Cooking for a Crowd: 5 Large Batch Recipes

Cooking for a crowd can be a little intimidating, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Whether you're hosting a family reunion, a neighborhood block party, or just having some friends over for dinner, feeding a large group doesn't have to be complicated. Let’s explore five fantastic recipes that are easy to scale up and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at your table. Ready to dive in? Let's get cooking!

Recipe 1: Lasagna

Lasagna: The Ultimate Layered Comfort Food

Lasagna is the perfect dish to make when you need to feed a lot of people. It's hearty, comforting, and oh-so-easy to multiply the ingredients to fill as many baking dishes as you need.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cans (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 pounds ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 pounds mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage with garlic and onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, and oregano. Simmer for about 30 minutes.
4. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg.
6. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce, then layer with noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Recipe 2: Pulled Pork

Pulled Pork: The Barbecue Hero

Pulled Pork is incredibly versatile and practically cooks itself. Perfect in sandwiches, tacos, or served as a main dish, it's a crowd favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Rub the pork shoulder with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Place the pork in a large roasting pan and cover tightly with foil.
4. Roast for about 6 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender.
5. Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes. Shred with two forks and mix in barbecue sauce.

Recipe 3: Chili

Chili: Warm & Hearty Crowd-Pleaser

There’s something magical about a big pot of chili. It’s warming, comforting, and easy to make in massive quantities – perfect for feeding a hungry crowd!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans
• 1 can (15 oz) corn
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn, chili powder, ground cumin, and paprika.
3. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Recipe 4: Salad Bar

Salad Bar: Customizable and Fresh

Having a salad bar is a great way to accommodate a variety of tastes and dietary restrictions. Plus, it’s super easy to prep ahead!

Ingredients:

• Mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
• Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots)
• Protein options (grilled chicken, tofu, hard-boiled eggs)
• Cheese (feta, shredded cheddar, mozzarella)
• Nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds)
• Dressings (ranch, vinaigrette, Caesar)

Steps:

1. Arrange mixed greens in large bowls.
2. Chop fresh vegetables and place in separate serving dishes.
3. Prepare proteins and keep them warm until ready to serve.
4. Set up cheese, nuts, seeds, and dressings in small bowls for easy access.
5. Allow guests to build their own salads to their liking.

Recipe 5: Sheet Pan Fajitas

Sheet Pan Fajitas: Quick and Tasty

Sheet pan fajitas are fantastic for serving a crowd because you can prep and cook everything at once. Talk about easy clean-up!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken breast, sliced
• 3 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
• Tortillas
• Toppings (sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, salsa)

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a large sheet pan, toss chicken, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil and fajita seasoning.
3. Spread everything out in a single layer and bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
4. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Conclusion

Cooking for a crowd doesn't have to be stressful. With these five large batch recipes, you can easily whip up delicious meals that will impress your guests and leave them coming back for seconds. So next time you're planning a gathering, remember these recipes and enjoy the process of cooking and sharing food with your loved ones.