I’m starting to get my groove cooking for larger groups of people.
Now, don’t go and think that I’m a professional or anything. I’m just saying that I survived feeding 8-11 people during the Thanksgiving holiday. One big reason that it went smoothly was lots of help from others, but I also feel like I’ve learned a few hosting tips when you’re feeding more than a few mouths.
1. Make/freeze a lasagna
Pick your favorite pasta dish and freeze that bad boy to cook and eat when company is at your house. Pasta dishes like my favorite lasagna and others are cheap and easy to make, and then all you have to do is throw it in the oven and pair it with salad and bread. Just don’t forget to defrost ahead of time!
2. Make a pot roast (or something in the slow cooker)
This was my second meal secret for company. And I’m so glad that I found this killer Balsamic Pot Roast recipe a few months ago! You do a little work on the front end (searing and chopping) and then throw everything in the slow cooker for either 4 or 8 hours and a beautiful meat and veg meal magically appears! Again, pair it with some good bread and a salad if you’re feeling like it.
If you indeed have leftovers, then you will love it even more. If not, then you’ll know that everyone is happy and well fed.
Oh, and please make your own gravy to go with the pot roast. I promise it’s easy and you can totally rock it!
For the perfect gravy, all you have to do is add equal parts corn starch and water (a few tbs of each, shaken together in a jar with the cap on) to the slow cooker drippings and cook on medium-high, whisking until thickened. Make sure you adjust your seasonings as needed, too.
*Click or tap on recipe card to enlarge and save.