes taste better the next day!
  • Keep it simple—crowds care more about flavor and fullness than fancy plating.

Look, feeding a crowd doesn’t have to mean stress or debt. With a little planning and these 15 tried-and-true budget recipes, you’ll be the hero of every gathering—without breaking a sweat (or the bank).

So next time someone says “Can we all come over?” take a deep breath, open your pantry, and say: “Bring your appetite. I’ve got this.” 💪

Because good food isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about how much love (and smart hacks) you pour in. And honestly? That’s priceless. :)

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