15 Cheap Meals to Feed a Crowd That They’ll Actually Love!
Use these cheap, tasty meals to feed a crowd at your next gathering or party. You’ll save money while your guests will rave about the food!
For many years, my family got together with a friend’s family regularly. When they came to our house, we served substantial meals. But at their house? Cheap hot dogs.
At first, this was fine. The kids loved it. But over time, well, it felt a little “cheap.” And we started to become less motivated to say yes to invitations.
My friend thought that hot dogs were the only way to feed a crowd on a budget. But the truth is that with friends, being generous is important too. Luckily, you CAN feed a crowd affordably without coming across as stingy.
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Build-Your-Own Food Bars
First, make your gathering special by combining build-your-own food bars with affordable options. This setup allows guests to make their meal exactly how they want it, while you can choose your own ingredients.
1. Loaded Baked Potato Bar
*Great for groups with vegetarians
Baked potatoes are super cheap and filling! Set out toppings like:
- cheese
- sour cream
- bacon bits
- brocolli
- green onions
- and chili
Add a side salad or side veggie to these diy bar ideas and you have a filling and healthy meal.
2. Taco Bar
Provide tortillas, seasoned meat, beans, cheese, salsa, and toppings. Guests can assemble their ideal tacos.
Ask guests to bring their favorite Mexican food side dish to make this even more fun and budget-friendly!
3. Salad Bar
*Great for a health conscious crowd!
Garden fresh salads can be customized using whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand.
Common ingredients might include:
- A protein: Most crowds like shredded chicken!
- Lettuce
- Chopped vegetables: Cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and carrots
- Cheese
- Bacon bits
- Beans
- Olives
- Nuts and seeds
- Croutons
Combine these ingredients with a few simple dressing options.
4. Pizza Bar
*Perfect for families
Provide a pizza crust, sauce, and a variety of toppings. Then, let everyone make their own masterpiece.
5. Sub Sandwiches
*Low-prep meal if you’re short on time!
Buy hoagie rolls and set out deli meats, cheese, lettuce, and condiments so everyone can build their own.
6. Mac & Cheese Bar
*Great for groups with kids
A big batch of homemade mac and cheese can be stretched with mix-ins like ham, bacon bits, or veggies. Let guests customize their bowls!
7. Pasta Bar
*Pleases all tastes!
This inexpensive meal will make your guests feel like they’re at a restaurant. First, prepare a few different pasta types and sauces.
| Pasta | Sauce |
| Spaghetti | Marinara |
| Penne | Alfredo sauce |
| Fettucini | Bolognese |
| Ravioli | Pesto |
Then, complete your meal with garlic bread and salad.
If you want to add a protein, try ground beef, meatballs, or chicken.
Related: Cheap & Easy Dinner Ideas
Quick, Easy, & Cheap Crowd Favorites
When you’re feeding a crowd on a budget, keeping it simple is key. These ideas focus on minimal prep while maximizing flavor.
8. Sheet Pan Nachos
*Game night fun! My family loves this meal – and so will you!
Spread out tortilla chips on a pan. Then, pile with beans, cheese, and taco-seasoned meat (or just veggies). Bake in the oven for 10 minutes (or until cheese is melted). Then, add additional toppings like lettuce, tomato, and olives.
9. Snacky Dinner
*Perfect for moving and mingling
Snackable spreads are perfect for having guests. People can mingle and customize their own plates while you can control the costs.
Start with a cheese board featuring a mix of hard and soft cheeses. Stick with only one or two fancy cheeses to keep costs down. Pair with crackers, nuts, and fruits.
Most people also love:
- Chips and dip
- Hummus and veggies
- Sliders (cheaper than the larger version!)
- A simple baked good like brownies for dessert
10. Sloppy Joes
*Kids love this! Plus it only takes a few ingredients.
Cook ground beef and mix it with a simple sauce (ketchup, mustard, brown sugar) on hamburger buns. It’s easy, cheap, and a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
11. Casseroles
*Hearty and satisfying
Casseroles are not only filling, but they also allow for creative flavor combinations. A classic loaded potato casserole or chicken and rice casserole are always a hit.
12. Breakfast for Dinner
*Fun and unique!
Breakfast for dinner can be served many ways, is incredibly cheap, and is always a hit!
Serve…
- Pancakes, scrambled eggs, and sausage. The classic version is comforting.
- A Pancake or Waffle Bar – Make a big batch of pancakes or waffles and serve with syrup, fruit, and whipped cream.
- A Breakfast casserole – Bake eggs, potatoes, cheese, sausage, and veggies together makes for an easy, filling meal.
13. Vegetable-Forward Soups
*Great for fall and winter
Soups and stews are great options for feeding a crowd economically. They are filling, flavorful, and allow you to stretch your pricier ingredients.
Pro Tip: Use seasonal vegetables to lower costs and maximize flavor.
Consider:
- A minestrone, which features a mix of vegetables, beans, and pasta
- Chicken noodle soup
- Tomato soup with grilled cheese
- Creamy potato soup
Find more ultra delicious affordable soups to make along with recipes >>
14. Crockpot Pulled Pork Sandwiches
For many years, we hosted a summer party featuring this. It was always a hit!
Slow-cook an affordable pork shoulder with BBQ sauce and serve on buns with a simple coleslaw side. No one will even guess that you’re saving money while feeding your crowd!
15. Chili with Cornbread
A big pot of chili (beans, tomatoes, ground beef, and spices) served with cornbread is hearty, warm, and inexpensive. It’s something you crave on colder days, and no one will complain about this affordable meal!
Related: 10 Simple Meal Plan Worksheets & Ideas
Free Cheatsheet Printable
6 Quick Ideas to Keep Costs Down
There are many more ways to save money while still being generous with others.
Try one of these:
- Have every guest bring a dish to share.
- Serve two drink options. Then, tell guests to bring their own if they’d like something different.
- Schedule your gathering at time that guests won’t be starving.
- Buy in bulk for your gathering.
- Limit meat. Meat is often the priciest ingredient. So, use dishes that help stretch it.
- Cook from scratch when possible. Pre-made foods and mixes cost more.
What’s Next?
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