What is a good meal to serve 20 people?

Pasta: Pasta dishes are a great option for large groups, as they can be prepared in advance and are easy to serve. You could make a big pot of spaghetti or fettuccine with a variety of sauces to choose from, such as tomato-based, creamy or pesto.

What to cook for lots of people?

When feeding the masses, think big: pastas, one-pot dishes, and food that is perfect for sharing amongst many. Frittatas and slices that are easily divided can be handy for any occasion, as can hearty salads and large bakes.

How much food to cook for 12 people?

Rules to Plan By Each adult will consume 1 pound of food total ; children, about 1/2 pound. The more options you have, the less you need of each; decrease the main course portion sizes by 1 to 2 ounces if served on a buffet. Guests will always eat — and drink — more at night than during the day.

What is an example of batch cooking?

Key Takeaways: Batch cooking describes the process of cooking a larger quantity of food and saving some for later. For example, making two lasagnas and storing one in the freezer , or making a large batch of quinoa to use throughout the week.

Is batch cooking worth it?

By preparing a week's worth of meals in one go, batch cooking helps you save time and money, while ensuring that you have nutritious, home-cooked meals on hand . Batch cooking is a meal prep method that requires you to pre-cook large quantities of food at once for consumption over the next few days.

15 best batch-cooking family recipes (2024)

For more budget recipe inspiration, money-saving tips and useful guides, take a look at our family budget meal plan, vegetarian budget meal plan and budget recipe hub.

Family batch-cooking recipes

1. Child friendly slow-cooker chilli

Pack hidden veg into this chilli recipe, ideal for sticking in the slow cooker and dishing up at your leisure. With an average of six portions per batch, this freezable masterpiece is an instant family classic. Serve with rice or tacos with all the trimmings.

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Find out how to make more family slow-cooker recipes for no-hassle weeknight dishes.

2. Butternut squash and chickpea tagine

This colourful butternut squash tagine couldn't be easier to make and can be plated-up in 30 minutes. It's a healthy supper that delivers four of your five-a-day and is freezable for future dinners.

Take a look at our butternut squash recipes for more satisfying suppers.

3. Easy pulled beef ragu

Gently cooked to perfection, this melt-in-the-mouth beef ragu is ideal for when you don't have time to watch a pot. It's perfect with pasta and plenty of cheese on top.

Read our helpful guide to energy-efficient cooking for more valuable tips and tricks.

4. Slow-cooker chicken tikka masala

5. Burnt aubergine veggie chilli

This burnt aubergine chilli tastes just as good as it looks. It's freezable and delivers four of your five-a-day. If you're looking for a low-fat, smoky, spiced supper, you can't go wrong with a chilli and all the trimmings. Serve with mashed avocado, soured cream and grated cheddar for a real crowd-pleaser.

Take a look at our chilli recipes.

6. Double bean and roasted pepper chilli

A great low-fat, healthy bean chilli that packs in flavour and plenty of portions for freezing. This warming bowl of beany goodness is best served with Tabasco on the side for extra heat and a dollop of cooling yogurt or soured cream.

Discover more delicious healthy bean recipes.

7. Easy beef stew with sweet potato topping

15 best batch-cooking family recipes (7)

This hearty beef stew with a sweet potato topping has plenty of hidden veg, so it's great for feeding picky children. The time it takes to prepare is well worth it – we'd make it ahead of time, when there's a spare moment, and freeze for a rainy day.

Discover more warming beef stew recipes.

8. Cottage pie

9. Big-batch bolognese

Here's a healthy bolognese to feed a crowd. Why not cook up a feast at the weekend and freeze half for a speedy and delicious midweek meal? Or, this recipe is easily halved if you need to feed less people. Remember to sprinkle with plenty of cheese!

Try our delicious Italian pasta recipes.

10.

This glorious hotpot with slow-cooked pork cooked in cider and sage is excellent for warming your belly on a cold day. It serves six people, and if you make the hotpots in individual ramekins, you can freeze them separately – then they'll already be portioned for your next meal.

Discover more delicious pork recipes, from roasts to curries.

11. Aubergine parmigiana lasagne

Freeze this beautiful and bubbling cheesy dish before or after baking for a comforting batch-cooking fix. It's a combination of two Italian classics (parmigiana and lasagne) and is ideal for a family supper. Make our fabulous, freezable aubergine parmigiana lasagne for when you need an indulgent veggie dinner.

Discover more incredible vegetarian lasagne recipes.

12. Sausage cassoulet

Use up those cans of beans knocking around in your cupboard with our sausage cassoulet. This classic French sausage casserole is made in a slow cooker, so no sweating it out in the kitchen. Plus it's perfect for batch cooking. Serve with chunks of fresh bread for soaking up the sauce.

Discover more comforting rustic French stews with our cassoulet recipes.

13. co*ck-a-leekie soup

Prunes add subtle sweetness to this traditional Scottish soup – the perfect contrast to deeply savoury chicken broth. Healthy and low in calories, this soup makes an excellent dinner for six and pairs beautifully with a crunchy roll.

Discover more traditional Scottish dishes with our Burns Night leftovers recipes.

14.

Freezable soups are a great way to pack veg into your family's diet. This creamy carrot & parsnip soup makes for a warming supper, perfect for busy nights when all you crave is a great big hug-in-a-bowl. Enjoy with plenty of crusty bread for dipping.

15. Celery soup

This fresh and healthy low-calorie celery soup makes a great lunch or dinner. It can be prepared in only 15 minutes and is easily doubled so you can feed a crowd of up to eight people.

Check out more of our soup recipes ideas.

Like these recipes? Check out our other family dinner collections and guides:

Healthy family recipe collection
Top 5 family pasta recipes
Vegan family breakfast menu
Top 10 quick after-school suppers

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What's your go-to big batch recipe? Let us know in the comments below...