Cooking for a crowd doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning, you can create delicious and satisfying meals that won’t cost a fortune. These best cheap dinner recipes for a crowd will keep everyone happy while staying on a budget.

1. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is perfect for feeding a large group, and using a slow cooker makes the process even easier.

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds pork shoulder ($8.00)
• 1 bottle BBQ sauce ($2.00)
• 8 hamburger buns ($3.00)
• 1 onion, sliced ($0.75)

Total cost for 8 servings: Approximately $13.75

Instructions:

1. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker and add the sliced onion.
2. Pour in half the BBQ sauce and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and can be shredded.
3. Shred the pork, mix with the remaining BBQ sauce, and serve on hamburger buns.

2. Baked Ziti

This baked ziti is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that can be made in bulk and is budget-friendly.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta ($1.50)
• 1 jar marinara sauce ($1.50)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese ($3.00)
• 1/2 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional) ($2.00)

Total cost for 8 servings: Approximately $8.00

Instructions:

1. Cook the ziti according to package directions and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce and half the mozzarella cheese.
3. Spread the mixture in a baking dish, top with the remaining cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

3. Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Stir-fries are quick to make and perfect for feeding a crowd on a budget. This chicken and vegetable stir-fry is both healthy and affordable.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs ($6.00)
• 4 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots) ($4.00)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce ($0.50)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional) ($0.25)

Total cost for 8 servings: Approximately $10.75

Instructions:

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry in a large pan with sesame oil until cooked through.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and soy sauce, and stir-fry until the vegetables are tender.
3. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

4. Chili Mac

Chili mac combines two crowd favorites—chili and macaroni—into one budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for feeding a large group.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef ($4.00)
• 1 can kidney beans ($1.00)
• 1 can diced tomatoes ($1.00)
• 1 pound elbow macaroni ($1.50)
• 1 packet chili seasoning ($0.75)

Total cost for 8 servings: Approximately $8.25

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot, then add the beans, tomatoes, and chili seasoning.
2. Cook the macaroni separately, then combine with the chili mixture.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes and serve hot.

5. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

These sheet pan chicken fajitas are easy to make in large batches, making them ideal for a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts ($6.00)
• 4 bell peppers, sliced ($2.00)
• 2 onions, sliced ($1.50)
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning ($0.50)
• 12 tortillas ($3.00)

Total cost for 8 servings: Approximately $13.00

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the chicken, bell peppers, and onions with the fajita seasoning, then spread on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
4. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings like sour cream or salsa.

Conclusion

These cheap dinner recipes for a crowd are perfect for large gatherings, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re making slow cooker pulled pork, baked ziti, or sheet pan chicken fajitas, these meals are affordable, filling, and sure to impress.