Figuring out what to cook for dinner can be challenging, especially for a large family. You want something everyone will enjoy and is quick and easy to make. Fortunately, this article will provide easy dinner ideas for big families!
Roast Chicken with Vegetables
Roast chicken with vegetables is an easy and delicious meal that will please the whole family. It’s a classic dish that can be made in no time, requiring only a few simple ingredients and basic cooking skills.
To make roast chicken with vegetables, you will need a roasting pan, sheet tray, and your favourite fresh herbs and spices. Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other herbs or spices you prefer.
Place the chicken in the centre of your roasting pan and surround it with quartered potatoes, carrots, onions and other vegetables of your choice. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil or melted butter before baking at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until cooked through.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs are great dinner ideas for big families. This Italian-American classic has become a favourite family dinner option worldwide. This dish is quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you have unexpected guests. All you need are some ground beef or turkey, your favourite pasta sauce, spaghetti noodles, cheese and garlic bread.
To start cooking, brown the ground beef in a large skillet until cooked through before adding in your favourite tomato sauce. Simmer this mixture on low heat while boiling your spaghetti noodles according to the package directions. When ready, combine the two with lots of grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot with freshly made garlic bread for a delicious meal everyone will love!
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic dinner ideas for big families. Its creamy and cheesy goodness will have everyone coming back for seconds! This dish may take some time to prepare, but it's well worth it. All you need are some elbow macaroni noodles, butter, flour, milk, sharp cheddar cheese, salt and pepper.
Start by boiling your noodles according to package directions before draining them and setting them aside. Then make your cheese sauce by melting butter in a large pot over medium-high heat before adding flour and whisking until smooth. Slowly pour warm milk while constantly stirring until combined, then add grated cheddar cheese until melted.
Finally, season with salt and pepper before pouring this mixture over cooked noodles. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot with extra grated cheese if desired!
Shepherd’s Pie
A classic dinner ideas for big families is the shepherd's pie. It's easy to make, hearty and delicious, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This dish consists of a layer of ground beef or lamb, flavoured with herbs and spices, and topped with mashed potatoes, cheese and other toppings like peas or corn.
To make the best shepherd’s pie, preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Then brown the beef in a large skillet before adding some diced onions, garlic and your favourite herbs. Once everything is cooked through, add canned tomatoes before transferring this mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes seasoned with butter, cream cheese and chives before baking until golden brown.
Grilled Salmon with Roasted Potatoes
Grilled salmon with roasted potatoes is a delicious and healthy meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week. This dish combines two classic flavours to create a dish sure to please everyone at the table. To make this meal, you will need fresh salmon fillets, some potatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper.
Start by preheating your oven or grill before brushing the fish with olive oil and seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Place in the preheated oven or onto a hot grill for about 10 minutes per side until cooked through, then set aside. Meanwhile, toss diced potatoes in olive oil before spreading them out on an aluminium foil-lined baking sheet. Then roast in a 425-degree oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Pizza Night!
Nothing beats a classic pizza night with the family! Making your homemade pizza is easy and fun. You can customise it however you want. All you need are some store-bought or homemade dough, tomato sauce, cheese and whatever toppings you like.
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees, then stretching the dough on a greased baking sheet. Spread tomato sauce over the top before adding grated cheese and desired toppings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms or onions. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown on top, then serve hot with extra grated parmesan cheese if desired! Pizza night will surely be a hit no matter what topping combinations everyone chooses!
Nachos Supreme
Nachos supreme is a great dinner ideas for big families when it's game night! This classic dinner recipe is easy to make, loaded with flavour and sure to please everyone in the family. To create your nacho masterpiece, you'll need some tortilla chips, ground beef or chicken, refried beans, and salsa. Also, all your favourite toppings such as cheese, jalapeños and sour cream.
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees before browning the beef or chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked. Spread half of the tortilla chips onto an aluminium foil baking sheet. Then top with refried beans, followed by the meat mixture, before adding another layer of chips.
Sprinkle grated cheese over everything, then bake for 10 minutes or until melted. Serve hot topped with salsa, jalapeños and other desired toppings like olives or green onions!
