Get inspired by our recipes for feeding a crowd on a budget.
Feeding a large crowd dinner can get expensive pretty quickly. By the time you've served the food, you can find yourself stressing about the cost of the meal rather than just enjoying your time with family and friends.
But cooking dinner (or breakfast or lunch!) for a large group doesn't need to cost an eye-watering amount. We've put together an awesome list of inexpensive budget-friendly recipes for the whole family to enjoy - kids included!
We hope these latest recipes bring you a little bit of inspiration next time you need to serve dinner to a large group.
Searching for more helpful tips to help you plan your dinners? Check out our weekly meal planners.
When it comes to budget friendly meals, it can seem like meat-based recipes are the least effective way to feed large groups. If you grill your 10 guests individual eye fillet steaks, you'll certainly find yourself down a few dollars!
However, not all meat recipes need to be expensive. It's true that vegetarian recipes generally get you better bang for your buck, but there are still some great recipes you can create that include meat.
Let's take a look at a few of our favourites.
The slow cooker is a godsend for those days when you know you have a busy night ahead and you don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe feeds 4-6 people but could be doubled to feed more friends and family if needed.
Honey soy sauce acts as a luscious base in this slow cooked beef, amplified with Chinese five spice, garlic and chilli for an added flavour boost that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
The best part is that it's cooked using an inexpensive cut of beef!
This slow cooker-friendly beef chilli is a crowd-pleaser, that takes minimum effort for maximum flavour. This delicious, hearty meal is the also perfect recipe to meal prep on the weekend, to set you up for an easy week ahead. It can even be put in the freezer, ready to be pulled out whenever a large crowd shows up on your doorstep.
The key ingredients are beef mince, kidney beans, Mexican seasoning and chopped tomatoes - making this a meal that you can put together on a budget. Top with cheese and sour cream, then serve with rice, baked potatoes or tortillas. You can even serve leftovers on toast for brunch the next day!
Anika Moa's own recipe for hidden vegetable pizza contains salami and ham- but don't let that limit your imagination or your budget!
The beauty of pizza is that it can be baked in whatever toppings suit your guest's tastes. From bacon to roast pork or vegetarian, pizza can be made to your liking. Pop whatever stuff you have handy on the top, add cheese, and then bake in the oven for a cost-effective dinner that tastes great.
Looking for more of our latest recipes using fresh seasonal produce? Check out our Taste the Season guide.
Poultry and fish are probably the two most commonly cooked proteins in New Zealand - so we would be remiss not to mention them and suggest some recipes you can bring to the table.
These meals all use minimal other ingredients so you can keep the costs down while still cooking up a tasty dinner.
Classic roast chicken is a perfect dish to feed a family - and it's a meal that kids love! When it comes to purchasing protein, a whole chicken is one of the most inexpensive cuts available, making it an ideal recipe for large groups.
Serve yours with crispy potatoes, carrots and your choice of greens - we love beans, peas and spinach.
And if you have any chicken left over the next day, you could create a delicious chicken and bacon pasta salad (this Caesar salad is one of our favourites) or make sandwiches.
This Indian-inspired dish is one of the best easy meals if you're cooking for a crowd. Marinate the chicken overnight for added flavour and swap out the veggies for whatever you have on hand. When you cook this recipe in the oven, it will fill your house with the most amazing smell. Your guests will be salivating before it makes it to the table! Serve with plenty of rice or roti. to keep the recipe affordable.
Check out more of our delicious Chicken recipes.
Every home cook knows that vegetarian recipes are some of the best meals to serve when you're looking to feed large groups on a budget.
If you're looking for cheap and easy meals that'll fill your guests' bellies, try some of our latest recipes that feature vegetarian ingredients.
Packed with warming spices and creamy lentils, this hearty dish is your new go-to healthy and delicious weeknight meal. Our slow cooker, dahl-style recipe is the ultimate no-fuss, budget-friendly and meat-free comfort food for those chilly nights! To make it even creamier, add some coconut milk towards the end of cooking. Don't forget to serve with our Garlic butter flatbreads.
Nothing is more comforting in the cooler months than cooking a big bowl of soup, and this rustic autumn vegetable soup is the perfect seasonal transition! Nutritious, flavoursome and budget-friendly, this dish is the king of cold-weather recipes. Pair with plenty of crusty bread or with toasted sandwiches!
Like most soups, this is also a great meal to pop in your freezer and reheat when the crowds arrive!
A versatile dish, quiche is a great way to combine leftover bits and vegetable ends that you may already have in your fridge - making it one of our favourite budget-friendly recipes to feed a crowd.
This tasty Swedish berry cake can be enjoyed warm or cold! Using just caster sugar, butter, an egg, flour and your choice of frozen berries or fruit, this is one of the best easy dessert meals you'll ever find.
Keen for some more baking inspiration? For delicious desserts and supper tips, check out our Dessert recipes.
Our Discover section is full of great food ideas to help you cook the ultimate meals right at home in your kitchen!
