Family-Friendly Meal Ideas: Easy Recipes for Large Families

Feeding a large family can be a challenge, particularly if you find yourself running short of recipes and ideas. Trying to coordinate everyone's meal preferences and tastes can also be a challenge. Fortunately, there are some recipes that almost everyone in your family, including the pickiest eaters, will enjoy.

Casseroles

• Casseroles are a good choice for a main dish for large families because the recipes can be easily doubled and even tripled if necessary, and the possibilities are nearly endless. You can make a quick breakfast casserole by combining eggs, ham and cheese and mixing in other seasonings and toppings if desired. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the amount and type of ingredients used. You can also make many chicken and rice casseroles simply by following the recipes found on the backs of rice packages.

Pasta Dishes

• Spaghetti and meatballs are a perennial favorite, since this meal is both affordable and simple to make in large quantities. You can experiment by using different types of pasta and sauces and adding vegetables and other ingredients to the sauce. You can also substitute turkey, chicken or soy for the hamburger in the meatballs.

Grilled Meals

• If you have a grill, you can make large quantities of hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken and other dishes at one time. Try grilled veggie skewers for a healthier option as well. If you have a large freezer, you can purchase large quantities of meat when it is on sale and then freeze it to be used later, saving you both time and money.