15 Irresistible Large Family Dinner Recipes Everyone Will Love

Feeding a large family can feel overwhelming, but with the right recipes, dinner can be both easy and delicious.

Large family dinner recipes focus on meals that are hearty, crowd-pleasing, and simple to prepare in big quantities.

From comforting casseroles and sheet-pan dinners to one-pot meals and savory roasts, there are plenty of options to satisfy everyone at the table.

In this article, we’ve curated 15 large family dinner recipes that are flavorful, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

These recipes are designed to save time, reduce stress, and make family mealtime a joyful experience.

With these ideas, feeding a big family becomes manageable, delicious, and even fun.

15 Irresistible Large Family Dinner Recipes Everyone Will Love

Large family dinners don’t have to be stressful or complicated.

By planning meals that are easy to scale, packed with flavor, and balanced with protein, vegetables, and carbs, you can satisfy every family member.

These 15 recipes provide variety, convenience, and comfort for big family meals.

They are perfect for weeknights, holiday gatherings, or casual weekend dinners.

With these recipes, cooking for a large family can be enjoyable, stress-free, and full of flavor.

Classic Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a hearty and comforting pasta dish perfect for feeding a large family.

Layers of pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese create a creamy, cheesy meal everyone will love.

The dish can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving, saving time on busy evenings.

It’s filling, flavorful, and ideal for large gatherings or weeknight dinners.

This recipe is easy to make, budget-friendly, and sure to satisfy big appetites.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
• Cook ziti according to package instructions and drain.
• In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Pour pasta mixture into the baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is golden.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Cheese provides creamy richness while pasta offers a filling base.

Marinara sauce adds flavor and moisture, making this dish appealing to all ages.

This baked ziti is comforting, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a large family.

Sheet-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Vegetables

Tender chicken thighs are roasted with a mix of colorful vegetables and a zesty lemon-garlic marinade.

This one-pan meal is convenient and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and broccoli cook alongside chicken, absorbing flavors for a delicious, balanced dinner.

It’s an easy, hands-off recipe that saves cleanup time.

This dish is hearty, flavorful, and ideal for busy families who want a wholesome dinner.

Ingredients:

• 6–8 chicken thighs, bone-in
• 4 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
• In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Toss chicken and vegetables in the marinade until evenly coated.
• Arrange chicken and vegetables on the baking sheet in a single layer.
• Roast 35–40 minutes, turning vegetables halfway, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
• Serve warm.

Chicken provides protein while vegetables add fiber and essential nutrients.

The lemon-garlic marinade adds bright, savory flavors to every bite.

This sheet-pan dinner is simple, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a large family.

Hearty Beef and Vegetable Casserole

A rich, savory casserole combines ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas in a creamy sauce.

Topped with shredded cheese, it’s baked until golden and bubbly for a crowd-pleasing dinner.

This casserole is perfect for making ahead and feeding hungry families on busy nights.

It’s balanced, comforting, and packed with protein and vegetables.

This recipe is hearty, filling, and sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup peas
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
• In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned.
• Stir in flour, then gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
• Add potatoes, carrots, and peas, and mix well.
• Pour mixture into casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.
• Bake 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
• Serve warm.

Ground beef adds protein while vegetables provide fiber and nutrients.

Cheese creates a creamy, kid-friendly topping that everyone enjoys.

This casserole is filling, comforting, and ideal for feeding a large family.

One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

Cheesy taco pasta combines pasta, ground beef, beans, corn, and taco seasoning in one pot for a flavorful meal.

It’s an easy recipe for feeding a crowd without lots of cleanup.

The melted cheese ties all ingredients together for a creamy, savory dish.

Serve with tortilla chips or a side salad for a complete, hearty dinner.

This dish is quick, satisfying, and perfect for busy families who want flavor and convenience.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups pasta (elbow or rotini)
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 ½ cups water
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown ground beef.
• Stir in taco seasoning, water, pasta, beans, and corn.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
• Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted.
• Serve warm.

Ground beef and beans provide protein while pasta offers filling carbohydrates.

Cheese adds creaminess and flavor that kids and adults will enjoy.

This one-pot taco pasta is easy, flavorful, and perfect for a large family dinner.

Baked Honey Glazed Salmon with Roasted Vegetables

Salmon fillets are baked with a sweet honey glaze alongside roasted vegetables for a healthy, crowd-pleasing dinner.

The glaze caramelizes in the oven, creating a deliciously sticky coating.

Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots roast to perfection, complementing the salmon.

This recipe is simple, nutritious, and packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

It’s ideal for families who want a flavorful, balanced meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 6 salmon fillets
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups bell peppers, sliced
• 2 cups zucchini, sliced
• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
• In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and olive oil.
• Place salmon fillets on the baking sheet and brush generously with the glaze.
• Arrange vegetables around the salmon and drizzle with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Bake 15–20 minutes until salmon is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
• Serve warm.

Salmon provides protein and healthy fats while vegetables add vitamins and fiber.

The honey glaze makes the dish appealing and flavorful for all ages.

This baked salmon with vegetables is healthy, delicious, and perfect for a large family dinner

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

This lasagna layers tender chicken, pasta sheets, and a creamy Alfredo sauce for a decadent family dinner.

Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese melt perfectly between layers, creating a rich, cheesy texture that everyone loves.

It’s an ideal recipe for feeding a crowd and can be baked ahead of time for convenience.

The dish combines protein, carbs, and dairy for a balanced, satisfying meal.

It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for large family gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 3 cups Alfredo sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
• Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
• Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the dish.
• Layer noodles, chicken, sauce, and mozzarella; repeat until all ingredients are used.
• Top with Parmesan cheese and bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Chicken provides protein while pasta and cheese create a hearty, kid-friendly base.

Alfredo sauce adds creamy richness that complements the chicken perfectly.

This lasagna is indulgent, filling, and perfect for feeding a large family.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A comforting beef stew with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and celery is perfect for a large family.

Simmering in a slow cooker allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory meal.

The stew can cook all day, making it ideal for busy families.

Serve with crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.

This stew is hearty, protein-packed, and satisfying for everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 potatoes, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Place beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and thyme in a slow cooker.
• Pour beef broth over ingredients and season with salt and pepper.
• Cover and cook on low 7–8 hours or high 4–5 hours until beef is tender.
• Stir gently before serving.
• Serve warm with bread or rolls.

Beef provides protein while vegetables add fiber and nutrients.

Slow cooking creates tender, flavorful meat and rich broth.

This beef stew is comforting, hearty, and perfect for a large family dinner.

Baked Spaghetti with Sausage

Spaghetti is combined with savory sausage, marinara sauce, and cheese for a crowd-pleasing dinner.

Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish is filling and perfect for feeding a large family.

The sausage adds flavor and protein, while cheese makes it creamy and kid-friendly.

Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

It’s easy to prepare, satisfying, and ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
• Cook spaghetti according to package directions and drain.
• In a skillet, cook sausage until browned and cooked through.
• Mix cooked spaghetti, sausage, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning.
• Pour mixture into baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
• Serve warm.

Sausage provides protein and savory flavor while pasta is filling.

Cheese adds creaminess and makes it appealing to kids.

This baked spaghetti is hearty, easy, and perfect for feeding a large family.

Roasted Herb Pork Loin with Vegetables

A succulent pork loin is roasted with potatoes, carrots, and onions, seasoned with fresh herbs.

The oven-roasting method ensures juicy meat and perfectly caramelized vegetables.

This dish is great for large family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Serve with gravy or a light sauce for extra flavor.

It’s flavorful, hearty, and provides a balanced meal for all ages.

Ingredients:

• 3–4 lb pork loin
• 4 cups potatoes, chopped
• 3 cups carrots, sliced
• 2 cups onions, chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp rosemary
• 2 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Rub pork loin with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Place pork in a roasting pan and surround with potatoes, carrots, and onions.
• Roast 1–1.5 hours, basting occasionally, until pork reaches 145°F internal temperature.
• Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
• Serve with roasted vegetables.

Pork provides protein while vegetables add fiber and essential nutrients.

Herbs and roasting bring out rich, savory flavors everyone will enjoy.

This roasted pork loin is elegant, hearty, and perfect for a large family dinner.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

A creamy casserole combining chicken, rice, and cheese makes a comforting dinner for large families.

Vegetables such as peas or carrots can be added for extra nutrition without compromising flavor.

This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked when needed.

Cheese melts to create a golden, gooey topping that kids and adults love.

It’s easy, filling, and perfect for a family-friendly weeknight or weekend dinner.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
• In a large bowl, combine chicken, rice, peas and carrots, milk, soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Pour mixture into casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.
• Bake 25–30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted and golden.
• Serve warm.

Chicken provides protein while rice offers energy and a comforting texture.

Vegetables add color, fiber, and nutrition for a balanced meal.

This cheesy chicken and rice casserole is hearty, tasty, and perfect for feeding a large family.

Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

Juicy chicken drumsticks are baked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for feeding a crowd.

The glaze caramelizes in the oven, creating a flavorful coating that kids and adults love.

Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete family dinner.

This dish is easy to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time.

It’s delicious, tender, and ideal for large family gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 10–12 chicken drumsticks
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
• In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Place drumsticks on the baking sheet and brush with the sauce.
• Bake 35–40 minutes, turning and brushing with sauce halfway through.
• Serve warm with sides of your choice.

Chicken provides protein while the honey-garlic glaze adds sweet and savory flavor.

Baking ensures juicy, tender meat that appeals to all ages.

These drumsticks are flavorful, easy, and perfect for a large family dinner.

Beef and Cheese Enchiladas

Soft tortillas are filled with seasoned ground beef, beans, and cheese, then baked in enchilada sauce.

This recipe is perfect for feeding a large family and can be made ahead.

The melted cheese and savory sauce make every bite rich and satisfying.

Serve with rice, beans, or a side salad for a complete meal.

It’s a flavorful, hearty dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 12 tortillas
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup black beans, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
• Cook ground beef with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until browned.
• Stir in black beans.
• Fill tortillas with beef mixture and some cheese, then roll and place in the baking dish.
• Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle remaining cheese.
• Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Ground beef provides protein while beans add fiber and nutrition.

Cheese and sauce create creamy, kid-friendly flavors.

These enchiladas are hearty, delicious, and perfect for a large family dinner.

Turkey and Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie

Ground turkey is cooked with vegetables in a savory sauce and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

Baked until golden and bubbling, this dish is comforting and family-friendly.

It’s a healthier twist on traditional shepherd’s pie, making it perfect for large family dinners.

Vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn add color and nutrition.

This recipe is filling, balanced, and sure to satisfy every family member.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup corn
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion and ground turkey until browned.
• Add carrots, peas, corn, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 5 minutes.
• Spread turkey-vegetable mixture in the baking dish.
• Top evenly with mashed potatoes.
• Bake 20–25 minutes until potatoes are golden.
• Serve warm.

Turkey provides lean protein while vegetables add fiber and nutrients.

Mashed potatoes add comfort and texture that kids love.

This shepherd’s pie is hearty, wholesome, and perfect for feeding a large family.

Baked Zesty Lemon Tilapia

Tilapia fillets are baked with a zesty lemon-herb marinade for a light, flavorful family dinner.

Vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes can be added to the baking sheet for a complete meal.

The lemon and herbs enhance the mild fish flavor, making it appealing to kids and adults alike.

It’s a quick, nutritious, and elegant dish for feeding a crowd.

This recipe is simple, healthy, and perfect for a large family dinner.

Ingredients:

• 6 tilapia fillets
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with foil.
• Mix lemon juice, zest, olive oil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Place tilapia fillets in the dish and pour marinade over them.
• Add cherry tomatoes around fillets, if using.
• Bake 15–20 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
• Serve warm with rice or potatoes.

Tilapia provides lean protein while vegetables add nutrients and color.

The lemon-herb marinade enhances flavor naturally and lightly.

This baked tilapia is fresh, healthy, and perfect for a large family dinner.

Cheesy Vegetable and Chicken Casserole

This casserole combines chicken, rice, vegetables, and cheese for a filling, kid-friendly dinner.

Creamy cheese binds the ingredients together while vegetables add flavor, color, and nutrition.

It can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready to serve, saving time for busy families.

The dish is satisfying, balanced, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

This casserole is hearty, flavorful, and ideal for a large family meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup cream of mushroom soup
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
• In a large bowl, combine chicken, rice, broccoli, carrots, milk, soup, salt, and pepper.
• Pour mixture into the casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.
• Bake 25–30 minutes until cheese melts and casserole is heated through.
• Serve warm.

Chicken provides protein while rice and vegetables make it a balanced meal.

Cheese adds creamy, kid-friendly flavor that makes the dish appealing.

This casserole is hearty, wholesome, and perfect for feeding a large family.