Feeding a large family on busy weeknights can feel like an endless cycle of meal planning, cooking, and cleaning. Between work, school, after-school activities, and everything in between, putting together a meal that’s quick, nutritious, budget-friendly, and actually enjoyed by everyone is no small task.
The secret? Simple, scalable meals that stretch to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Whether you prefer one-pot wonders, sheet pan dinners, slow cooker meals, or fast stovetop recipes, we’ve got 10 easy weeknight dinners for large families that will make your evenings smoother.
Let’s dive into delicious, time-saving meals that will keep everyone full and happy!
How to Make Weeknight Dinners Easier for Large Families
1. Plan Ahead
🍽️ Make a weekly meal plan so there’s no last-minute scramble.
🍳 Batch cook proteins (ground beef, shredded chicken) to use throughout the week.
🌮 Use theme nights (Taco Tuesday, Pasta Wednesday) to simplify decision-making.
📌 For meal planning help, check out The Kitchn’s Guide to Meal Planning.
2. Choose Meals That Are Simple & Scalable
When feeding a big family, meals should be easy to prepare and stretchable. One-pot meals, casseroles, and sheet pan dinners are lifesavers because they:
🍽️ Require fewer dishes
🛒 Use simple, inexpensive ingredients
🍲 Can be doubled for leftovers
3. Use Leftovers to Your Advantage
Cook once, eat twice! Turn last night’s roast chicken into tacos, or use leftover pasta sauce in a casserole. Repurposing food cuts costs and saves time.
10 Easy Weeknight Dinners for Large Families
1. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
✅ Hands-off, feeds a crowd, and makes great leftovers.
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Place pork in the slow cooker.
- Mix seasonings and BBQ sauce, then pour over pork.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Shred with forks and serve on buns.
📌 Pair with baked beans, coleslaw, or cornbread.
2. One-Pot Cheesy Beef & Rice
✅ All-in-one meal that’s quick and affordable!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked rice
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef and onion in a large pot.
- Add rice, broth, tomatoes, and seasonings.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is cooked.
- Stir in cheese and serve!
📌 Try it with taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist.
3. Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies
✅ Minimal prep and cleanup—just throw everything on a tray!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 cups assorted veggies (potatoes, bell peppers, broccoli)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Toss sausage and veggies with olive oil and seasonings.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, stirring halfway.
📌 Serve over rice or with crusty bread for a full meal.
4. 15-Minute Taco Night
✅ Budget-friendly and customizable!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 12 taco shells
- Toppings: lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef, drain fat, then add taco seasoning and water.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve with taco shells and toppings!
📌 Create a DIY taco bar to let everyone build their own plate.
5. Budget-Friendly Spaghetti & Meat Sauce
✅ A classic that’s filling and affordable!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain fat.
- Add marinara sauce and seasonings. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve over spaghetti!
📌 For more budget meals, check out Budget Bytes.
6. Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry
✅ Quick, healthy, and perfect for large families!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breast, sliced
- 4 cups mixed veggies (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Sauté chicken in olive oil until cooked.
- Add veggies, soy sauce, honey, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
📌 Try swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu for variety.
7. Crockpot Chili
✅ Hearty, protein-packed, and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef, then transfer to slow cooker.
- Add beans, tomatoes, and seasonings.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
📌 Serve with cornbread or over baked potatoes.
8. Baked Ziti Casserole
✅ Great for making in bulk!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Cook pasta, drain, and mix with marinara and beef.
- Layer in a baking dish, topping with cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
📌 Double the recipe and freeze one for later!
9. Meatball Subs
✅ Fast, filling, and kid-friendly!
Ingredients:
- 1 bag frozen meatballs
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 6 hoagie rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Heat meatballs in marinara sauce.
- Place in rolls, top with cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 5 minutes.
📌 Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
10. Homemade Pizza Night
✅ A fun, interactive dinner!
Ingredients:
- 2 premade pizza crusts
- 1 jar pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- Toppings: pepperoni, veggies, olives
Instructions:
- Spread sauce on crusts, top with cheese and toppings.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
📌 Let each kid make their own mini pizza!
Final Thoughts: Making Easy Weeknight Dinners Work for Your Family
Cooking for a large family doesn’t have to be stressful. With meal planning, batch cooking, and simple recipes, you can serve home-cooked meals every night.
What are your go-to easy weeknight dinners for large families? Share your favorites in the comments! 😊
Recommended Reads from Other Blogs
- The Family Freezer: “Easy Freezer Meals for Busy Families”
- Budget Bytes: “Budget-Friendly Meals That Actually Taste Good”
- Damn Delicious: “Quick and Easy Dinners for Families on the Go”